Synopsis
Children love to read to their favorite dog. For ages 4 - 8.
Children's Literature
Tinka is a golden retriever who offers a rather distinctive take on the separation anxiety that is triggered on many levels when a young child begins the great adventure of schooling. We are told just a bit about the joy shared by a boy and his dog when we see a boy going for the school bus while Mom holds onto the dog who is suddenly "A sigh dog, / a cry dog, / a has-to-say-good-by dog." Tinka finds her way into the school even so and while at first all the adults are for banishment, Tinka quiets down and becomes "A look dog, a nook dog, a loves-to-hear-a-book dog." Bowers' perky, stylized illustrations match the highly rhythmic text. This emphasis on the dog missing its master rather than on the trauma of leaving home for the child could prove to be an effective way for teachers and parents to talk about the challenges and benefits of participating in the world of school. Reviewer: Mary Hynes-Berry