While my son is away for training (it's amazing how often the Army has trainings and such!), we've been taking care of his dog. With our dog, that makes two, and they definitely double-dog life in every way. So, today's read had me smiling. Now, I'm not always a huge poetry fan but do have my favorites and enjoy them every-now-and-then.
Let's see how this one goes!
THE SMELL OF WET DOG
And Other Poems and Drawings
by Barney Saltzberg
Neal Porter Books
Children's Poetry
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
Equal parts heart-melting and stinky, The Smell of Wet Dog is a must-have illustrated poetry book for every young canine fan.
The smell of wet dog is not a good smell.
When a dog is wet it’s easy to tell.
Imagine moose and skunk perfume.
An odiferous stench, a paint-peeling plume.
Beloved author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg offers up twenty-seven poems on the evergreen topic of human’s best friend. Many have all the humor of a Shel Silverstein classic. Others are unexpectedly poignant, about separation anxiety or older dogs growing less spry. All are accompanied by Saltzberg’s lively and loveable artwork.
Whether you are a dog lover, love a dog lover, or are simply dog-curious, The Smell of Wet Dog is for someone in your life. One thing’s for You’ll leave this book inspired to write an ode to a furry friend of your own!
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The smell of wet dog is not a good smell.
When a dog is wet it’s easy to tell.
Imagine moose and skunk perfume.
An odiferous stench, a paint-peeling plume.
Beloved author and illustrator Barney Saltzberg offers up twenty-seven poems on the evergreen topic of human’s best friend. Many have all the humor of a Shel Silverstein classic. Others are unexpectedly poignant, about separation anxiety or older dogs growing less spry. All are accompanied by Saltzberg’s lively and loveable artwork.
Whether you are a dog lover, love a dog lover, or are simply dog-curious, The Smell of Wet Dog is for someone in your life. One thing’s for You’ll leave this book inspired to write an ode to a furry friend of your own!
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
MY TIDBITS
Keeping things light and fun but with a sigh-worthy string of truth, these poems will have dog fans smiling, nodding, snorting, and gazing over at their favorite pup.
This is a collection of poems surrounding dogs and all of their wonderful (and not so wonderful) attributes. The poems stick to a light, humorous tone and flow very nicely. Some are written from a dog's perspective (with a little imagination, obviously), and others are from a human's perspective. Each one is accompanied by a fitting, simple illustration of a dog to round off the atmosphere.
From the first poem on, a smile was plastered on my face. So many small attributes of dogs are touched upon and the truth ringing behind them is one dog-knowers will appreciate. Yet, the poems are very well suited for this younger reading level...and they'll catch the silliness and meaning too. It makes each poem go by easily and enjoyably. Several are sure to become favorites to read again and again.
This book not only makes a lovely read-aloud for group settings but also works nicely for cuddling up in a chair with and enjoying. Those readers, who have a pretty good grip on words can grab it up on their own. Don't be surprised if you catch yourself reading some of these to your own dog, too. Oh, and the last poem adds a cute twist!
