Reviews: (by author)

Van Fleet, Matthew. Dog. Photography by Brian Stanton. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2007. ISBN-13: 978-4169-4137-8. $14.99. Ages 2 and up. www.SimonSaysKids.com.

This picturebook features twenty breeds of dogs. Each photograph introduces or reinforces an educational concept, such as action words, describing words, synonyms and opposites. Dog also has an interactive dimension on each page. Children will pull tabs that initiate actions such as shaking and scratching, and will feel the fur textures of a variety of breeds.

Dog has a lighthearted tone that is reinforced through its catchy rhyme and humor. Some lines may cause little ones to laugh out loud, “Bark dog, Howl dog, Sniff the tree. All dogs poop, All dogs pee.” The interactive aspect adds to the book’s appeal and will help retain a child’s interest. At the end of the book, Van Fleet lists the breeds of the dogs found throughout the pages, and also each dog’s name. This last touch creates an intimacy for the children who feel they “know” the dogs because they can refer to them by name.

Matthew Van Fleet is also the author of the #1 New York Times Children’s bestseller Tails, as well as popular titles like Fuzzy Yellow Ducklings and the award-winning One Yellow Lion. Dog has also recently become a #1 New York Times Children’s bestseller. Each of these titles feature Van Fleet’s signature mix of interactive fun and learning.

Although the list price is rather high, the book is sturdy, well made, and is bound to become a favorite book of any small child who loves dogs.

Kira Hall, June 2007

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