Dogs

On each spread, the narrator professes to love opposite types of dogs (big or small, hairy or bald, etc.), but I found I usually liked only one half of each pairing (big, hairy, etc.) so I had a book that was half full of dogs I didn't like and a twist ending that was pretty stupid. Blah.

'I love dogs...' and a detailed and splendidly illustrated list of dogs followed, contrasted by appearance or personality - stripy dogs and spotty dogs, stroppy dogs and soppy dogs. Liam especially loves the endpapers with its labelled dog breeds. He's surprised more than one owner at the dog park by shouting out 'Chinese crested' and 'Dachshund' at appropriate times.

Simple text and a great variety of dogs represented. Cute twist at the end.

An interesting book that describes different appearances of dogs (big, small, spotty, stripy, etc.) and has a surprising ending. Very easy to read, suitable for young children.

Summary:
An excellent book for comparing dogs. The dogs are all different kinds of breeds. The book illustrates the different sizes and behaviors each dog may exhibit. Dog lovers of all ages will love this book. This book is a speedy read and fun for reading out loud.
Personal Reaction:
I loved this book. Since we are a family with lots of pets, this book was perfect. Of course it made me miss all the dogs that I have had over the years and long for another one, but we have decided that 2 cats, 3 bunnies, and 1 inherited Chihuahua is plenty.
Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Children could bring a picture of their favorite type of dog and discuss the characteristics.
2. A lesson on pet shelters and the importance of responsible pet show more ownership.
3. The children could do a collage art project of different dog pictures. show less

Personal Response:

This is a cute book, but there isn't much to it. It really doesn't have a plot, and the entire book is about describing dogs. This book would be good paired with a more substantial book.

Classroom/Library uses:

This book doesn't deal with "multiculturalism" per se, however, this book does talk about diversity in terms of dogs. At the Christian school I work at, we might start out a conversaton something like this, "Look at all the different types of dogs God created." From there, I would go on to question the students about other areas in which we see diversity

Great book with a surprise ending. Great for comparing the many types of dogs. Simple, no more than three or four words per page. Repetition of words 'dogs that.... dogs that don't,,... dogs that wont etc