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THE PET PLACE LIKES
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 The Pet Place Radio Show features (left to right) Dr. Bernadine Cruz, Maryanne Dell and host Fred Bergendorff |
Once each month Maryanne Dell, columnist and editor for the Orange County Register, recommends children's pet-related books on The Pet Place Radio Show, heard Saturday mornings from 7:00 - 7:30 on KMZT and KKGO Radio/Los Angeles (Classical AM 1260 and Country AM 540). Tune in for her complete reviews. |
Here are her recent selections (by month). Note: prices are suggested retail.
August, 2007
HOW DO DINOSAURS SAY GOOD NIGHT?
HOW DO DINOSAURS GET WELL SOON?
HOW DO DINOSAURS EAT THEIR FOOD?
By Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press
This series of books isn't new, but they are unique in that they are sponsored by Kohl's department stores. Kohl's Cares for Kids program offers books such as these, as well as stuffed animals based on the books' characters, for $5 each, with the net profits from each sale going toward health and educational programs for kids throughout the nation. These are great little stories for beginning readers, as well as for kids who are just starting to figure out how the world works. Each begins with a question: "What if a dinosaur catches the flu?" and proceeds with more questions about the dino's potential behavior: "Does he whimper and whine in between each Atchoo?" After posing many questions, the book answers by describing dinosaurs, who turn out to be very polite. They don't argue. They don't fight. They set very good examples for young readers and for children whose parents read their stories aloud. For a low price, kids can get a positive story, as well as a friend to enjoy it with.
Ages 3-6 / Price 5.00
WALTER THE FARTING DOG - Banned From the Beach
By William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy; illustrated by Audrey Colman
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
The book is part of a series all about Walter, the dog who's always full of gas. Well, he's back and this latest adventure he is banned from the beach and from the town by the beach, all because - well, because he just can't help what his body does. The book's dedication says it all: "For everyone who's ever felt misjudged or misunderstood."
Mr. and Mrs. Crabbe live up to their name, and they successfully get Walter kicked off the beach and kicked out of town. Left alone to amuse himself while his family has fun on the shoreline, Walter eats some tropical fruit, with disastrous results. But, as always happens with Walter, he has the last, er, laugh É and he saves the day, in a very big way. Although the Walter stories may not suit everyone, they're really wonderful tales about how we all have worth and we all have something to give, even if we're just a little bit - or a lot - different.
Ages 5 and up / Price 16.99
BIG BLACK HORSE - A Storybook Version of "The Black Stallion"
By Walter Farley; illustrated by James Schucker
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Like "Bad Dog Marley," reviewed in June, "Big Black Horse" is based on a well-known and much-loved book, Farley's 1941 classic, "The Black Stallion." But, unlike Marley, this one is full of love of animals and offers a wonderful lesson in loyalty, love and care for one another. The Black, as the big horse of the title is known, is a passenger on a ship on which Alec is returning home from school. Horse and boy are tossed in the ocean when the ship sinks in a storm. Alec survives because the Black saves him. A tremendous bond is formed when the two survive on a tiny island until they're rescued. Alec tells they rescue party that he won't come with them unless the horse does too. And they reluctantly relent. Upon his return home, Alec asks his parents to give the Black a forever home. Farley and his family always had pets, and the author's love of animals shines through in this story - a marvelous adaptation.
Ages 6 and up / Price 14.99
July, 2007
BOW WOW BUGS A BUG
By Mark Newgarden and Megan Montague Cash. Published by Harcourt.
By way of background Mr. Newgarden is a cartoonist and illustrator so it was decided to tell a story with only pictures and drawings - no words. So this book engages children's and parent's minds in a completely different way. The story is about Bow Wow the dog and the bug that "bugs" him. The fun is seeing Bow Wow, the Bug and all the other creatures they encounter during their day.
Ages 3-7 / Price 12.95
NINI HERE AND THERE
By Anita Lobel. Publisher is Greenwillow Books.
Nini the cat is worried. It's evident that her family is leaving. She thinks she is going to be left behind. But it turns out that this time Nini is going too. She's zipped into that "big black thing" and while she protests she finds herself enjoying the trip. The next things she knows is that she is in a new place with new friends and a new windowsill from which she can see the outside world. This is a great story for teaching children that animals can come with the family and when a family moves, and that they shouldn't be left behind.
Ages 3-7 / Price 16.99
WHALE
By David Lucas. Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers.
When a great, big whale beaches itself in Joe and Grandma May's seaside town it makes a spectacular landing - crushing houses and stranding townsfolk on its back. The whale concludes that the only thing to do is to "chop me up in little pieces and make a magnificent fish pie." But Joe will have none of it. He gets all the towns people involved in saving the whale. Even the town owl gets involved and asks the sun, wind and the stars what to do. Well, even the whale helps restore the damage and eventually it sets out to sea again. A nice lesson on how humans and animals can work together in sharing our world.. Nice illustrations.
Ages 5-8 / Price 16.99
DOGS FOR KIDS
By Kristin Mehus-Roe. Published by BowTie Press.
This is THE book for any child who has or wants a dog. Ms. Mehus-Roe follows her 2005 "Dog Bible," with this kids version of her compilation of all things "dogs" for adults. It is well organized, visually pleasing, with quick, easy reads. And the book is in sections. It shows all kinds of breeds and their characteristics, chapters on socialization, training, etc. This should be the family's first step in adopting a dog.
All ages / 14.95
June, 2007
SAVING THE GRIFFIN
By Kristin Wolden Nitz; illustrations by Yoshiko Jaeggi. Publisher: Peachtree Publishers
Griffins don't exist ... or do they? When Kate and Michael discover a strange creature under the bushes while playing wiffle ball, they aren't sure what they've found - until they get to know "Grifonino" better. "Grifonino" is "baby griffin" in Italian. The kids are staying in Italy for a period while their father completes a job there, so it's only natural that they call him by his Italian moniker. As Kate and Michael get to know the baby griffin, they grow more and more concerned about how to keep him safe from the paparazzi and scientists who want to capture him. A fun, fast-paced mystery tale with a twist that will keep older readers entranced and teach that it's important to have empathy for others, even if we don't understand them. Ages: 9-14 / $14.95
FRED STAYS WITH ME!
By Nancy Coffelt; illustrated by Tricia Tusa. Publisher: Little, Brown
The narrator of the story is a child of divorce: "Sometimes I live with my mom. Sometimes I live with my dad." The one constant in this little girl's life is Fred, her dog, who goes wherever she goes. Fred, unfortunately, causes trouble at both Mom's and Dad's houses, and Mom and Dad decide that Fred can't stay with either of them. But wait: "Excuse me," the little girl says. "Fred doesn't stay with either of you. Fred stays with ME!" For kids who shuttle between parents' homes, the constancy of a pet can make all the difference. And, in this story, Mom and Dad work to help Fred through his issues, so he can, indeed, stay. A lovely illustration of the key role pets can play in divorced families. Ages: 3-6 / $16.99
FANCY NANCY AND THE POSH PUPPY
By Jane O'Connor; illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Publisher: HarperCollins
"Fancy" certainly describes Nancy. She likes baubles and pearls and lots and lots of dress-up. So when her family decides to get a dog, Nancy wants a FANCY little pup, like Jewel, the papillon who lives with Nancy's neighbor. Of course, life has a way of teaching us lessons when we least expect them, and Nancy's life is no exception. Her lesson comes when she spends a day puppy-sitting Jewel and discovers that fancy dogs have needs that maybe don't match those of little girls - fancy as those little girls might be. At the shelter, Nancy and her family meet Frenchy who is not a "fancy" dog but she falls in love nonetheless and takes it home. A great lesson on how the gold old All American dog can be the best discovery of all. Ages: 4-7 / $16.99
BAD DOG, MARLEY!
By John Grogan; illustrated by Richard Cowdrey. Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Description: It had to happen: One of the best-selling books in recent time, "Marley & Me," has been turned into a children's book. Like the Marley of John Grogan's book for adults, this Marley is bad - he eats too much, and too many bad things. He breaks things. He destroys things. And he earns the name Bad Dog!
The Bad Dog reference is bothersome and for Maryanne Dell, our book reviewer, says that she is uncomfortable with teaching children that yelling at a dog is a good way to fix things - and that's what this story does. Well eventually Marley works his way into the family's good graces by saving the baby from almost certain disaster. Suddenly, he's a hero, a "good dog!" Unlike Grogan in "Marley & Me," the family in "Bad Dog, Marley!" makes no attempt to train the dog. The dog has to do it all on his own. Maryanne says that she does not regard this book as high as others she has reviewed. Ages: 3-8 / $16.99
May, 2007
THE STORY OF KITTEN CUCKOO written and illustrated by Ed Baker. Publisher is Centro Books.
This is a theme about differences between friends and how that should not be a problem. When a cat, Kitten Cuckoo, befriends of all things - an elephant named Paquile E. Derm, they discover that the world doesn't want them to be friends. And when Paquile is suddenly taken from him this tells the story of how nothing can - or should - keep best friends apart. Ages 5 - 8 / $15.95
MAY I PET YOUR DOG?
by Shari Cohen,
By Stephanie Calmenson and illustrated by Jan Ormerod.
Publisher is Clarion Books.
The "Note to Grownups" at the beginning of the book tells clearly about the author's
goal - Teaching the proper behavior when kids approach dogs - especially ones they don't know.
Harry the Dachshund helps kids learn how to meet and greet dogs in a safe and unthreatening
way. Rules in the back of the book explain the do's and don'ts in simple form. One problem
with an illustration shows a child approaching a dog from the front - the text says this is
properly done from the side - which is correct. Otherwise a very good teaching guide.
Ages 4-7 and up / $9.95
OVER IN THE
JUNGLE written by Marianne Berkes and illustrated by Jeanette Canyon. Publisher is
Dawn Publications.
A beautiful book, illustrated with clay models, teaches little ones to count through rhyme
and learn about various animals in the rainforest such as bright blue butterflies, parrots,
etc. There are also pages with all kinds of animals on it and kids try to find the correct
ones. Finally the author includes a song about the rainforest and how to learn more about it.
Ages 2-7 / $8.99
THE SECRET LIVE OF
WALTER KITTY by Barbara Jean Hicks and illustrated by Dan Santat.
Publisher is Alfred
A. Knopf.
April, 2007
WILD ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA by Karl Meyer.Publisher is Storey Publishing.
The book includes beautiful poster pictures of 30 animals found in the Wild of North America, including a bobcat, black bear, and elk. The front of each page has information such as the animal's habitat, what it eats, and fun facts such as how many are in a litter, how a polar bear's fur keeps it warm, and much more.This is a great teaching tool for kids. Ages 8 and up / $9.95
ALFIE'S
BARK MITZAH by Shari Cohen,
songs by Cantor Marcelo Grindlan, and illustrations by Nadia Komorova. Publisher is
Little Five Star.
An unusual book to say the least. All about Alfie the Beagle as he comes
of age (as in the Jewish religion).Alfie's grandparents, aunts, uncles
and cousins are all canine and witness his big day. This is an easy to
follow introduction to a cultural celebration. The book includes a CD
of songs written for Alfie's special occasion. A nice read for Jewish
families and those who want to learn more about traditions they may not
be familiar with. Ages 7 and up / $18.00
BUDDY THE
FIRST SEEING EYE DOG by Eva
Moore and illustrated by Don Bolognese. Published by Scholastic.
This is the story of
the first seeing eye dog in the United States. Buddy's original name was Kiss but Morris
Frank, the man she
would be partnered with, decided he liked the name Buddy. The dog was born in Europe but moved
to
the U.S. with Mr. Frank who founded The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey.
Buddy lived until she was 10 but her legacy will last forever. A touching and
true story. Ages 7-9 / $3.99
THAT'S
NOT MY BUNNY by Fiona Watt and
illustrated by Rachel Wells. Published by Usborne Publishing Co.
March, 2007
A DOG'S LIFE, An Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M Martin. Publisher is Scholastic Press.
This is the story of a dog named Squirrel who was born as a stray. This
could be the story of any dog that is unwanted, unneeded and unloved.
Squirrel knows nothing but life on the road, on her own. She faces the
wrath of other dogs and of people who don't want her around. She lives
this way for years until one day she is rescued and finally knows what
kindness and love are all about. A very touching story
Ages 8 and up / $16.99
FOREVER HOME by Sandra Philipson, and illustrated by Jenny Campbell. Publisher is Chagrin River Publishing Co.
This is another story of a dog adrift who finally finds a forever home.
Unlike Squirrel, Trini starts out loved and with a nice home. But when
Aunt Dot dies she is turned out by surviving relatives. She is forced
to live in the wild before finally being rescued. By the way, Trini is
a real dog who lives with the author. This is a great story of responsible
pet ownership and includes discussions for kids to help them think about
animals' lives.
Ages 8 and up / $12.95
MURPHY JUMPS A HURDLE by Harriet Ziefert and illustrated by Emily Bolan. Published by Blue Apple Books.
Murphy is one lucky dog. His mom, Cheryl, makes sure
he gets his daily dose of exercise and she takes him to agility class
where Murphy gets to romp through obstacle courses. Then it is finally
time for Murphy to complete in a trial run. This cute story introduces
kids to agility and also promotes responsible pet ownership. Finally,
it addresses the importance of exercise for pets and kids.
Ages 7-10 / $15.95
February, 2007
HOW WILLY GOT HIS WINGS by Deborah Turner, illustrated by Susan Ahrend. Publisher is Bowtie Press.
This is the second book in the series about "Wheely Willy," and focuses on his first flight on an airplane to visit his granny and grampy. Willy deals with his fears and comes to recognize people as friends. He has many funny experiences along the way. A marvelous book. Ages 8 and up / $15.95
MERCY WATSON FIGHTS CRIME by Kate DeCamillo, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen. Published by Candlewick Press.
Mercy is a pet pig belonging to the Watson family.
He especially loves toast and one night Mercy hears the toaster
moving in the kitchen. This leads to a set of adventures with Mercy helping
catch a thief. Very funny and clever.
Ages 4-8 / $12.99
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE (paperback) by Kate DeCamillo. Publisher is Candlewick Press.
This prolific author comes up with a winner again. A
lonely little girl moves to a Florida town and saves a stray dog that
wanders into a grocery story (you guessed it – a Winn Dixie). The
story teaches that loneliness doesn't have to be permanent, and that people
aren't always as they seem.
Ages 8 and up / $5.99
MAX, THE SHELTER DOG by Nicole Rivera. Published by BookSurge.
Ms. Rivera wrote this book after volunteering at a shelter
and watching the sad plight of pit bulls that came through the facility.
It is the story of Max who tries so hard to get a home. He almost meets
a tragic end with the "leash man" but the story does have a happy ending.
The book teaches that certain dog breeds aren't the problem people are.
Ages 8-12 / $9.95
SHEETZU CACAPOOPOO MY KIND OF DOG by Joy Behar, illustrated by Gene Barretta. Published by Dutton Children's Books.
Max, a true "custom blend" (Shih tzu, Cocker, and Poodle
mix), has lots of mixed breed friends. However, at the dog park some of
the purebreds look down their noses at "that kind of dog." Max doesn't
understand and vows to change this attitude.
Ages 6-10 / $15.99
THE ADVENTURES OF LITTLE POLAR BEAR by Hans de Beer (also the illustrator).Published by NorthSouth Books.
Little Polar Bear lives near the Arctic Circle but seems to wander off,
winding up in strange places where one wouldn't expect to find a Polar
Bear. This time he ends up in the ocean and the tide takes him to a tropical
paradise of all places. DeBeer's bear is cute, engaging, fun and friendly
and makes friends easily. Very positive messages in the story.There are
actually four stories in the book: Little Polar Bear, Ahoy There, Polar
Bear, Little Polar Bear Finds a Friend, and Little Polar Bear and the
Brave Little Hare.
Ages 8-12 / $15.99
January, 2007
THE FOREVER DOG by Bill Cochran, illustrated by Dan Anderson, published by Harper Collins. This is a story of a boy and his dog, Corky. Despite their making a pact to live together forever, Corky dies. The boy feels not only terribly sad but betrayed as well because Corky did not live up to the bargain. The book tastefully deals with death and helps a parent guide a child through such a difficult time. The book reassures by saying that this special relationship never ends. Ages 4-8 / $15.99
WOLVES AND THEIR RELATIVES / Animal Questions & Answers by Erick D. Stoops & Dagmar Fertl. Published by Barnes & Noble Books. With Photos. This book is loaded with information about wolves (dog's ancestors) and their wild relatives. Much of the information is presented in a Q&A format, and some with cut lines that point to the photos they illustrate. It is a fun way to learn all about wolves, and about some of the reasons our dogs act they way they do. Ages 8-12 / $4.98
SALLY'S SNOW ADVENTURE by Stephen Hunek, published by Abrams Books For Young Readers. The author is a Vermont artist whose sculptures, woodcut prints and furniture have been popular for years. This is his second book based on his black lab Sally. In this adventure, Sally and the family go skiing but along the way Sally gets into trouble. Fortunately some rescue dogs save her. Hunek uses the book to tell about the amazing dogs that play a part in all kinds of rescue missions. Ages 8-12 / $15.95
WALTER THE FARTING DOG GOES ON A CRUISE by William Kotzwinkle, Glenn Murray and Elizabeth Gundy, published by Dutton Children's Books. Well, Walter the dog is different – he has a certain "air" about him. Although much beloved by his family, others don't always have the same opinion. The adventure starts when Walter joins his family for a cruise. It is not long afterwards that the shipboard kennel attendants have had enough of Walter's sometimes smelly annoyance so he is tossed overboard into a lifeboat and towed behind the ship. It turns out that Walter, with his unusual "condition," saves the day. Great fun and proves that those who are "different" may become heroes one day. Ages 6-10 / $16.99
December, 2006
A DOG FOR LIFE by L.S. Matthews, published by Delacorte Press. John and Tim live with their mother and their dog, Mouse. When Tom becomes very ill the doctors say that Mouse could bring an infection into the home and that they should get rid of her. But the boys know better and they hatch a plan to save their beloved dog. What ensues is not unlike "The Incredible Journey" and is actually based on a true story. One powerful message is that adults need to understand the bond between pets and children. Ages 8 and up / $14.95
50 AWESOME WAYS KIDS CAN HELP ANIMALS by Ingrid Newkirk, published by Warner Books. The author is president and co-founder of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) so some of the controversial organization's messages are evident. However, there are some good ideas to help animals. The book talks about being aware of wild animals' rights, developing a good "roadside manner," i.e. not throwing out garbage into the environment to harm animals, etc. Ages 8 and up / $12.99
ONE SNOWY NIGHT by Beth Harwood, illustrated by Susanna Ronchi, published by Dutton Books. This is a pop-up book all about a little dog named Jingle, who becomes lost. Can he find his way home? On his journey he comes across rabbits, foxes, polar bear cubs and more furry friends. The story is told in rhyme. Cute illustrations and the pop-ups will entertain young readers. Ages 4-8 / $15.99
THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT by Marty Crisp, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, published by Philomel Books. This is a Nativity Story, with a twist. Ameer is the third assistant kennel keeper one of the three wise men. The boy, among the lowest-of-the-low, is part of the entourage traveling to see the Baby Jesus. Everyone else is bringing fine gifts but all Ameer has is his dog, Ra, which he rescued. But this is a story about love, which it turns out, is the greatest gift. The author is very skilled, basically known for writing historical fiction, much if which features dogs. Ages 6-12 / $16.99
November, 2006
ADVENTURES OF BISCUIT by Alyssa Satin Capuculli, illustrated by Pat Schories, published by Barnes & Noble. Actually there are five separate stories in this book, i.e. "Adventures Of Biscuit," "Biscuit Finds A Friend," "Bathtime For Biscuit," "Biscuit's New Trick," and "Biscuit Wants To Play." Biscuit is a puppy who teaches children not only how to read but showing what a puppy is all about. The lessons are simple and effective. In the first story, putting Biscuit to bed isn't as easy as one would think. The underlying message in all the stories is to teach children about being responsible, particularly with pets. Ages 4-8 / $7.98
BISCUIT'S PET & PLAY CHRISTMAS by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, illustrated by Pat Schories, published by Harper Collins. This is another Biscuit book and just in time for Christmas. In it, Biscuit and his friends get set to open Christmas presents, go for a sleigh ride, and see Santa. The book includes many different materials a young child can feel so it is a tactile adventure as well. Ages 2-6 / $6.99
WINTER'S GIFT by Jane Monroe Donovan, self-illustrated, published by Thomson Gale. In keeping with the Season, this is a beautiful story about a man who has had many things go wrong and he has given up hope. Then a lost horse comes into his life and it becomes a miraculous experience. The paintings in the book are beautiful, giving depth and character to the story. The underlying message is to always have hope. Ages 8-12 / $15.95
August, 2006
ON THE FARM, A BABY'S
FIRST WORD BOOK by Jo Joff (Illustration & Design), published
by Top Story (Robert Frederick Ltd. UK).
Interactive book where a baby can point to animals on the farm and they
"talk."
Ages: pre-kindergarten, first time readers / $10.50
SAMMY, THE CLASSROOM
GUINEA PIG by Alix Berenzy, published by Henry Holt & Co.,
New York.
Great illustrations and a nice story about a guinea pig; a pet that many
kids may not be aware of.
Ages 5-9 / $16.95
THE EMPORER'S EGG
by Martin Jenkins, published by Candlewick Press.
It's like the movie, "March of the Penguins," only this time for kids
to read. Great illustrations and lots of education about Antarctica and
of course, Penguins. Winner of the Outstanding Science Trade Book, and
National Science Teachers Assn awards.
Ages 5-9 / $6.99 (paperback)
GO DOG, GO
by P. D. Eastman, published by Beginner Books
Simple animal book teaches reading skills. Cute. Good concepts.
Ages 4-8 / $8.99
September, 2006
A DOG CALLED KAN
by Kathy Lofthouse, published by Xlibris Corp.
The story of a dog who "needs a job" and finds it in agility training.
Ages 7-10 / $18.45
LETTER
FROM A DESPERATE DOG by Eileen Christelow, published by Clarion
Books
Queenie gets good dog advice from The Weekly Bone newspaper
that animals need stimulation and a purpose in life.
Ages 5-9 / $16.00
THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY
OF EDWARD TULANE by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibaloulline.
Publisher is Candlewick Press
A snobbish rabbit looks down his nose until an ocean voyage and resulting
mishaps change his life. Beautifully and richly illustrated.
Ages 9-12 / $18.99
A DOG LIKE JACK
by DyAnne Disalvo-Ryan, published by Scholastic, Inc.
Touching story of much-loved rescue dog who later dies. Simple, sensitive
message about love and dealing with loss.
Ages 5-9 / $3.99
October, 2006
THE DOG CHILD
by Simon Black, illustrated by Honorio Robledo, and published by Cinco
Puntos Press
Dogs become "people" in the McVitie household. "Judy" is even enrolled
in kindergarten. Maybe the concept is a little over the top but everyone
learns that loving a dog is very special. The book, by the way, is beautifully
illustrated for the delight of kids.
Price $17.95
Ages 5-9
CHOWDER by
Peter Brown, published by Little, Brown & Co.
by Henry Holt & Co., New York.
Chowder is part of the Wubbington family and he prefers people toys to
his own. One of these toys leads to quite an adventure, and new friends.
A really fun book.
Ages 5-9 / $15.99
A DACHSUND'S WISH
by Joe Tavano, illustrated by Ji Yu, published by Traitor Dachsund
Inc.
"Paws" has everything a dachshund could wish for - a happy home and a
little boy (Jimmy) to play with. But Paws wants to be more like Jimmy
and so he makes a wish that comes true. This leads to an adventure but
also a powerful message - that we have a special place in life.
Ages 9-12 / $13.95
JUST LIKE HEAVEN
by Patrick McDonnell, published by Little, Brown & Co.
Author McDonnell is the creator of the beloved comic strip, "Mutts." He
tells the story of what happens one day when Mooch the cat falls asleep
(what else) and wakes up to discover that he must be in Heaven. Funny
thing is - it looks a lot like home. A sweet little story.
Ages 8 and up. $14.99
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