- First Dog by J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zappitello; illustrated by Tim Bowers
- Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 32 pages - Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press (April 15, 2009)
- ISBN-13: 978-1585364671
Back of the book blurb: Once upon a time a dog was looking for a home. Not just any home–the perfect home, to be exact. So he decides to travel the world, visiting different countries and seeing how other dogs live.
But sadly, none of these places are what Dog has in mind.
Can Dog find the Perfect home?
YES, HE CAN!!
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: “Once upon a time there was a dog that was looking for the perfect plact to live” begins this heartwarming storybook about Dog’s worldwide search for a home. He travels the world, visiting dogs in other countries – an English bulldog in London, a wolfhound in Russia, a dingo in Australia, etc.
Finally, he visits a large columned white house in our nation’s capital. There, two small pair of sneakers answer the door asking, “Daddy, Daddy, can we keep him?” The answer is, of course, “Yes, we can!”
First Dog is not only a sweet story, but a fun way to learn about ten different breeds of dogs and their origins. The end pages are illustrated with sketches and short blurbs about each breed, and the book itself is colorfully illustrated with icons from the various countries Dog visits on his quest, teaching some geography as well.
The last pages give a bit of info about abandoned and mistreated dogs, and gently suggests supporting local animal shelters by rescuing an animal or donating pet food, toys, or bedding.
Sleeping Bear Press published the book a few weeks before Bo came to live with the First Family; yet the message about finding your place in the world is timeless. The product description suggests ages 4-8 for this book, but fans of all ages will enjoy First Dog and its message.
I think Booking Son would love this book! we’ll have to check it out! Thanks!
My son would have loved this book. I want the cute little dog on the cover!
Sounds perfect for children who are dog lovers. Hope your children enjoyed it.
My daughter might be a little old for this one, but I still think she’d enjoy it. she loves dogs, period. I’ll have to check the library.
I’m with Carol. It seems a bit young for The Girl, but she’s a dog lover. Thanks for the recommendation!
Btw, I have a little something for you here.
Since my kids really want a dog, is it dangerous to read them this book?
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Look cute-will have to check it out (of the library
Julie – it is really cute! Each place that Dog visits has an illustration that symbolizes the country (Great Wall, Big Ben, etc.)
Kathy – Yes, Dog is a cutie!
Margot – it’s fun to follow along on his travels
Carol and Anna – my younger kids enjoy it (4 and 6), but, yes, I’d say 8 might max out the kid enjoyment (although there are plenty of adults who will like the “yes, we can!” endorsement.
Kristine – it’s handy that we have the allergies to stave off the dog begging (that’s how we ended up with an anole, crickets and sea monkeys …. a dog might have been easier!)