Dominic (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

by William Steig (Author) "Dominic was a lively one, always up to something..." (more)
Key Phrases: Doomsday Gang, Barney Swain, Manfred Lyon (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Dominic is a one-of-a-kind dog. One day this exuberant, restless, freedom-loving fellow decides there isn't enough going on in his neighborhood to satisfy his need for adventure. And off he goes, with an assortment of hats (rakish, dashing, solemn, and martial), his precious piccolo, and a few other things, leaving a note on his door:

Dear Friends, I am leaving rather in a hurry to see more of the world, so I have no time to say goodbye to you individually. I embrace you all and sniff you with love. I don't know when I'll be back. But back I will be. Dominic.

On the road, this curious canine is lighthearted, open to every option, all senses aquiver. It's not long before he encounters a prophetic witch-alligator, (who had "many more teeth than necessary for any ordinary dental purpose"); a catfish who gives him a long, sharp spear that will make him invincible in serious combat; and even the infamous Doomsday Gang, "who robbed, ravaged, cheated, attacked innocent creatures at large and travelers especially, and did all sorts of damaging mischief." Dominic remains undaunted throughout, for "challenges were his delight. Whatever life offered was, this way or that, a test of one's skills, one's faculties; and he enjoyed proving equal to these tests."

As he continues his journey, we find Dominic to be considerate, compassionate, generous, and philosophical. As he ponders the nature of death, the nature of wealth, the role of art in our lives, the nature of good and evil, and the yearning for true love, readers are left with a feeling that life is basically good, and even splendid:

"What a wonderful world!" thought Dominic. "How perfect!" Had it been up to him when things were first made, he wouldn't have made them a whit different. Every leaf was in its proper place. Pebbles, stones, flowers, all were just as they ought to be. Water ran where it should run. They sky was properly blue. All sounds were in tune. Everything had its appropriate smell.

Kids will adore the magical, comical, action-packed adventures of this remarkable dog, and readers of any age will come away from William Steig's Dominic somehow changed. An ALA Notable Book. (Ages 8 and older, and a wonderful read-aloud for younger children) --Karin Snelson

Review
"William Steig has created an engaging hero, a dog with a heart of gold, nerves of steel, and the varied talents of Renaissance Man. Dominic sallies forth to see the world and to earn gratitude and acclaim for his generosity, his courage, and his prowess at absolutely everything to which he turns his paw-- including the foiling of a dastardly troop of villains who have been preying on the community...A good story for reading aloud."--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"A likely candidate for classic status."--Selma G. Lanes, Harper's
-- Review

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (August 1, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0374418268
• ISBN-13: 978-0374418267
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #596,255 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeply delightful, delightfully deep, December 15, 2000

By	William Timothy Lukeman - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

William Steig's tale (or tail) of an adventurous, great-hearted dog exploring the world with zest and delight is NOT just for children -- although children lucky enough to read it will carry it with them into adulthood, as shown by previous reviews. I first read it in my late 30's, and I knew at once that it had as much depth, wisdom, and beauty as any adult book -- more than most, in fact. You'll come away from it filled with its joy for life. Very highly recommended!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very special book, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

"Dominic" was my favorite book as a child. It is amagical, yet solemn story that meditates on more complicated issuesthan most "adult" books ever do. Death, life, joy, sorrow, tough choices, loss, wonder and love are all encountered by the wonderful Dominic on his journey. I always finish "Dominic" feeling slightly sad, but very renewed. The one metaphor that comes to mind when I think of this book is "leaving home". When you leave home for the first time, you feel a sense of sadness and loss, but you also feel excited and curious about the new things you will see. Dominic's journey is a microcosm of this experience. The story is written tenderly, yet it sheds most trappings of sentimentality. Dominic moves on and on through his world, and he accepts that the only way to be happy is to loosen attachments to the past, even as you learn from them, and move with confidence into the future.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story that's stayed with me for 25 years, January 14, 2000

By	J.M.Phelps "jenny4074" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews

I was given this book by my brother almost 25 years ago, and I still consider it the best children's book I've ever read. In fact, I still pull it out from time to time and read it when I need a lift. I love the fact that Steig respects children enough to use sophisticated language and themes. This book has always made me feel smart and brave--just like Dominic himself! He is a wonderful hero and role model for boys and girls alike. It's a joy to read that so many others have also been touched by its magic. And the illustrations (by Steig) are incredibly evocative--they really draw one into Dominic's adventures AND his emotions. It doens't get any better than Dominic for bright, curious kids.