Synopsis
“Pleeeease, can I have a dog?” Jo wants a dog more than anything else in the whole wide world, but her parents are horrified by the idea. “Imagine the mess! Imagine the bother! How about a neat little mouse instead?” So Jo gets a mouse… and a rabbit… and a cat… and a budgie bird, because, of course, they aren’t going to be nearly as much trouble as a dog… or are they? Then the new baby arrives! Uh–oh. How will Jo’s dream ever come true now? A wonderfully rambunctious picture book that’s brimming with fun. Kathy Henderson has written and illustrated numerous books for children, including Counting Farm and The Baby Dances. Among the many books Brita Granström has illustrated are Does a Cow Say Boo? and Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-Every time Jo asks her parents for a dog, they suggest a substitute pet. Eventually, the child acquires a mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, and cat. When she asks again, her mom and dad announce that they are getting something better, a baby! Of course, the infant gets older and all the pets have babies of their own, so there is quite a menagerie at Jo's house. In the end, her "Far-Away-Grandma" comes for a visit and brings Jo a gift-a dog. Told in occasional rhyme, this rollicking story is for any child who has ever wanted a pet. The humor of the text is reflected in the equally funny and loose line cartoon art; in addition, the words literally flow across, around, and between the illustrations. This is a great choice to use with Bob Graham's "Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate (Candlewick, 2001). No bones about it, Dog Story will be a favorite.-Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.