Pet That Dog!

September 15, 2020
A childhood love of dogs becomes a full-time obsession for a young author and his mother. When 11-year-old Gideon was 8, he started the website IvePetThatDog.com and began posting a picture with every dog he met--by now over 1,000 dogs. The mother-son team now follows up with this informal guide to meeting and caring for dogs. Starting with how to safely pet a dog, they then cover canine body language, good places to encounter dogs, and several stories about heroic and inspirational real dogs. Mascots, therapy dogs, guide dogs, and rescue dogs are described in amusing detail. The text is peppered with vignettes, trivia, and useful tips for young dog lovers. Other sections cover adoption, caring for your dog, keeping your dog entertained, training, allergies to dogs, and basic care. There's a silly dog name generator, a personality quiz, and a dog tracker (akin to birders' life lists). Cheerful, humorous, full-color illustrations and background art add visual interest and feature ethnically diverse humans. Gideon's infectious enthusiasm for his subject shines out from the engaging and chatty text. Those looking for a dog-care manual will need to supplement with additional information, but this fills an important niche for young dog lovers who may not have a pooch of their own. Those wishing to explore a perennially popular subject will be more than satisfied. Fact-filled fun for any child drawn to canines. (bibliography) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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October 1, 2020

Gr 2-5-Eleven-year-old Gideon Kidd is the owner of a website and social media accounts that spotlight his favorite canines. When he was eight, Gideon started keeping track of every dog he had met. In this guide to dog ownership, he shares relevant information that will appeal to dog enthusiasts. The text explains how to approach dogs and their caregivers; it also includes a primer on dog behavior and psychology as well as information on adopting a dog, health care, and training tips. Brief biographies of several famous dogs are featured, including Bosco, the first dog mayor of Sunol, CA. The final sections provide interactive elements, such as "Name That Dog" and "Personality Quiz" sections. More than 15 pages offer space to allow readers to track the different types of dogs that they meet. Suggested books for further reading and a bibliography are to be included. The cartoon illustrations depict a variety of adorable pooches. VERDICT A fun book for dog lovers or those hoping to love a dog soon. Librarians should note that the "write-in" elements might cause some issues for circulation.-John Scott, Friends School of Baltimore

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