theme: dogs
by Marianna Coppo
48 pages; ages 5 - 8
Chronicle Books, 2020
This is Buzz. Come here, Buzz! Good Boy.
Buzz has a good life. He lives in a fancy house, eats nutritious food, and is pampered well cared for. He takes his people for walks every day, and on Sundays he gets to go to the dog park! As long as he stays on a leash… because those other dogs could be mean or scary. And then one day, Buzz finds the right door open and he’s free!
What I like about this book: I love that Marianna Coppo asks really important questions, like what does it mean to be a “good boy?” And what sorts of considerations go into life-altering decisions such as whether to return home or explore the outside world? And I like the end pages: the front endpapers are filled with trophies and doggy toys; the back papers are filled with sticks, puddles, and adventure.
by Paige Towler
32 pages; ages 4 - 8
National Geographic Children’s Books, 2020
While not a dog story, this book does introduce kids to the Downward Dog pose, along with several other “wild” yoga poses. Rhyming couplets, paired with photos of animals, will have kids bending and stretching, reaching and curling, and definitely moving. A great companion for quarantine, because yoga doesn’t take much room. Plus, it helps reduce stress – something we can all use. Kids will learn to bend like a gorilla, balance like a flamingo, slide like a cobra, and stretch like a puppy.
Beyond the Books:
What does it mean to be a “good” dog – or kid? What are the sorts of things that are considered “good” behavior in your home?
Design a park for dogs to play in. What sort of things would you want in a park if you were a dog? If you need some ideas, check out these dog parks.
Stretch like a puppy. If you have never done a downward dog pose, here’s how to do it. And sure, go ahead and bark! Such a gooood boy!
Today we’re joining Perfect Picture Book Friday, an event where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's website. Review copies provided by the publishers.
Not just one fun animal picture book today, but two! I have added both to my 'books I want to read' list. I'm especially curious to see the photographs in the yoga book.
ReplyDeleteFun post, Sue. Thanks for the smiles.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Sue. I really like your evaluation of how "good boy" applies to us (though seen through the lense of the dog). Thank you for highlighting these two books.
ReplyDeleteMy grandon would enjoy the dog book. And I like your thoughts on what does being a "good boy" really mean. Great discussion topic with kids. Also loved the dog/cat yoga poses.
ReplyDeleteSuch cute books that kids will love. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete