Nothing but a Dog. - Softcover

Bobbi Katz is a well-known poet and anthologist, as well as a longtime children's book editor. She lives in Port Ewen, New York.

Jane Manning has illustrated numerous books for children, including the national bestseller The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches, by Alice Low. She lives in Deep River, Connecticut.

A smiling dog and a contented girl nuzzle on the book cover, but the title page shows the girl gazing longingly at puppies in a pet-store window. In a spare poetic narrative, she explains why other pets and possessions are no match for a dog and why even her favorite activities cannot “stop the longing for a dog.” In a wistful dream, she imagines how it would be “waking up with a cold, wet nose pressing against your face,” and she awakens to discover her parents have made her wish come true. Cheerful, realistic illustrations convey the girl’s canine preoccupation as dogs appear on her clothing, toys, umbrella, and other personal possessions. As she daydreams, even the clouds resemble dogs. Pair this winsome puppy-love story with Bob Graham’s Let’s Get a Pup! Said Kate (2001) and Jane O’Connor and Jessie Hartland’s The Perfect Puppy for Me! (2003). Preschool-Grade 2. --Linda Perkins