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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
4 1/2 Portrait of the Sibling as a Young Dog: An Innovative and Cute Story!, July 5, 2007
The clever title refers to our narrator, a cute white terrier-ish dog, who discovers from "mommy and daddy" that he's going to have a baby brother! After this initial excitement, however, Dino the pooch seems a little disappointed: The new baby doesn't look like him at all! Janice Savage's debut work teaches basic concepts such as "alike" and different", as well as introducing colors, numbers, and, briefly, emotion (for example, "excitement," "love," and "family").
Graphic artist Savage produces intense colors and clean lines, and wisely refrains from cluttering her pictures with computerized razzle-dazzle. (The only eveidence I saw of that were the neato eyes--the pupils are concentric circles of brown or blue that lighten as they reach the pupil!) There's only one concept per page, and the colorful backgrounds--and them thar hypnotic eyes--will draw your young one's gleeful attention. A dog, a baby, and some funny but simple comparisons ably illustrated--It's simple but entertaining. For example, against a common green and orange background, facing pages compare the feet of the dog and his non-canine brother. "I have four feet" describes a picture of four furry, smudgy, possibly dirty paws. The next page shows the bottoms of the baby's two pink and pristine feet, with the contrasting words "he has two feet."
The conclusion has a little paeon to the constancy of family love, and the acceptance of differences, but I would have preferred a little twist. Those virtues will certainly appeal to parents and gift-givers, but the story needs to get a little more playful with all those differences; It's just a little too safe. This is admittedly a minor and very subjective opinion, but enough for me to feel that the story didn't fully reach its potential.
Oh...I called this "innovative"--let me explain.
There's a running discussion at Amazon.com titled, "Picture books or chapter books or both," in which readers talk about transitioning between these two types of books. I think "I have 4 Feet, He has 2" bridges an earlier reading "gap," the one between board and picture books. Ms. Savage's work would be enjoyed by kids younger than the 4-year old bound of the suggested age range. The simple concepts, the contrasting closeups and baby and dog, and the bright, eye-cathing colors have the feeling of a board book, but in a much larger format. True, it may not survive a bathtub as well, but for time ashore, this is a smart alternative. A definite pleaser, I hope we'll see more of Ms. Savage's large format books in the future--and so will your dog and baby!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Perfect for all your "babies"...boys, girls, puppies!, July 1, 2007
We're always excited to have the opportunity to test-read new books for kids----times two!
I Have 4 Feet, He Has 2 is a enthusiastically---and adorably---illustrated tale of Dino...an only child, I mean dog. Dino's life is a very happy one, if his bright shiny eyes are any indication!
One day, Dino's Mommy and Daddy (non-pet savvy folk might call them "owners") let him know he'll be getting a little brother soon.
The story unfolds as both Dino and his new brother curiously explore---and appreciate---their differences. The vibrant color palette, engaging close-ups on every page and the straightforward text make it accessible to little readers.
Although it's recommended for ages 4-8, with opportunities for simple counting, color comparison and reinforcement of family, we recommend this book heartily for children even younger.
Darren (age 5) says: "I like it when the dog says, 'My name is Dino.' It's a phenomenal book."
Sarah (age 5) says: "[This book] is good. I like the baby's pink nose."
From the mouths of babes!
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why this STANDS OUT from so many dog stories and children's books, June 19, 2007
If you are searching for a children's book that will enchant and delight your child - and one which features both a young child and dog - this would be an excellent choice for these reasons:
1. The illustrations are created to appeal to young children. They are nice and large and easy to understand. Most importantly, they are designed to bring a smile to a child's face.
2. The story is very appealing. Starting with the introduction of Dino (based on a dog the author herself had) and his new home, his "Mommy and Daddy" and moving on to his new "baby brother", the book immediately grabs a child's attention. By the way, this review is NOT based solely on my opinion. I read it to two young children who loved it.
3. The "baby brother" turns out to be a human baby. This is the twist in the story that hooked my young listeners. At that point, the differences between the four-footed brother and the two-footed one are pointed out.
4. Finally, the conclusion: Although dog and baby are different, they are all part of one household and they love each other. They are a family.
I absolutely adored this story! In a subtle way, the author got across so many messages: that those who are different (whether human or animal) can get along, that families can love each other in spite of differences, etc. What a lovely message that is and a good start in becoming accepting of one another, in families and in life.
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