A Dog Day of Winter...

It's a dog day of winter for me and for that, I bring you two quick dog-related reviews for today... both ARC's that I've recently received in the mail! So, if you're thinking about getting a new dog, perhaps a pug, ranked #9 as Top Dog Breeds for Families, you might want to check out this non-fiction text and pair it with Dont' Lick the Dog just to be sure children are prepared and know how to become quick friends with a new family member!!!

Wahman, Wendy.
Don't Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs.
Available April 28, 2009
Henry Holt and Company.

ISBN 13: 9780805087338
ISBN 10: 0805087338

Ages: 3-8
Genre: Non-Fiction, How-To

The rhyming text and colorful pictures alone will capture the attention of readers but this is no simple story! The story told would be the perfect compliment to a family with young children who has just gotten or is considering buying a puppy for the first time, providing tips to share with youngsters about how to stay safe with dogs:

• curling fingers into the palm so the dog isn't tempted to bite
• gently stroke the dog's back instead of patting/hitting at him
• turning your back and crossing your arms if the dog acts like it wants to attack

The story, in a sense, reminds children of the golden rule, treat others as you wish to be treated, because "just like you and just like me, dogs have personalities" and we need to respect the different personalities and be cautious of how a dog may react when meeting new people/situations.

Houran, Lori Haskins.
Pug: What A Mug (Litte Dogs Rock! series).
January 2009.
Bearport Publishing.

ISBN 13: 9781597167505
ISBN 10: 1597167509

Ages: 7-12
Genre: Non-Fiction

Children will soak up the information in this text and then seek out more! The book provides information on the Pug, the dog recently ranked #9 as Top Dog Breeds for Families. Perhaps what I found most interesting about the text was how quickly important information could be gathered about the pug (average weight, life span, country of origin, etc.). However, much detail is provided throughout as well, from celebrities who own pugs to pug puppies. Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the information provided if they are pug lovers!