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.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.