The Poet's Dog

Narrator Michael Curran-Dorsano takes on the roles of Teddy, the "talking" Irish wolfhound and dear companion of Sylvan the poet, and of 11-year-old Nickel and 8-year-old Flora, the children Teddy rescues from a wintry blizzard. It is the simpatico nature of poets, children, and animals that enables each to understand and talk to the others. As the children spend days with Teddy in the cabin, they come to know the story of the relationship between the poet (now deceased) and his dog and the poignancy of togetherness in times of sorrow, danger, and joy. Given Curran-Dorsano's unassuming narration, there are moments when one forgets whether the speaker is human or canine. While a bit confusing at times, overall, the production has great power. A.R. � AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Starred review from June 20, 2016
Newbery Medalist MacLachlan creates a spare, moving tale told from the perspective of Teddy, the dog of the title. Teddy can speak, but only poets and children can understand him, so Teddy isn’t surprised when both Nicholas (Nickel) and his younger sister, Flora, ask him for help when they get lost in a snowstorm. Since the death of his owner and friend, Sylvan, Teddy has relied on Sylvan’s student, Ellie, for care. But Ellie and Teddy know that the arrangement isn’t forever, and Teddy needs to find a way to move on and love again. Using simple words that even youngest readers will understand and enjoy, MacLachlan tackles subjects such as death and mourning with understated grace (“And he closes his eyes, his hands still on my neck. By the time Ellie gets there he is still. Silence”). Overarching themes of love and family permeate the narrative, providing readers of all ages with a deep understanding of the relationship Teddy had with his previous owner and the one he is building with his new family. Ages 6–10. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content.