Dogs vs. humans A showdown of the senses

Who sensed it better? This romp of a book explores how dogs and humans stack up in using each of their five senses (including a nod to the less-understood sense of magnetoreception). Senses are examined one at a time, and the book explores specific aspects of each sense, such as depth perception and night vision in the "seeing" category. Chatty, conversational paragraphs explain each species' sensory skills, while colorful sidebars tell jokes, give more details, keep score, and offer additional "Fido Facts" about dogs. Lighthearted, colorful illustrations feature different breeds of constantly smiling dogs and humans with a variety of abilities and backgrounds. Some readers may feel that the deck was stacked when the text concludes that the final outcome is a tie--but the message that we are all good at being ourselves and that different adaptations are valid is a welcome one. While dog-lovers will be especially enthusiastic, this is a broadly appealing dive into a deeper understanding of the five senses in general.

When it comes to perceiving the world, who scores highest: people or pooches? For readers who wonder how dogs can be so good at "spotting squirrelswaaay across the park and hunting down unattended hamburgers," Gibeault has answers (along with a couple of cheesy dad jokes). Rightly noting that dogs, just like humans, vary widely in individual capacities, she briefly notes that canines' senses were passed down from their wolfish forbears. She then points out that while dogs may be more sensitive to movements, humans actually have better depth perception and see a broader spectrum of colors as a rule. If Round 1 goes to the humans, Round 2 definitely goes to the dogs, thanks to canine scent receptors and nasal anatomy superbly adapted to reading doggy butts and "pee-mail" on the local hydrant. Readers curious about which contestants will taste or feel the victory in subsequent rounds, or who gets the "upper paw" in hearing, may be in for some surprises. The final tally ends up a tie, which may be a bit of a cheat, but, following an unscored bonus round about magnetoreception (which dogs demonstrably have and humans might), the author sensibly concludes that for all their differences, "dogs are great at being dogs, and humans are great at being humans." Both are on display in Edlund's cartoon illustrations in a variety of breeds, ages, and hues. A tasty morsel for dog owners and dog lovers. (glossary)(Informational picture book. 6-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.