May I Pet Your Dog?

PreS-Gr 2—Harry, a long-haired, chocolate dappled dachshund, narrates this how-to-guide for children and dogs who want to meet each other. He advises a young boy to always ask "May I pet your dog?" and wait for permission. Then he tells the child to extend his hand, fingers down, so Harry can sniff and get to know him. The boy learns that dogs like to be petted from the side and will sometimes do tricks for treats. After introducing dogs of different breeds and temperaments to the boy, Harry offers more sound advice: stay away from dogs without owners, don't interrupt working dogs, and be gentle because dogs have feelings. Teaching both etiquette and respect for animals, Stephanie Calmenson's book (Clarion, 2007) is based on her own dog who spent the first three months of his life in a cage waiting for the right owner. In a conversation with the author, she tells how gently introducing her own dog to young children helped him overcome his shyness and fear. Jan Ormerod's watercolor illustrations showing a wide variety of breeds are presented iconographically, as are photographs of the real Harry in two added sections. This practical, reassuring guide will be useful to all children, but especially to those who like dogs but are a little afraid of them.—Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN