Do Your Ears Hang Low?

Illustrations: Caroline Jayne Church

Year: 2002

Publisher: The Chicken House and Scholastic Inc., USA

Age: 2 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 43951 840 7

This little book features the beloved, traditional children’s song “Do Your Ears Hang Low?” devoted to their best friends, dogs and now made famous by Barney and Friends.

While the song itself doesn't really seem to mean much, the illustrations in the book add a deeper meaning and an interesting narrative to the song. 

Excerpt

Do your ears hang low?

Do they wobble to and fro?

Can you tie them in a knot?

Can you tie them in a bow?
 

Pets on Parade (Leapfrog)

Text: Jillian Powell

Illustrations: Gwyneth Williamson

Year: 2008

Publisher: Franklin Watts, Australia

Age: 6 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 74967 960 6

A “Bring Your Pet to School” Day turns into a comical event with the dogs playing, cats chasing pet mice and a snake slithering about until Miss Brett realizes that it was perhaps not a smart idea after all, and calls for an abrupt end to the mayhem.

The illustrations are charmingly comical with lively text suited for young readers.

Excerpt

It was “Bring Your Pet to School” Day.

Most children bought a pet.

Picnic on a cloud

By Mark Icanberry

Year: 2000

Publisher: Look, Learn and Do Publications

Age: 5 – 10 years

No. of Pages: 48

Book Type: Picture Book, Learning

ISBN:  978 1 89332 702 7

David, his friend Jessica and Newton, their four-legged pal are on a flying adventure. Using the blimp as inspiration, with Professor Alexander’s guidance, they create a flying gondola with an innovative sail of 289 Helium balloons. They fly, float, cruise and finally, have a picnic on a cloud.

This book is more than just a storybook – it features the history, science and construction of air ships tracing its journey from a hot air balloon to dirigibles and finally, blimps. There is also a You Can Do It section at the end of the book to help little ones make a tiny blimp with a straw, a milk carton, thread, Scotch tape and a couple of Helium-filled balloons. :-)

Excerpt

Newton slowly opened his large, lazy eyelids.

David yawned and called from below, “Are you up yet, Newton?”

“Rup,” replied Newton.

Kipper’s Snowy Day

By Mick Inkpen, Wikipedia

Year: 1996

Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books, London

Age: 3 - 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 0 34093 210 0

This book is about the delightfully charming duo of playful puppies, Kipper (Wikipedia) and Tiger.

It’s snowing and that makes it just the perfect day for fun and frolic. They roll down the hill and make a giant snowdog dressed up with Tiger’s clothes.

They are thrilled to discover more snow the next day and the next. And so, their work of pristine puppy art stands for almost three whole weeks.

Excerpt

Kipper charged down the hill.

‘Are you all right, Tiger?’ he panted.

Tiger pulled off his silly, woolly hat.

A big grin spread across his face.

‘Again!’ he said.

Not Norman

Text: Kelly Bennett

Illustrations: Noah Z. Jones

Year: 2005

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age:  4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN: 978 1 84428 288 0

A little boy has just been given a goldfish named Norman as a birthday gift. The boy is disappointed because he wanted a different kind of pet – something soft and furry, not a fish that swims round and round.

He wants to trade Norman with his friends for another pet. Every time he tries to, Norman does something outstanding that makes it harder for the boy to give it away.  Soon, the boy learns to love Norman and decides to keeps him.

Excerpt

I wanted a pet who could run and catch. Or one who could climb trees and chase a ball of string.

A soft, furry pet to sleep on my bed at night.

Not Norman. 

Dog Fish

Text: Gillian Shields

Illustrations: Dan Taylor

Year: 2008

Publisher: Simon and Schuster, UK

Age: 3 – 6 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 41691 043 5

Here’s a humorous look at one of the salient conversations that happen all around the world in almost every home – a child asks for a pet and the parent hmmms and haws. The middle ground that they arrive at is often fascinating.

It’s how the little boy in this story came up with the intriguing title – Dog Fish.

Excerpt

Then she says in her soothing-and-explaining voice, “But, sweetheart, wouldn't the dog be bored all day, when I’m at work and you’re in school?”

So I think a bit more and say, “It could read the paper?”

‘Click!’ Carrot poses for the Camera

Text: Arleen

Illustrations: Lilli Messina, Wikipedia

Year: 2008

Publisher: Pelangi Books, Malaysia

Age: 4 – 8 years

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 9 83002 999 3

Carrie’s just received a Polaroid camera as a gift. She wants to click photographs of her mother but she’s busy with cooking. Dad has some work to do too!

Carrie then finds the perfect model with her dog, Carrot.

Other titles in this series include:

• Carrot Loves Carrots
• Carrot Goes to School
• Carrot Gets Lost
• ‘Hicks!’ Carrot has a Hiccup

Excerpt

‘Click! Click! Click!’

After a few more snapshots, Carrot refuses to pose.

She is tired of getting dizzy every time Carrie takes a photo. 

Dick and Jane: Jump and Run (Puffin Young Readers - Level 1)

Year: 2013 (this edition)

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, USA

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 448 45809 0

Here's another encouraging book for beginner-level readers with easy words and tiny sentences. 

The text details Dick and Jane's play time adventures with their little sister Sally and their pets, Spot and Puff.

Excerpt

Look, Dick.

See Puff jump.

Oh, look.

Look and see.

See Puff jump and play.

Say Hello to the Snowy Animals

Text: Ian Whybrow, Wikipedia

Illustrations: Ed Eaves

Year: 2007

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Books, London

Age: 1 and above

No. of Pages: 24

Book Type: Touch-and-feel book

ISBN:  978 0 23001 620 0

The little ones were simply delighted with this stunningly beautiful touch-and-feel book with illustrations that capture the pristine beauty of snowy lands.

And yes, the book is an introduction to all the animals that inhabit the icy part of our world including the orca.

Our guide through this tour is a cute little husky who seems to have a rapport with most animals. There are plenty of opportunities for little ones to make animal sounds too. The text rhymes too! 

This must've won quite a few awards. :-) It’s just perfect!

Excerpt

Who’s that fishing over there?

Say hello to the polar bear.

Hello, Polar Bear!

Grrrr, grrrr, grrrr! 

Tiny Goes to the Library (Puffin Young Readers – Level 1)

Text: Cari Meister

Illustrations: Rich Davis

Year: 2000

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book, Educational

ISBN:  978 0 44845 787 1

Tiny is a big dog. No, he’s a very big dog (think Clifford but brown). He goes everywhere with his beloved friend, a clever little boy. The Tiny series is typically books for beginner readers but it’s also a heart-warming story of friendship and sharing.

Excerpt

I go inside.

Tiny stays outside.

I get dog books.

I get frog books.

I get bird books for Tiny.

Other titles in this series

• Level - 1: A new friend
• Level - 1: At the beach 
• Level - 1: Ice Cream Soup
• Level - 1: Max has a Fish, Review here
• Level - 1: Nicky Upstairs and Down 
• Level - 1: Play with Blue
• Level - 1: Tiny goes camping 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Birthday Dog 
• Level - 1: Tiny the Snow Dog 

• Level - 2: Cowboy Roy, Review here
• Level - 2: Madeline and her dog, Review here
• Level - 2: Princess Buttercup, Review here
• Level - 2: Red, White and Blue
• Level - 2: Shape Spotters, Review here 
• Level - 2: Snug Bug, Review here
• Level - 2: Spider's Lunch, Review here
• Level - 2: The Cow in the House, Review here
• Level - 2: The Garden that we grew  
• Level - 2: Who stole the cookies?, Review here

• Level - 3: Agapanthus Hum and the Eyeglasses
• Level - 3: Amanda Pig on her own
• Level - 3: Why do birds sing?

Looking After Gran - Read at home - Level 4

Author: Roderick Hunt

Illustrator: Alex Brychta

Year: 2005

Publisher: Oxford University Press, UK

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 30

ISBN: 978 0 19838 417 5

Website: Read at Home series

The lovable Read at Home series features Floppy, an intelligent and industrious canine.

This story was supposed to be about Gran looking after Floppy while his family is away on a vacation but the tables are turned rather quickly!

The book offers an interesting challenge too – a game to spot the 10 even numbers hidden in the pictures. 

The illustrations are friendly and filled with colorful characters.

Other titles in the Read at Home series include:

• Funny Fish
• Silly Races
• Dad’s Birthday
• Poor Old Rabbit
• I Can Trick a Tiger
• Floppy and the Bone
• The Old Tree Stump, Review here
• The Real Floppy
• The Spaceship
• Hungry Floppy
• Husky Adventure

Excerpt

Gran was away for a long time. The tide started to come in. A wave splashed the front wheel.

Then a wave splashed the back wheel.

“Gran has parked too close to the sea!” thought Floppy.

“I must find Gran,” thought Floppy.

He ran into town as fast as he could.

Five-Minute Puppy Tales

Text: Gaby Goldsack

Illustrations: Daniel Howarth

Year: 2003

Publisher: Parragon Books, UK

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 44

Book Type: Chapter book, hardback

ISBN:  978 0 75257 000 5

This little gem from Parragon ought to be a collector’s item. :-)

The book offers gentle stories of friendship, love and understanding among the much-loved furry little ones.  As much as these tales are devoted to puppies, all of them are related to their human friends and therefore, one gets to read well-rounded stories that convey the power of love and friendship and caution against greed and disobedience.  

Excerpt from A Perfect Puppy

“That one’s too big,” said Polly, pointing to a Great Dane.

“And that one’s too small.” She pointed to a Chihuahua.

“How about this one?” Said Mummy, stroking an Afghan Hound.

“Too hairy.”

Hospital Farm: Daisy the Dizzy Calf (Bright Sparks)

Text: Jackie Andrews

Illustrations: Jacqueline East

Year: 2002

Publisher: Parragon, UK

Age: 3 – 7 years

No. of Pages: 32

Book Type: Picture Book

ISBN:  978 1 84250 407 9

This Bright Sparks book (which donates one book to less fortunate children for every two sold) is about the Haven Farm Animal Hospital run by Joe and Sally’s parents.

The children help with farm and caring for the animals.

When a little calf called Daisy comes to the farm, she feels left out as the newest occupant. A misunderstanding leads to a misadventure. But all ends well. :-)

Excerpt

The little calf watched all the other animals having lots of fun, playing together.

“Maybe if I practice,” she thought to herself, “I won’t be so wobbly.”

That afternoon, Daisy ran round and round the meadow, jumping over the little stream at the bottom. 

Good dog, Daisy

Author & Illustrator:  Lisa Kopper

For Ages: 2 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Puffin Books, London

Year: 2001

ISBN: 978-0-52546-661-1

This is a charming little story about a baby and her dog Daisy who has three puppies of her own. Our 2-year-old loved this book because of its illustrations – cute and simply adorable.

The letters are in big print and I think, that motivated our 4-year-old to attempt reading the book, too. 

Excerpt

Baby likes to tell Little Daisy what to do.

Baby says, “SIT!” And Little Daisy sits.

Baby says, “LIE!”

And Little Daisy lies.

Baby says, “SPEAK!”

And Little Daisy speaks. “SQUEAK!”

Madeline and her dog

Author: John Bemelmans Marciano

Illustrator: JT Morrow

For Ages: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 32

Publisher: Puffin Young Readers, New York

Year: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-60623-128-2

Television series: Madeline

A short and sweet story of Madeline and her pup Genevieve. Genevieve thinks nothing of poking her head into a garbage bin or fishing in the river. However, Miss Clavel thinks the pup needs a bath.

John Marciano’s (Madeline's creator, Ludwig Marciano's grandson) rhyming prose is reminiscent of the original Madeline books, making her an endearing friend for little children all over the world.

Excerpt

Genevieve gets her dearest wish. 

From the river, she pulls a fish!

“Pee-Yew!” say the people all around.

“That is one dirty, stinky hound!”

Miss Clavel says, “We must go right away

and wash this dog without delay!”


Other Madeline titles 

• A Madeline Treasury
• Madeline's Christmas
• Madeline's Rescue
• Madeline's Tea Party
• Madeline says Merci: The Always-Be-Polite Book
• Madeline Loves Animals
• Madeline at the White House
• Mad about Madeline: The Complete Tales

PC Polly - Little Workmates

Author: Mandy Ross

Illustrator: Emma Dodd

Year: 2001

Publisher: Ladybird Books, London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages:  24

ISBN: 978 0 72142 168 7

The Little Workmates Series is a delightfully creative way to introduce children to the various people engaged in different professions and how they impact our lives. 

It is Story Town Show day and PC Polly has a busy day ahead of her. She has two cases to solve – a missing dog and a lost package of sausages.

She finds Barker, the dog who, in turn, sniffs his way to the misplaced sausages and is rewarded for her efforts with prize-winning sausages for her tea.

Other books in the Little Workmates Series:

•  Builder Bill      
• Doctor Daisy
• Farmer Fred
• Fireman Fergus
• Footballer Fabio
• Hairdresser Hannah
• Nurse Nancy
• Postman Pete  
• Queen Clara
• Teacher Tina
• Truckdriver Tom
• Vet Vicky

       

Excerpt

Sniff … sniff…sniff… went Barker, his nose to the ground.

“He must be following a trail!” puffed PC Polly, grabbing Barker’s lead.

Sniff … sniff…sniff… went Barker, through the town square and into the park.

“Barker! STOP! Gasped PC Polly, running along behind. 

‘Hicks!’ Carrot has a Hiccup!

Author: Arleen

Illustrator: Lilli Messina, Wikipedia

Year: 2008

Publisher: Pelangi Books, Malaysia

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 24

ISBN:  978 9 83002 998 6

Meet Carrie, a little girl and Carrot, her kind dog who has orange fur.

One day, while playing, Carrot, hears a strange sound, “Hicks!” She tries all kinds of tricks to get rid of it until she runs out of ideas.

She’s finally offered a bowl of carrot juice and the strange sounds disappear.

She hears them again when her beloved Carrie gets back from school. She offers Carrie the remaining juice in her bowl.

Other titles in this series include:

• Carrot Loves Carrots
• Carrot Goes to School
• Carrot Gets Lost
• ‘Click!’ Carrot Poses for the Camera

Excerpt

Suddenly, ‘Hicks!’

Carrot is surprised.

She stops playing and wonders.

“What is this sound?”

Then, ‘Hicks! Hicks!’

The Dog Who Cried Wolf

By Keiko Kasza

Year: 2005

Publisher: Puffin Books, New York

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 0 14241 305 0 

We might never know if dogs have aspirations but Moka, the protagonist of this book certainly has developed a new ambition – to be a wolf. Soon, he tires of his little mistress’ attempts at dressing him up in silly clothes for her tea parties. One day, he finds the opportunity and runs away to freedom!

He, then, finds that the wild and free life of wolves is over-rated.

Hilarious. :-)

Excerpt

Soon, Moka got hungry. “No problem!” he cried.

“I’ll hunt for my food, just like the wolves do.”

And off he went.

But a rabbit outran him. A skunk sprayed him. 

Ten out of bed

By Penny Dale

Year: 1993

Publisher: Walker Books, London

Age: 6 and above

No. of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978 1 40632 884 4

This is an enchanting bedtime tale. It’s a fun book with humor and a hint of lyricism.

The book features a boy and his nine toys who play until they are exhausted and go to bed, one by one. No prizes, though, for guessing who's the last one to go to bed.

The story’s structure reminds me of the age-old advice of counting sheep to go to bed.

Excerpt

There were eight out of bed and the little one said, “Let’s play!”

And Rabbit said, “Let’s play THEATRES!”

So eight played theatres until Rabbit fell asleep.

Albert and Sarah Jane

Author: Malachy Doyle

Illustrator: Jo Parry

Year: 2007

Publisher: QED Publishing, UK

Age: 3 and above

No. of Pages: 22

ISBN: 978 1 84538 895 9

Before you arrive at any conclusions about the names in the title of this book, I’d like to inform you that they belong to a dog and a cat, respectively. Actually, they're pets in the same household.

Albert likes his food.  And Sarah Jane’s fishy nibbles too. One day, he gets carried away with eating and ends up polishing off the cat’s food too.

Sarah Jane is very upset and takes matter into her own hands. 

It’s a fun story in a cheeky-sort of way and the illustrations complete the package.

Excerpt

Albert spotted Sarah Jane through the upstairs window.

He smiled at her, in a doggy sort of way, but Sarah Jane ignored him.

So, Albert slipped out of the house, went round to next door’s doorstep, sat himself down by the cat’s flap, and howled.

“Come home, Sarah Jane!” he cried.