Shaggy, Waggy Dogs (And Others) [Hardcover]

Stephanie Calmenson (Author), Justin Sutcliffe (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

This lively picture book invites young readers to go on a dog walk. The playful, expressive photographs show all kinds of dogs-shaggy, waggy, tailless, hairless; hunting dogs, digging dogs, playing dogs. The pictures and the spirited verse reveal the personalities of thirty different breeds, both the familiar and the unusual-from the gigantic Great Dane to the tiny Yorkshire Terrier, the furry Old English Sheepdog and wrinkly Shar-Pei. Dog lovers will enjoy spotting their favorites and being surprised by the unfamiliar. And for anyone trying to choose a purebred or mixed dog as a pet, an author's note offers sound advice. Index of breeds.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2AMore than two dozen breeds are presented through rhymes and crisp, full-color photographs. The book begins with a young girl who is seeking the perfect pet and then presents one pooch per page. Here's the ditty that goes with the dachshund: "Everyone says it,/So I'll say it too./She looks like a hot dogA/Isn't it true?" Though the animals do not appear in alphabetical order, there is an index of breeds. Calmenson also discusses what kinds of canines suit which kinds of people and gives ideas for alternatives to children who can't have dogs of their own. Most of the pictures show the pets by themselves (or with their owners' legs). The photographs are great, but the rhythm of the text is sometimes forced. Nevertheless, children will enjoy the pictures.ACarol Kolb Phillips, The Library, East Brunswick, NJ
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 5^-8. Sparklingly clear photos and snappy four-line rhymes reflect a joy in and love of dogs as they spotlight more than 20 canine breeds. Each photo is usually of just one dog, though occasionally two share the frame for comparative purposes. The verses are mostly for fun but can convey a particular characteristic of the featured canine, for example, the Pembroke Welsh corgi: "Most of this dog / Is the usual sort / Till you get to his legs: / They're very short." Calmenson follows up with brief, sound advice for choosing the right dog for your lifestyle and deciding whether you are right for a dog. Confiding how she was denied a dog as a child, Calmenson, nevertheless, postponed her longed-for pet until she had the time to devote to training and caring for it. Her carefully considered words will help encourage responsible, committed dog ownership. Ellen Mandel

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books (April 20, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395776058
• ISBN-13: 978-0395776056
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 9.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,940,692 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Stephanie Calmenson's books have been called "marvelous" (Publishers Weekly), "lyrical" (School Library Journal), "hilarious" (School Library Journal), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist). She writes for babies, toddlers, elementary school kids and for all ages about dogs, dogs, dogs! Among her most popular titles are THE PRINCIPAL'S NEW CLOTHES; DINNER AT THE PANDA PALACE; WELCOME, BABY!; JAZZMATAZZ!; LATE FOR SCHOOL!; MAY I PET YOUR DOG?; and ROSIE, A VISITING DOG'S STORY. A former teacher, children's book editor, and Editorial Director of the Parents Magazine Press Read-Aloud Book Club, Stephanie feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of kids, words and laughter.

To read more, please visit www.stephaniecalmenson.com