As the holidays and winter are upon us, I am once again drawn to the best book. Fall in love with a dog, a poet, and children- magnificently written.
“Dogs speak words. But only poets and children hear.”
Those are the opening words in Patricia MacLachlan’s new book, The Poet’s Dog. I have read the book twice, because there are many words not to be missed; words that are pure and don’t need added adjectives and text. MacLachlan’s writing stands alone in a field of masterful literature. Her eighty-eight pages are some of the best I have ever read. In the words of the publisher:
“Alone in a fierce winter storm, Nickel and Flora are brave but afraid. A dog finds them. Teddy speaks words and brings them to shelter. The Poet’s cabin has light and food and love. But where is the poet? Teddy will tell the story of how words make poems and connect to those who hear each other.”
Sylvan the poet constantly reads to Teddy. He reads Yeats and Shakespeare. He also reads Charlotte’s Web, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Ox Cart Man. Teddy learns how words follow one another.
I had no idea that Ox Cart Man, one of my favorite children’s books, is actually a poem. I scrambled to find my copy and read the words again, this time seeing the words for what they are meant to be – a poem. When I read the book again to my preschoolers this month, it will be more beautiful than ever.
The Poet’s Dog is a story of adventure, survival, love and friendship, death, reading and poetry. The beginning is a fishing line that hooks the reader, and the ocean opens to… well, you will have to read the book The ending is as surprising as ever.
I told a friend and fellow teacher about The Poet’s Dog and quoted to her the first lines, “Dogs speak words. But only poets and children hear.” Our conversation went something like this:
“I hear my cat. I know what she’s saying.”
“Then you must be either a child or a poet.”
“I’m a child. My heart is always a child. And I love poetry.”
She smiled a knowing smile. I did, too.
Jennie
P.S. Dogs: Maddie, Ollie, Ani, Bailey and Lucy… and more – tell your human to read this book.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Ollie says to tell you he will make sure I get a copy. I must have that inner child, as I am sure he speaks to me with no words.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Ollie. I do think you have that inner child.
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Jennie Fitzkee shares a book that goes to the heart of any dog lover… The Poet’s Dog by Patricia MacLachlan sounds like essential reading. #recommended
Thank you, Sally. It is THAT good!
This looks like a perfect book for a little one in my life. I believe I can hear my dog, Dot. But, like your friend, I am still very much a child.
Me too, Darlene! Thank you.
Sounds a beautiful Book Jennie.. 🙂 Have a wonderful Holiday my friend.. Happy Christmas xx
Same to you, Sue! 😀
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Thank you for sharing this book!
So beautiful Jennie. 🙂
Thank you, Debby. A book like none other. 🙂
So it sounds. 🙂
I’m reading it for the third time on Christmas Day. My treat to myself. 🙂
🙂 Merry Christmas!
🎄😀
My two-legs has been told. She can read it to me. Much love, Ani xx
Good! Much love to you, Ani. ❤️
❤
Sounds wonderful, Jennie. I’m a dog lover and sometimes poet. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Lana!
Jennie, you have such a delicious way of describing books that I would almost like to eat them…after reading them, first. I so enjoy your posts. And I think I’m a kid, too.
>
Aww… thank you so much, Steve. Your words mean a lot! If I had to pick one book to read, this would be the one. I’ll be reading those 88 pages again on Christmas Day. Really. I hope you stay a kid!
And the kid in me says, “Go, Bills! Beat the Pats!” 😉
Noooo!!! 🙂
Thank you for this lovely recommendation, Jennie. I’ll be sending it on to my sisters, nieces, and nephews. Happy Holidays, my friend ❤
You are welcome, Tina. This one is a #1 winner. Happy Holidays to you, my friend! 🎄
Maddie says the message has been delivered. I follow a number of poets and I do enjoy poetry, and I enjoy being with Maddie. I understand her sometimes.
Good thing! Thanks, Maddie. Your human is a great guy. Be patient because he works so hard to understand you. While the writer in the story is a poet, the story is not poetry. It is, well, everything.
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Jennie writes another wonderful post!
Thank you, Charles! You are the quintessential reader, thinker and philosopher. I can see you shaking your head reading these words, but it is true. I am asking you a favor to read this book. I want to know what you think of these 88 pages of literature. Best to you!
I wish I could get my dog to read more… and bark less.
🙂
Thank you, GP! Merry Christmas to you, too. 🎄
Can’t wait to read this book!
You will love it! 🙂
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
Thank you for reblogging!
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Many thanks, Sue!
That sounds like the most magnificent story in the world. I always knew what my dog was saying and she always understood every word I said. People thought I was a bit eccentric, but it was true. I’m going to get the book, read it and then send it to a blogging friends for her grandchildren. I’ve given her all my good children’s books already as they love being read to by her or anyone. There is another by a Canadian author and blogger, I think, called Myrtle the Purple Turtle that I want to read and pass on as well. I so wish I’d had grandchildren so I wouldn’t feel so foolish buying children’s books and reading them. But read them I must. Hope you had a Merry Christmas and wishing you the very best New Year.
Jennie, wow! To both your wonderful heartfelt and personal review but also this touching book full of adventure and spirit, capturing the magic of childhood. One I’d love to read…for myself! As long as the inner child is still within us, we’re blessed!
I think it it far more poignant for us adults with an inner child. Really excellent. Thanks, Annika.
This sounds like a wonderful book!!!
It really is, Ritu. Not for preschoolers, but older children (like us!) 🙂
I’m down with that totally Jennie!!!
🙂
I’ve heard of this book before, either here or elsewhere (I’m inclined to think at Patricia Tilton’s). It sounds wonderful. Though I don’t have a four-legged friend to insist I read it, I think I surely must. Thanks for the reminder.
My pleasure, Norah. My four legged friend is long gone, but still a part of me. Do you know the Newbery winner Sarah, Plain and Tall? Same author. That speaks volumes.
No, Jennie. I’m not familiar with Sarah, Plain and Tall. I checked my Kindle library and I have The Poet’s Dog. We’ll need to get reacquainted. 🙂
😀
I think we all HEAR them…and we only grow old when we stop LISTENING…
Exactly!!!
This sounds like a wonderful book for my young granddaughter. I remember reading Ox Cart Man to my sons. As an adult, I have never outgrown my love for children’s books.
Isn’t it wonderful to maintain our love for children’s books! This one is a winner, and one you should read first, ahead of your granddaughter. Ox Cart Man has been a favorite for decades, so it was exciting to read that it was part of The Poet’s Dog. Many thanks!
Without even opening the front cover, I am enchanted both by its picture an the title. I must take a look. ta.
You won’t be disappointed!
Sounds like a great book. Would love to read it.
It is excellent!
I am going to read this! I seek out books and even TV shows and movies with dog characters. I enjoyed “Downward Dog” and wish it hadn’t been cancelled.
You will love the book!
I hear my wife talking to our dog, Daisy, during the day. It must be a two-way because they both seem to understand each other…perfectly!
How wonderful!
Yes! Wonderful book–I will have to get a copy. “Dogs speak words. But only poets and children hear.” Absolutely… this is true. Dogs speak–we just have to listen for it. And they are much wiser than we sometimes believe.
You are absolutely right. You will love this book!
I am a dog lover. My dog Lucy says, “Please buy the book and read it to me!”
Way to go, Lucy. You will love this book when your owner reads it to you!
Makes me miss my little Gucci back home. I’m working in a different city now and I can’t bring her. So my folks are taking care of her there. Thank you for recommending this wonderful book!
You are welcome!
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Thank you!
Wow this sounds like an amazing book!💛🐶💛
Thank you. It really is amazing!
As I have no grandchildren, I look forward to reading it myself.
I did, too. You won’t be disappointed, just the opposite. Promise.
Nice blog, i like it, Great post. I really love dogs
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Thank you!
Sounds great 😀
It really is. Thank you! 🙂
This book sounds beautiful! Will for sure read!
Thank you!