Not a dog

Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, 1978-

Book - 2025

"Learn about the endangered Mexican prairie dog. Includes back matter with Spanish vocabulary and an author's note about conservation efforts"--

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Subjects
Genres
Creative nonfiction
Picture books
Essais fictionnels
Published
Watertown, MA : Charlesbridge [2025]
Language
English
Spanish
Main Author
Claudia Guadalupe Martinez, 1978- (author)
Other Authors
Laura González, 1984- (illustrator)
Physical Description
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 23 x 29 cm
Audience
Ages 3-7
Grades K-1
ISBN
9781623543044
Contents unavailable.
Review by Booklist Review

Here's a delightful and educational nonfiction picture book that introduces young readers to the fascinating world of the Mexican prairie dog--el perrito llanero! The book creatively blends fun facts with engaging illustrations to teach about this rodent species that, while it may look like a dog, is definitely not one. Through simple yet informative text, readers will learn about the prairie dog's life cycle, predators, and role in a healthy ecosystem, plus its challenges due to habitat destruction and farming. The text also incorporates Spanish vocabulary, prompting reading for context clues and making it a wonderful bilingual learning tool. Meanwhile, the story subtly introduces the concept of shapes, which is a perfect way to engage preschoolers in early math learning. Back matter includes a glossary of the Spanish-to-English terms and notes from the author about Mexican prairie dogs. This charming, informative read-aloud will captivate curious minds, offering a great way to encourage empathy for endangered species and spark conversations about conservation.

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

Although it barks, a Mexican prairie dog isnot a canine. While the "perrito llanero" once dug underground colonies in grasslands from Mexico to Canada, their population declined as farmers took over their lands and culled many of the animals. Interspersed with Spanish words, this clever tribute to an endangered rodent is woven with introductions to shapes. At birth, the prairie dog is a "tiny, hairless thing, nuzzling its mamá with the triángulo of its nose." As it grows and joins other pups, they eat "grass and plants with their sharp rectángulos for teeth." Though these animals face perils from humans, they also have allies. A diverse group of schoolchildren on a field trip learn about the prairie dogs and are spurred to help protect them, getting out their "papel cuadrado" (paper in the shape of a square) and writing letters. Their efforts pay off, and a "No farming" sign soon goes up. Now, "as far as those óvalo-shaped eyes can see, there are prairie dogs and prairie dogs and prairie dogs." Like the creators' previous titles--Not a Bean (2019) andNot a Monster (2023)--this is a playful look at a potentially misunderstood creature. González's earth-toned illustrations are both "aw"-inspiring and meticulously detailed, especially the cutaway images of the underground homes. A celebration of environmental action, a look at a most fascinating rodent, and an exploration of Spanish shape words--this one succeeds on all fronts. A worthy continuation of a stellar series. (Spanish-English glossary, author's note)(Informational picture book. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.