The Other Dog

Touché L'Engle-Franklin, a witty, urbane poodle, narrates this tale of finding her home invaded by "another dog" - namely, a new baby girl named Jo. At first, Touché cannot figure out why her master and mistress would want another dog: isn't she enough? But slowly, she becomes reconciled to this interloper, despite her obvious deficiencies as a dog, and her inferiority to Touché herself...

Written in the 1940s, and based upon the story of Madeleine L'Engle's own beloved poodle and her adjustment to a new baby in the family, The Other Dog remained unpublished for many years, until finally reaching print in 2001. It was re-released in this new edition, with new cover, earlier this year (2018). I remember reading the book back in 2001 show more and finding it charming, and I had the same response when picking up this reprint today. This is the original "new baby from the perspective of the family dog" story - think Poor Louie, and others of the same ilk - I feel, and is the best I have seen of the type. Well-written and engaging, it is enhanced by the expressive artwork of French illustrator Christine Davenier. Recommended to L'Engle fans, and to anyone looking for humorous new baby books with a slightly unusual perspective. show less

Most stories about the new baby are from the perspective of the big brother or sister. But what if a dog was the only doted-upon dependent of the household? L'Engle drew on real-life (as told in a lovely long author's note) to show how a pet can grow more accustomed to, and even fond of, the intruder. I considered a three star rating because I don't care for the illustrations, but bumped to four because I love how Touche' develops respect for the 'new dog' by learning her name, place in the family, and habits as it learns to accept her. Subtle but significant, well-done.

I loved this book. I was laughing so hard when the dog was the author, and when the dog thought his masters had brought home another dog, when it was just a baby. I thought that children might enjoy this, and it might help them understand siblings more. I even liked the little real life story by the author at the end, it made me cry to hear the main character (the dog) died next to her husband and her, of kidney failure.

The Other Dog is a story told by Touché (the dog), filled with descriptive language, well created illustrations, yet I was not a fan of the book. The intentions of the storyline was speak on the dogs struggle with the owners bringing home a baby, when he was initially holding all of the attention. The personification of the dog shows the emotions the dog goes through while trying to gain the attention back from the baby. The word choices within the text are somewhat advanced and would be more appropriate for a 3rd-4th grade reading level. Words such as conscientious and rambunctious are seen with in the text making it a little more difficult for a younger reader to grasp the information. The story also allows for a possible connection show more to the reader a young student who may have gained a new sibling and is feeling the same emotions as Touché. show less

Any pampered pup (or first born) who's ever had to deal with the sudden addition of another pet (or new sibling) Touché's confusion over her sudden demotion to less than center of attention will be perfectly understandable. Charmingly illustrated and cleverly told, the Other Dog is delightful. L'Engle's author's note, in which she describes how she met the real Touché is worth reading, as well.

I loved the "deception." The author does a great job of making sure that you use context clues (including the illustrations) to fully comprehend the story. Some humor may be lost on children, but most of it can be explained. Children may also be able to relate to this book.

The sweetest book about introducing a baby into a home with a dog. It's told from the point of view of the dog.