Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

What Is Your Dog Doing?

What Is Your Dog Doing?

Marilyn Singer
Illustrator:  Kathleen Habbley 
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Simon and Schuster, 2011   ISBN: 978-1416979319

There is something that many dog owners don’t really realize. Dogs may look as if they are not doing much, but in fact they are quite busy animals, even when we think that they are not doing anything. When they are fast asleep they are dreaming, and when they are eyeing food that is on the table, they are “scheming” to find a way to get to the food in question.

There are some dogs who really work, like police dogs, guide dogs, sheep dogs, and circus performing dogs. Then there are everyday pets who might not have an occupation as such, but who still manage to be doing something much of the time. They get into trouble, play games, and accompany their people on walks and trips. They swim, run, bounce, sled, shed, and dance.

With its simple rhyming text, and its expressive illustrations, this is a picture book that people who love dogs will enjoy. Many of the scenes in the book will be familiar to dog owners, and it is hard not to laugh at the dogs portrayed on the pages.