Dog Called Kitty (original 1980; edition 1992)

PB

A Dog Called Kitty is a very good book, which I think can be recommended for 2nd to 4th graders. It is heart warming, except for the tragic, sad ending to Kitty. But, of course, another puppy comes along! ( )

This book is adorable. It is a heart warming tale about a boy and the bond he shares with an adorable little dog that he is actually afraid of at one point in the novel due to a bad accident with a former canine. Yes the book is simple and is more directed to younger kids, but I loved it and still enjoy reading it to this day. Highly recommended! ( )

This book is about a boy who's afraid of dogs. A stray puppy comes around looking for food. The Mother of the family always puts out scraps of food for the cats and calls "Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!" The Puppy comes too, but the cats attack him. He is about to starve when Ricky decides to feed him. In the process of giving him the food, Ricky overcomes his fear of dogs. The dog is called Kitty because he comes running for the food every time Ricky's mom calls Kitty! They become friends.

Although, the dog dies in the book and there are some graphic scenes (dog fights) this book is very intriguing to stundents.

I would use this book as a read aloud. ( )

Heartwarming stories of letting friendship grow as fear dies! Bill Wallace masterfully maneuvers readers around a young boys immobilizing fear. A must read for any child dealing with such fears.
Classroom Use: Make a classroom chart of "Things We Are Afraid OF" and have each child put something on the chart. Discuss ways that people overcome their fears. ( )