Bark in the Park!

December 15, 2018
Dozens of dogs and their owners meet and greet one another in this poetry collection that includes one poem for each of 38 different dog breeds.The canine subjects range from tiny lap dogs to popular choices for family pets as well as working dogs such as a German shepherd serving as a police dog. There are no examples of dogs aiding people with disabilities. The rhyming poems range from two to four lines, describing characteristics of each breed or offering some amusing commentary on typical behavior or reputation. The poems' subjects alternate between male and female dogs, thoughtfully including females for some of the larger breeds. Most of the poems are humorous and cleverly rhymed, with a few that must be read carefully to understand the wordplay or unusual rhyming word pairs. Charming illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil include people of many ages and ethnicities as well as a pair of mischievous squirrels who appear throughout. Another visual connecting device is provided by a little girl in a pink dress and her dad, both with light skin and dark hair, who are seen on every spread, enjoying a day out together and interacting with the dogs in various ways. These two return home to conclude the collection with a poem about being friends with all sorts of dogs, including mutts. The delightfully understated illustrations expand the appeal of this poetry collection, creating a cohesive canine community. (Picture book/poetry. 3-7)

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March 1, 2019
Grades K-3 Short, spritely poems accompany the 38 varieties of dogs showcased in this witty and fact-filled book. The poems range from simple rhyming couplets to freestyle verse, and some use internal rhymes to show off the dog's primary characteristics (like The Poodle is quick to learn a trick. / You could say the poodle can use her noodle ). A loose narrative thread connects the poems, which follow a little girl and her father on a walk through the neighborhood. They first see an Afghan hound, with its appropriately thin, long-haired owner. Then they encounter a slew of other dogs, including a dachshund who looks like she's a hot dog in front of a hot dog stand, and a Great Dane stretching over two pages to sniff at a Chihuahua. The illustrations, which use heavy ink outlines with watercolors and washes of color, are engaging and filled with comic details. Corman incorporates appropriate notes of caution about interacting with certain breeds and brings everything to a heartwarming conclusion: Being friends with a dog is a dream come true. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)