I, Trixie, Who is Dog [Hardcover]

Dean Koontz (Author), Janet Cleland (Illustrator)

Book Description

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

Not everyone can be a dog. Some must be people. Some must be cats, or birds, or even skunks, although it's hard to explain why anyone would want to be a skunk. But Trixie is happy, because she does get to be a dog - the best thing there is to be. The food, the belly rubs . . . if only she could drive, her life would be perfect!

Bestselling author Dean Koontz gives readers a fun, lighthearted glimpse into the imagination of Trixie, his beloved golden retriever, whose quirky narration and irrepressible spirit will delight readers young and old.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2—Trixie Koontz is one exuberant pet. Self-assured in her canine persona, she admits that not everyone is meant to be a dog; after all, the pup explains, people and animals must provide necessary support to their frisky friends. She reasons that people pay dogs the required attention they deserve, cats provide hours of amusement, and birds encourage dogs to dream of flight (though Trixie simply cannot fathom the usefulness of skunks). Initially, many of her examples suit the energetic narrative. Ultimately, however, her random musings result in an awkward presentation when her thoughts turn to her own internal interests and ambitions. The didactic conclusion stunts the lighthearted story. Cleland's watercolor and pen-and-ink spreads lend cheerful color to the vignettes, and Trixie's a lovable pup with her rosy cheeks, large grin, and red bows tucked behind her ears. Unfortunately, the final product reveals more bark than bite.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC
(c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About the Author

Dean Koontz worked as a counselor and tutor to underprivileged children and as an English teacher before becoming a professional writer. His bestselling books are published in 38 languages. He lives with his wife, Gerda, in Southern California.

Trixie Koontz, a golden retriever, has been a frequent guest blogger on Dean Koontz's website. Their past collaborations include New York Times bestseller Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life, and Life Is Good!: Lessons in Joyful Living and Christmas is Good! Trixie Treats and Holiday Wisdom.

Janet Cleland has created illustrations for a wide range of clients, including Parents Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Hallmark Cards, AT&T, Purina, Conoco and J.P. Morgan. She lives in California.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (October 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399251960
• ISBN-13: 978-0399251962
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #339,571 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania where I graduated from Shippensburg State College (now Shippensburg University). When I was a senior in college, I won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition and have been writing ever since. My first job after graduation was with the Appalachian Poverty Program, where I was expected to counsel and tutor underprivileged children on a one-to-one basis. During my first day on the job, I discovered that the previous occupier of my position had been beaten up by the very kids he had been trying to help and had landed in the hospital for several weeks. The following year was filled with challenge but also tension, and I was more highly motivated than ever to build a career as a writer. I wrote nights and weekends, which I continued to do after leaving the poverty program and going to work as an English teacher in a suburban school district outside Harrisburg. After a year and a half in that position, my wife, Gerda, made me an offer I couldn't refuse: "I'll support you for five years," she said, "and if you can't make it as a writer in that time, you'll never make it." By the end of those five years, Gerda had quit her job to run the business end of my writing career. Gerda and I, along with our dog, Trixie, live in southern California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars His New Favorite Bedtime Story, January 5, 2010

By 

E. N. Green "teacher first" (Killeen,Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I, Trixie, Who is Dog (Hardcover)

I have always been a fan of Dean Koontz and yet had not seen anything about this children's book. For Christmas a friend of the family's gave the book to my little boy; a 2 year old. It is OUR favorite bed time story now and I am loving every evening with it. Jak loves the "puppies" and says hello to "Wixie" every evening. Thank you to Dean Koontz for channeling your inner child for our children. Please Thank Trixie as well.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dog Wisdom, February 26, 2011

By 

VReviews (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I, Trixie, Who is Dog (Hardcover)

Themes: friendship, respect
Content area: Language: rhyme, alliteration, repeated phrases, point of view.

Trixie Koontz loves life, and wants her readers to as well (even if they aren't a dog). Written from a dog's perspective, Trixie lays out her reasoning for why there are cats, cows, sheep and others in the world. Importantly, Trixie reminds us to dream big and be the best at whoever you are.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spoil you dog, February 10, 2010

By 

Mark D. Pitman "hard sf fan" (New Hampshire) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I, Trixie, Who is Dog (Hardcover)

Trixie is a special dog who is allowed to do many things a capable dog can do, but she dreams of doing more. Just about any adult who has owned a dog can find something to identify with in this 'children's' book. Good for lighthearted laughter and memories of that special dog from back when. The illustrations match the tone of the words. A fun book for adults.