Customer Reviews

Small Brown Dog's Bad Remembering Day (Reading Railroad)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Scott Simon read this book on NPR's Weekend Edition on November 25th and it is a wonderful book. I've only heard it on the radio but it made such an impression being read aloud which shows how good it is.

It's on my daughter's wish list already.

This is a great book. Small Brown Dog has lost his collar and can't remember his name -- the story follows him as he visits with other dogs who all remember individual things about him (for instance, that he likes to splash in puddles) but can't remember his name either. The ending is inventive and funny, children and adults will both enjoy this book. I also loved the illustrations, they convey action and excitement as well as a bit of sweet goofiness.

Author Mike Gibbie uses repetition to build up his story of a dog who loses his memory. He can't remember what he likes to eat, if he has fleas, if his nose is pink or if he likes splashing in puddles. Each dog he meets he asks if they know his name or anything about him. He encounters Alf the Alsation, Charlie the Chihuahua, Bobby the Bulldog and many more on his journey to rediscovering himself. Illustrator Barbara Nascimbeni's artwork is simple yet filled with color and wonder. She uses big features, specific details and makes use of the entire page. This is a cute book to read to a child. Half way through the story, you wonder what will happen next and who else will help him.

My 3 year old enjoys hearing all about this dog that has lost his collar. It's got repetative lines so she's able to recite along with me as we read. She knows the big reveal at the end where we finally find out the dog's name.

The artwork is cute, and there's some little things going on in the background that prompt her to point things out and ask questions. Overall a good book to read with your child.

THE STORY LINE MOVES ALONG AND EACH CHARACTER INTRODUCED ADDS TO THE COLORFUL MIX. SMALL BROWN DOG ISN'T TOO FAR REMOVED FROM MAY OF THE PEOPLE WE ENCOUNTER EVERY DAY.

CHILDREN WILL LOVE THIS BOOK BUT ADULTS WILL ENJOY IT JUST AS MUCH.

Small Brown Dog's Bad Remembering Day has been a household favorite since my 8 year old was 3 years old. He loved this book as it's repetitive verbiage allowed him to memorize a good portion so he could "read" along. He now reads the parts he couldn't remember when younger. It's a great story and a good gift for Pre-school, Kinder and 1st grade classrooms as well.