Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Addressing the safety issues involved in meeting dogs on the street, Stephanie Calmenson has written May I Pet Your Dog?, illus. by Jan Ormerod. The picture book's story is told in the voice of Harry, a dachshund who lets readers know what to say and do when they want to make friends with dogs they meet on the street. (Clarion, $9.95 32p ages 4-7 ISBN 978-0-618-51034-4; Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-A little boy learns from Harry, a dachshund, how to treat an unfamiliar dog safely and politely. Harry's friendly, gentle voice reminds the child to ask for the owner's permission to pet the dog, allow the animal to sniff his hand, and approach from the side. The pooch coaches the boy as he encounters an excited puppy, a guide dog, and an unfriendly canine. Cues such as growling and tail wagging are explained. Straightforward guidelines and a positive, encouraging tone make this book appealing and practical. Young dog lovers will delight in the variety of breeds shown in the bright, clear illustrations. Harry's advice will certainly come in handy, and dogs will appreciate the safety and consideration shown by readers who put the techniques into practice.-Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
(Preschool, Primary) Dachshund Harry leads the youngest readers through every step of kid-meets-dog etiquette. Once you've obtained permission from the accompanying owner, Harry advises, ""Here's what to do next. Hold your hand out, with your fingers down. Let me come and sniff it. That's how I learn about the world. I use my nose."" Further along, Harry explains how to pet a dog (""Always be gentle with dogs""), how dogs have different temperaments, and how some do not want to be touched (""Did you hear that growl? That means: Don't come near me. Don't even look at me""). The line-and-watercolor illustrations are as simple and patient as the text, placing the viewer in a straight-on and consistent position for Harry's how-tos, reinforcing the way the ""lessons"" build on each other. The already dog-savvy will appreciate the respect this book gives to their skill, and the easy text and clean-lined pictures will allow them to pass along their wisdom to shyer friends. What is perhaps most engaging about the book is the direct address from dog to child; grownups are relegated to holding the leash. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Harry is a cheerful and friendly long-haired dachshund who serves as the first-person narrator for this thoughtful look at the best way for a child to meet dogs. In clear prose and simple sentences, Harry explains to a little boy how to approach an unfamiliar dog and its owner, always pausing to ask the owner if the dog can be petted before getting too close. As Harry and the boy meet other dogs and their owners, the child learns appropriate questions and actions that lead to making new canine friends, as well as what to do when a strange dog is unfriendly. The key questions from the child and answers from the owners are repeated in color-coded speech balloons within the simple watercolor illustrations, which show a variety of dog breeds, sizes and temperaments. An introductory note to adults and a concluding spread offers additional safety tips, and an author's note provides the story of the author's own dog, a rescued dachshund also named Harry. Children who are afraid of dogs, as well as those who love them, will find this volume useful and encouraging. (Picture book/nonfiction. 3-6) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
