Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dog. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Oh No, George! by Chris Haughton


Oh No, GEORGE!
by Chris Haughton
Candlewick Press
978-0-7636-5546-4
To be released 2012
$15.99/$18.00CAN






I received a surprise package from Candlewick Press today with the book Oh No, GEORGE.  I couldn't help but flip it open to read about the boldly colorful owl-eyed dog called George.  Harry, his owner goes out and George copes with numerous temptations that test his resolve.  As the author allows us to listen in on how George thinks, you just know trouble is inevitable.  Chris Haughton, hits the nail on the head with simple text, making this a perfect early reader and read aloud. With humor and perceptive expressions, the author captures the essence of George- a "wanabegood" pet who struggles with the ultimate test of will power.  Children will empathize with George's feelings,  when he gets into mischief.  A fun, lovable story for anyone who has tried to understand what goes on in their own pet's mind. This character should have a long life in the artful hands of Chris Haughton.

The copy of this book was furnished for free by the publisher. My review is my honest and unbiased point of view.



© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011]. 

Friday, August 15, 2008

The Dog Who Belonged to No One by Amy Hest


The Dog Who Belonged to No One
By Amy Hest
Illustrated by Amy Bates

This is a perfect read-a-loud story. Illustrator and author have collaborated brilliantly to create a composition on paper that could be a musical on film. The words are fluid and flow easily as you read, while old time pictures move to keep up with the text. When I look at the faces in the pictures done with pencil and watercolor, they are detailed and expressive. Together with the text, Hest and Bates create mood that will capture your heart.

A little dog with crooked ears and a little girl named Lia, who lives in a crooked house are both looking for a friend. They both travel everywhere looking but have no luck. You feel sympathy for the dog when he runs from the night, or a storm. At the same time, in the same town, Lia tries to out run the storm and the night to get to the safety of her crooked house.

I would use this book for readers workshop when discussing authors’ craft.
Hest uses repetition of words, “Run, run, run,” to show motion. She also uses repetition with entire phrases and sentences as they get closer to discovering each other at Lia’s crooked house. Descriptive language makes this a perfect choice for teaching elaboration.

What a wonderful story about loneliness and finding friendship when you least expect it. This would be an appropriate read aloud for K-4 and read alone at any age. An adorable and touching story of loneliness and finding a friend. I strongly recommend The Dog Who Belonged to No One.