When I went to the animal shelter to pick out a cat a few years ago, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It was really a spur of the moment decision to get a cat. When I got there, it only took a few moments before I knew which cat was the one I wanted.
In Kevin O’Malley’s new title, The Perfect Dog, the main character announces to the readers that her parents are allowing her to get a new dog.
She’s excited, but isn’t quite sure what a perfect dog would be.
She thinks it should be big…. bigger… biggest! Maybe not this big.
And it should be small… smaller…. smallest! Maybe not this small.
Through the use of superlatives the girl imagines different shapes, sizes, styles of dogs, but she never really comes to the conclusion about what exactly “perfect” means.
That is, until she’s at the animal shelter surrounded by dogs. In a special ending, the girl finds her perfect companion.
You’ll want to add this book to your classroom collection for when you’re teaching superlatives- this book’s full of them!
In another title from Schwartz and Wade (Random House), Andrea Zuill tells the story of a dog named Homer who wants to be more like a wolf.
So when Homer sees an ad for Wolf Camp, he jumps at the opportunity
WOLF CAMP
HAVE YOU EVER
FELT LIKE HOWLING
AT THE MOON?
COME JOIN US!
WOLF CAMP
WHERE EVERY DOG CAN
LIVE LIKE A WOLF- FOR
AN ENTIRE WEEK!
Like any camper would, homer hops on the bus and takes off. Homer and the other campers get the opportunity to mark, howl, and track like real wolves would. It is here where readers will see great humor in these poor pooches trying to be like wolves.
And if that doesn’t raise a little laughter, the letter Homer sends to his “people” is sure to riot some giggles. With each passing day, the dogs get a little bit better at being wolves, and were awarded Honorary Wolf status.
The hilarious illustrations and animal antics throughout this title are sure to spread laughter and smiles among readers.
Look for these two new titles from Random House in May 2016.
Mile High Reading 