Kids and dogs are drawn to each other. Many dogs love children and most children love dogs. It makes sense. They're both playful, love to cuddle and they both need a lot of attention.
When children are interested in something they love to learn more about the topic, and what better way to learn than to read about the subject. Dogs – A Kid's Book of DOG BREEDS is a beautifully illustrated nonfiction book full of information on 20 of the most well-known canine breeds.
This book is an Award-Winner in the “Animals/Pets: General” category of the 2016 International Book Awards!
Before I was a writer I was an elementary school teacher. I saw first hand the passion that children had for learning about topics that they are interested in. Many children have dogs at home and are interested in reading about that breed. Often a favorite breed is instilled in us as children, because it is the breed that we have grown up with.
Even if they have a particular breed that they like above all the rest, many children are interested in the entire canine species. Children (and adults) form bonds with dogs that are unlike any other relationship they'll ever have. It's human nature to be curious about a species that you feel so connected with.
Book Review: Dogs – A Kid's Book of DOG BREEDS
I had the opportunity to read this book electronically. I definitely prefer paperback books to e-books. I think a paperback may be better for a child as well, especially since this book can be used as a resource for many years. You can purchase it as a paperback as well if you choose.
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The breeds covered in this book are:
- Beagles
- Bloodhounds
- Boxers
- Chihuahuas
- Cocker Spaniels
- Collies
- Corgis
- Dachshunds
- Dalmatians
- German Shepherds
- Golden Retrievers
- Great Danes
- Jack Russell Terriers
- Labrador Retrievers
- Poodles
- Saint Bernards
- Schnauzers
- Siberian Huskys
- West Highland White Terriers
- Yorkshire Terriers
One thing that frustrated me about this book was that the breeds aren't in alphabetical order. I doubt this would matter much to kids though. The book is designed for browsing, not as a reference guide, so there is actually no need for the breeds to be in alphabetical order.
The author says that the book is actually designed to highlight the differences between these popular dog breeds, not simply as a reference.
However, it's a lot easier to go back and find something that you're looking for if the contents of a book are organized. That's why there is also a table of contents and an alphabetical index included in the book. If there is a particular breed that your child is looking for there is an easy way to find it.
Dogs – A Kid's Book of DOG BREEDS starts out by answering some common questions that your child may have about dog breeds. They'll learn what a dog breed is and where the more than 400 different breeds come from. Then it transitions nicely into explaining about each breed.
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Readers learn about the breed, its history, the geography of where the breed began and where it is popular, along with some famous dogs of that breed.
Each breed's segment tells:
- typical behavior
- average size
- if they are usually good dogs to have around children
- how the breed helps people
- heroic deeds done by dogs of the breed
- famous dogs of the breed
- famous people who owned the breed
At the end of each breed's segment is a section about its origin, which I found particularly beneficial.
I think it is important for children to not only learn about the traits of a breed, but also about where they came from and why they are bred. This information can give a lot of insight into why a breed may have certain characteristics or what type of temperament may be common with the breed.
Of course, every child (and many adults) enjoy a book with nice illustrations. Most nonfiction books about dogs have photograph illustrations, but this one offers something unique. The illustrator of Dogs – A Kid's Book of DOG BREEDS, Jean Batzell Fitzgerald, has created photos of each breed with a beautifully painted background. These illustrations compliment the book very nicely.
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Kids love dogs, that's no surprise. They love learning about canines, and a lot of children have dreams of working with dogs when they are older. That's why I especially love the last section of this book – Jobs with Dogs.
This section discusses some of the most common jobs with dogs, and it also touches on some jobs that children probably don't think of when they think of working with canines. It covers:
- Dog groomers
- Dog trainers
- Animal control officers
- Shelter workers
- Veterinarians
- Dog Handlers
- Artists/Photographers
You can purchase Dogs – A Kid's Book of DOG BREEDS on Amazon. You can pick up the Kindle version for $4.97 and the paperback edition for $15.95.
Dogs – A Kid's Book of DOG BREEDS would be ideal for children at a second grade reading level or above. It would also be a great book for families. The writing flows well and, although it isn't a story book, it's entertaining to listen to.
This book could not only be a great resource about dogs, but it could also be a wonderful tool for families who are considering getting a dog or who need a little help starting a conversation about caring for the dog they already own. When it's time for the kids to start pitching in with some dog-related chores, this book could be a great place to start.
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