Biscuit's New Trick

Biscuit's New Trick takes us on an afternoon with the dog Biscuit and his owner. Throughout the story the Biscuit's owner is consistently trying to teach him how to fetch a ball. The book does a wonderful job of illustrating the owner's frustration that Biscuit will not follow her directions. The author shows good characterization of Biscuit in this short story by having him reply to his owner when she asks him to do something. This gives us readers a clear idea that Biscuit can understand and has a relationship with the owner. Although Biscuit seems to understand what his owner is asking him through illustration the author shows us he doesn't do what he’s told.

BISCUIT'S NEW TRICK is at the beginning First Grade reading level. There 122 words on 32 pages presented in a LARGE font.

~borrowed from the Library

This story is about how Biscuit learned to fetch, and I have to say that I chuckled outloud when I read it. (I won't say more because in this case, there's something to actually give away.)

Besides being a practice reader you can use this book to introduce the notion of training and what's involved. Obviously the book doesn't go into any detail but it does show that learning isn't spontaneous and it's something that trainer and trainee need to patiently practice.

Biscuit's short attention span is making it hard to teach him to fetch. But of course he finally finds his focus at the absolute worst time.

Typical puppy cuteness.

Biscuit's owner tries to teach him the new trick of fetching the ball. He gets sidetracked several times and once his owner, a little girl, throws the ball in the mud on accident. This time she doesn't want Biscuit to get the ball, but he does and she's excited he has learned a new trick.

Teachers can use this book to help readers learn new words and enjoy a story.

Biscuit doesn't want to play fetch the ball—until the ball lands in a mud puddle. Then Biscuit can't wait to show off his new trick!

Biscuit learning to fetch a ball. Biscuit could not at first then he could

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