katiesmom

1. Bibliography

George, Kristine O’Connell. Little Dog Poems. Ill. by June Otani. New York: Clarion, 1999. ISBN 0-395-822664

2. Plot summary

People work from dusk to dawn, but a little dog’s work is never done. And Little Dog would not have it any other way. Throughout his busy day Little Dog takes care of all the important tasks as only he can. Chase away airplanes? Little Dog is on it. Make sure no cars come too close to his car in traffic? Little Dog is ever vigilant. Follow all the rules? Well…the rule is not really broken if you do not get caught; so jump off the sofa fast. Little Dog and his Little Girl have a busy, adventure-filled day, enjoying each other’s company along the way.

3. Critical analysis

Kristine O’Connell George relies on both free-verse and concrete poetry to tell the story of Little Dog’s day. Anyone who has enjoyed the antics of a little dog will see the realism and timelessnessin these poems about a small, energetic dog as he plays, guards, begs, naps, and tries to get around the rules. Children from preschool to early elementary grades will identify with the authentic voice of the little girl as she interprets in her own way the little dog’s actions. Children will enjoy the humor and authenticity of Little Dog’s obedience school experience:
“Other dogs heel.
Little Dog sits.
Other dogs lie down.
Little Dog sits.
Other dogs sit.
Little Dog sits.
At last I can say,
Good dog, Little Dog!” (George, 16)
June Otani’s watercolor illustrations of the little dog and his little girl are as realistic and heart-warming as the poems themselves. The choice of watercolor adds a sense of softness and affection and shows us the author and illustrator, as well as the little girl’s, love for Little Dog. Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to have a Little Dog of their own will see and hear him in the words and pictures of Little Dog Poems.

4. Review excerpts

School Library Journal: “PreSchool-Grade 3-Thirty short poems about a lively terrier, narrated by the dog’s young mistress. The girl describes how her pet wakes her up in the morning, chases the vacuum cleaner, digs holes in the garden, chews up socks, snuggles up at bedtime, etc. The free-verse poems resemble haiku (”Little Dog’s cold nose/is better than any/alarm clock”). The placement of the text indicates pauses and emphasizes certain words. In “Mail Delivery,” the last five words are spread out to mimic the action described: “Little Dog proudly carries in the mail,/one/letter/at/a/time.” In “Morning Nap,” the words are arranged in a spiral-letters gradually shrinking in size-to suggest the dog’s movements. Each poem appears on a separate page and is accompanied by a realistic watercolor-and-ink illustration. The appealing paintings show the pooch interacting with its owner, a sweet-faced girl. The poetry and paintings in Little Dog Poems complement one another wonderfully and bring to life an engaging canine character.”

5. Connections

Make this book part of a preschool Dog themed storytime. Also, use the poems in Little Dog Poems as examples and encourage 1st and 2nd graders to create their own “pet” free-verse poetry.

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