Schnitzel Von Krumm, Dogs Never Climb Trees

Children's Literature

"A dog to remember is Schnitzel von Krumm, with his very short legs and his very low tum. He can bury a bone in a minute or two—there are MANY remarkable things he can do." So begins the well-cadenced verse of this imaginative tale for young readers. Of all the feats the little dachshund can accomplish, such as fetching the paper (and everything else), chasing cats, scattering birds, and even flushing rabbits out of their underground holes, the story maintains that dogs can't possibly climb trees. But can Schnitzel von Krumm? The antics of this precocious canine are illustrated in mostly green and brown hues. The repetition of verses lends a pleasant feel to the story and helps to reinforce its premise with young readers. Adults may muse, and small fry might wonder, why such a small dog has such a big name. But it somehow doesn't matter; the moniker only adds to his charm. And at the book's conclusion, all readers will be convinced that Schnitzel von Krumm can do anything. Small children will ask for this book again and again. It is part of the "Gold Star First Reader Millennium Editions" series and was first published in 2002 in New Zealand by Mallinson Rendel Publishers Ltd. 2004, Gareth Stevens Publishing/A World Almanac Education Group Company, Ages 3 to 8.
—Robbin Gould