Books for Kids (and their parents!) Who Love Their Canines

My two-year-old is obsessed with dogs. Last night I took her to the park and someone brought their furry canine friend with them Emma went nuts! Dog was one of her first words, and even as a baby she would crawl as fast as she could after dogs in the park.

I feel bad that we havent yet lived in a place that allows dogs, so I try to make up for that by getting her cuddly stuffed puppies and books featuring her favorite animal. Lately we were able to review a couple fun books from Abrams Books for Young Readers that we loved!

Sallys Great Balloon Adventures by Stephen Huneck
Hardcover, 32 pages
Four Hearts:

When Sallys family visits a hot air balloon field, the loyal black Labrador retriever is tempted by the smell of fresh chicken coming from one of the balloons. She follows the delicious scent to a balloon basket, andwhoopsthe balloon takes flight! Soon shes soaring above the ground, looking out at the tiny people below as they try to bring her back down.

Can you believe that there are over 200,000 books published featuring this lovable canine character, Sally? Im not surprised she really is a memorable pup with her exciting adventures. The bold illustrations caught my daughters eye and the story (involving her favorite pet, of course) kept her attention. We really enjoyed following Sallys crazy wanderings and giggled at her thoughts on the situation. We recommend this one!

Buy it at Amazon.com
Buy it at Abrams Books for Young Readers

How I, Nicky Flynn, Finally Get a Life (And a Dog) by Art Corriveau
Hardcover w/Jacket, 72 pages
Four Hearts:

Nicky Flynns life just got a whole lot harder. His parents are going through a messy divorce, and as a result hes starting a new life, in a new city, in a new school. Now his mom has brought home Reggie, an eighty-pound German shepherd fresh from the animal shelter, who used to be a seeing-eye dog. At first Nick isnt sure about this canine intrusionits just another in a series of difficult changes. Soon, however, Nick is on the path to finding out why a seeing-eye dog would be left at an animal shelter, and along the way discovers that Reggie is a true friend that Nick can rely on. But when he tries to reconnect with his dad, Nick puts everything on the line, including the life of his new best friend.

Gotta love that cover! I really think that kids (boys and girls) are going to be hooked on this one. I absolutely loved Nicky, the boy that doesnt really want a dog, but grows attached to Reggie the German Shepherd. Not only was I empathetic with his family troubles (divorced parent drama), I was interested in finding out what happened to Reggie before he was taken to the animal shelter. This is an excellent way for your child to learn about guide dogs and be drawn into a cant-put-it-down story at the same time! I really recommend you pick this one up for your middle grade child.

Buy it at Amazon.com
Buy it at Abrams Books for Young Readers

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I would like to thank Abrams Books for sending me the books reviewed in this post in order to share my thoughts on them with you, my readers!