Some Dogs Do [Hardcover]

Jez Alborough (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 3 and up | Grade Level: P and up

In the inimitable world of Jez Alborough, some dogs do fly - and little pups everywhere are encouraged to dream big.

Do dogs fly?
Is it true?

One day, when Sid is walking to school, he suddenly gets a happy feeling. In fact, he feels so happy that his paws lift off the ground, and he floats right up to the sky! He can’t wait to tell his friends at school, but of course they don’t believe him. "Don’t be daft," scoffs Ben. "You’re a dog, and dogs don’t fly." Even Sid’s teacher shakes her head at him. Now Sid is one unhappy little pup. Can anything ever get him flying high again?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-In this tribute to the power of positive thinking, rhyming verses describe how Sid, a young hound, experiences an uplifting revelation on his morning trip to school: a joyful feeling "filled him up so much he found/his paws just lifted off the ground." Once airborne, he twirls and swirls "like a doggy-shaped balloon" for the rest of the journey. Alas, his fellow canines can't get past their own grounded paws and refuse to believe him. Even his teacher points out, "All dogs walk and jump and run,/but dogs don't fly-it can't be done." Finally, when a classmate asks Sid to demonstrate his new ability, the now-unhappy pooch is unable to get off the ground. Dazed and dejected, he returns home with his self-confidence destroyed. Sid's parents soon come to the rescue, as his dad reveals a secret he's kept for ages. Done in gouache, the illustrations glow with bright colors as the excited pup leaps off the page in delighted flight. A variety of perspectives and the range of expressions on the characters' faces will entertain readers. A wonderful addition to any library and a great choice for storytime, this book will speak to children facing new situations or lacking self-esteem.
Mary Elam, Forman Elementary School, Plano, TX
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

"* "The illustrations - some of the best in children's books - are gently animated but the words hold as much sway as they do in the books. Great fun for children who already know the stories or alternatively a way in for newcomers." THE Book Magazine * "We can't recommend this highly enough. An inspirational and beautifully written tale... As fun to look at as it is to read. Treat your kids as soon as possible." Baby & You" --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (September 15, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076362201X
• ISBN-13: 978-0763622015
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.4 x 12.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,110 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jez was born in Kingston upon Thames in 1959. He went to art school in Norwich and then set about entering the competitve world of children's books. Jez has now written and illustrated over thirty picture books for children, he was runner up of the 1985 Mother Goose Award with his first book Bare Bear. Jez lives in London with his Danish wife.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet and meaningful, June 30, 2006

By 

David De Graaf "parent and avid reader" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Some Dogs Do (Hardcover)

This is a great story about believing in yourself that manages to get the message across without lecturing. The rhymes are outstanding and the illustration are beautiful with lots of detail to discover. Both our [...] love the book. The language is simple enough for a first grade reading level, by the way. Jez Alborough hardly ever misses, and this book is definitely a score.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, and you can too!, March 5, 2006

By 

Timothy Hernandez "metimoteo" (the centennial state) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Some Dogs Do (Hardcover)

Jez Alborough is among my favorite authors of children's books. In this book he has imagined a tale so eloquent and so memorable that it will quickly become a family favorite. The illustrations are beautifully painted, made especially vibrant because of Alborough's heavy use of greens and blues. The author has perfectly imagined the characters expressions, from curious glances and despondent faces to joyous looks of wonder and satisfaction. This book has to be read aloud! Having presented this title dozens of times to numerous audiences, I can tell you that this is among the best books I have read to children and their parents. My audiences always applaud my telling of this book, largely I think, because of the passion I put into reading it, which is made easy by the rhythmic text and the dialogue that begs to be voiced. The surprise ending is always a hit with my listeners and brings relevance to the title. This is a must-have title for your child's library!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Jez does it gain, April 8, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Some Dogs Do (Hardcover)

I bought this book for my 3 year old, as he loves the "duck" books by Jez. He loves this book as well, and it is my personal favorite. I love the message in the book, and the rhymes are easy to read and follow. Of Jez's books, this is the best. This is a book that parents will enjoy reading and children love to hear.