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Overview
It's easy to see why dogs are the most popular pets in the world. For a run in the park or a cozy snuggle on the couch, a dog is the perfect companion! But dogs are much more than just loyal pets. For thousands of years, these amazing animals have helped people herd sheep, hunt for food, and keep warm.
Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon has teamed up with the Smithsonian Institution to bring you an updated edition of his classic full-color photographic introduction to man's best friend.
Provides a basic introduction to the physical characteristics and behavior of dogs.
Editorials
Children's Literature
Joining the over 200 science books by Simon, this vibrantly illustrated informational book includes charming and unique photographs plus text, which informs and delights. Simon traces the history of dogs domesticated from wolves, highlights their unique characteristics, such as their ability to run, to their clamp teeth with incredible pressure, to hear and smell acutely, and communicate a range of intentions. Simon also includes information on birth (with a mention of mating), on the long relationship between working dogs and humans, and on dog breeds. One page suggests things to think about before acquiring a dog as a pet. The "awww" factor is high in this book, but the winsome pictures are backed by plenty of good information. There are no picture captions, index, or notes to assist report writers, but otherwise it is a thoroughly enjoyable look at dogs and puppies. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 5 to 9.—Susan Hepler, Ph.D.
School Library Journal
Gr 1-4-Intended primarily as introductions for prospective pet owners, these books will please even those who already own a cat or dog. The striking color photos, including many close-ups, create a feeling of intimacy. Some of the images show the animals in active postures, such as the one of a cat tumbling through the air, headed toward a cushion. Both books begin with a historical look at their subjects, tracing how each species was domesticated. They then explain basic physiological features and behavioral traits, such as body language, birth, and behavior of the young. The final pages discuss characteristics of individual breeds and the responsibilities of pet owners. In his usual fashion, Simon succeeds in addressing his topic in clear, easily understood vocabulary without writing down to children. The smoothly flowing texts are divided into spreads dealing with broad subjects, but they are not labeled as distinct sections. This approach will encourage children to read the book from cover to cover. Dogs has an outline of different breeds, some of which are illustrated with a small portrait. Readers will thoroughly enjoy every word and every photograph in both titles. Combine them with Ruth Berman's My Pet Dog (Lerner, 2000), which features a child researching which dog breed to buy and then raising the young animal.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.Book Details
Published
May 1, 2004
Publisher
HarperCollins Publishers
Pages
40
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780060289423