Review by Booklist Review
Although this book really could have just coasted by entirely on the strength of the funky, ruff-n-tuff cartoon pooches that are the centerpiece of each spread, Prap goes one better and provides insightful information on why dogs are so, well, darn doggy. Though any dog-owning kid will instinctually know the answers to many of the nagging canine questions Prap tackles ( Why do dogs growl? . Why do dogs wag their tails? ), a few of her inquiries will enlighten even veteran fact hounds. For instance. Why do some dogs have short legs. Dogs with stubby legs were bred to amuse nobility with their funny walking ways (and to squeeze into teeny tunnels while hunting). Several wiseacre cats offer their take on each spread's question (Q. Why are some dogs more obedient than others. A. Because they are stupid ). The best part of the book might just be the endpapers, which present an array of irresistible imaginary crossbreeds, from the dalmaspaniel and cockerhound to the bulloodle and dachsland terrier.--Chipman, Ia. Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this import from Slovenia, Prap uses the same mix of irreverence and information seen in Why? And Dinosaurs?! to answer 14 dog-related questions, which range from "Why Do Dogs Do What We Tell Them?" to "Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Other's Bottoms?" On each spread, a trio of cats offers smart-alecky answers (these do not always translate well: one cat suggests that some dogs are more obedient than others "Because they are beaten"). More factual answers are provided in longer paragraphs opposite, accompanied by naif portraits and descriptions of various breeds. Although some questions, like "Why Do Some Dogs' Ears Hang Down?" aren't answered satisfactorily, dog-lovers will pick up some interesting tidbits. Ages 4-up. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-A lighthearted primer about all things canine. Using a bulldog as her narrator, Prap answers various questions about "our best friends." Each answer is accompanied by a set of smart-aleck suggestions (provided by cats, of course), the actual answer, and a brief description of a particular breed. Some attempt is made to match the breed with the question; for instance, "Why are some dogs more obedient than others?" is accompanied by a description of the collie, which is actually one of the easiest to train. Each description offers each breed's pros and cons, and, in almost every case, any fault associated is reduced to mismanagement or inappropriate habitat. West Highland white terriers are friendly and lively, but they can be noisy and naughty if they do not get enough attention. The moral being-don't get one if you can't devote a lot of attention to it. A plug for shelters is commendable, and the book ends with a brief mention of mixed breeds. Despite the muted palette, Prap's pups have plenty of personality, and the imaginary new breeds that decorate the endpapers are full of whimsy (check out the Bulloodle). Dog lovers will enjoy this casual read, but those seeking documented facts need to look elsewhere.-Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole Public Library, MA (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Some of the FAQ-iest of canine questions ("Why do dogs bark?...do what we tell them?") are asked and answered in a lively format. Different breeds, illustrated rather schematically, are highlighted on every spread. Sidebars of cats' silly answers--ostensibly wrong but sometimes correct, e.g., dogs do lift their legs "to show off"--confuse matters. Wonderful endpapers highlight breeds both popular and unusual. (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Everything you wondered about dogs but were afraid to ask is answered in this slim, friendly volume of canine QA.Questions range from why dogs bark and wag their tails to why there are so many breeds to that perennial question of why they sniff each other's bottoms. Each spread features a question on canine behavior or attributes, which is followed by whimsical and arch offerings from a chorus of cats ("Why do dogs do what we tell them? Because they don't know how to use their own heads. Because they can't open a can of dog food on their own. Because they want people to like them more than people like cats"). Factual, accessible text then provides straightforward answers and a focus on a breed that personifies said characteristic, complete with a textured illustration in rich earthy tones and a description of the breed and its assets as a pet. Endpapers show different breeds as well as imaginary mixed breeds to identify (answers are at the back of the book).Filled with questions any child might ask, replete with a sense of warmth and good cheer and packing enough offbeat facts to entice even the most reluctant reader, this is bound to be a classroom favorite as well as a great choice for any dog lover. Can a selection on cats be far behind?(Informational picture book. 4-8)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
