I Am Dog!

A fine and funny dog’s-eye view of a loving relationship.

PreS-Gr 1--Anyone who has ever wondered what goes on inside a dog's head will have their questions answered in this hilarious rhyming story. Dog takes readers through a typical day's events with running commentary. Good things include "beggy-beggy trick" and "fetchy-fetchy stick." Negative things: the neighbor's cat is told to "WOOF-WOOF WOOF-WOOF/ Take a jog!" Brightly colored illustrations capture the action as a brown-and-white dog with a jaunty red bandana chases ducks, enjoys cuddles, and hangs out the car window "feeling wind in face." Dog's owner is a patient and beautiful little girl with brown skin. She takes Dog for walks, gives treats, and supplies belly rubs. Facial expressions are key in conveying the emotions of bystanders as well as the main characters. Dog's wide-eyed look as a raid on the dinner table turns into a "slippy-slidey" disaster perfectly captures the sense of consternation. His owner's slanting eyebrows and straight-line mouth are equally eloquent in portraying her displeasure. Dog's misunderstanding of being sent to bed will have readers laughing at his canine savoir faire. "In my basket? Good plan, Boss!" VERDICT Perfect for children who enjoy pet stories, rhyming word play, and lots of laughs.--Suzanne Costner