Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
My Dog, Bob
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 7
Holiday House, 2015 ISBN: 978-0823433865
Bob the dog lives with Jeff and his parents, and he is a much loved member of the family. Like his human friends Bob likes breakfast, which “sometimes he makes himself.” Bob has no problem whipping up some eggs for Jeff, and some pancakes for Mom and Dad. That is just the kind of dog he is. Just like other dogs, Bob loves to ride in a car but he doesn’t just ride along with his head sticking out of the window. Bob likes to ride in the car “especially when he is driving.”
One day Bob and Jeff are out and about when they meet Mimi and her dog Truffles. Mimi wastes no time and she tells Jeff that her dog is better than Jeff’s dog. She shows Jeff how Truffles can catch a stick, sit, and bark on command. Bob cannot seem to do any of these things and Mimi therefore announces “I win” as she walks off. She has no idea that Bob is not the ordinary dog that he seems to be.
In this amusing, clever and thoughtful book the author explores the idea that bragging about our accomplishments is not something that makes us look good. Quite the contrary.
Children will enjoy seeing what Bob is capable of, and they will appreciate the fact that Bob has a very special relationship with the humans who love and value him.
