The Stray Dog [Paperback]

Marc Simont (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 2002

This story is retold and illustrated by Marc Simont based on a true story by Reiko Sassa. It is a Caldecott Honor book for its illustrations. The story centers around a family who see a stray dog while on their picnic. They think about him all week and go back the following week. But Willy is being chased by the dog warden.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc. (2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0439385911
• ISBN-13: 978-0439385916
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,378,538 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love at First Sight, February 15, 2001

By 

Roz Levine - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stray Dog: From a True Story by Reiko Sassa (Hardcover)

One Saturday a very nice family of four go to the park for a picnic and find a straggly stray pup. They name him Willy and spend the day playing with him. When it's time to pack up and go, the children want to take Willy home with them, but their parents tell them no, Willy probably belongs to someone else and they sadly leave him behind. The next week is excruciatingly long and whole family spends it thinking about Willy. When Saturday comes, they go back to the park on the pretense of another picnic, but are really hoping to find Willy. Just when they think they'll never see him again, he appears, in the dog catcher's net. Happily, the family claims him...Willy's found a new home and they've found a new pet..... Award winner, Marc Simont has written a lovely, gentle, true to life story that will capture your family's heart. His simple and straighforward text is only outdone by his very detailed and expressive artwork. While looking at these illustrations, youngsters will actually feel the joy of finding this little furry friend, sense the sadness of leaving him behind and worry, right along with the family, about his welfare. This is a terrific picture book, perfect for kids aged 3-7, your entire family can share and a wonderful addition to all home libraries.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We just love this book!, January 25, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: The Stray Dog: From a True Story by Reiko Sassa (Hardcover)

I have a young daughter, and this is our most favorite book! It is a sweet, brief, gentle story that reminds me of the picture books I read as a child, and I am so thrilled to see that it just won a Caldecott Honor! The artwork is some of the most beautiful art I have ever seen in a children's book, and the story of two children who adopt a frightened little dog is just what I want to be sharing with my child in these troubled times. I can't recommend this book highly enough!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pet Love, February 4, 2001

By 

"bly1226" (Harrisonburg, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stray Dog: From a True Story by Reiko Sassa (Hardcover)

There is nothing more rewarding than to find a family pet, in particular a stray who is in dire need of a home. Thus, Marc Simont has retold an actual account of a family which has done just that, found a scruffy little mutt. In the simplicity of his retelling and illustrations, Mr. Simont has captured the essence of the love for a pet within a family structure. Beware of this heartwarming tale; you may end up at the pound filling out adoption papers! Marc Simont has been involved with children's literature for over sixty years. His accolades include two Caldecott Medals (one an Honor) and the 1997 Illustrator of the Year by the Professional Association of Illustrators.