Dogs really do make the best books, because children love dogs. Well, most everyone loves dogs. When the dog in a book is more human than dog, the storyline is like a glistening taffy pull.
Katherine Applegate has done her writing magic again, along with Gennifer Choldenko.
DogTown is a dog shelter. Chance is one of many dogs there, along with his friend Buster, and robot metal dogs. They’re a new thing for pet owners; no mess, no food, etc. Metal Head is one, but he’s different. And there’s Mouse. From the smallest yet most important of feelings, to the biggest, bravest adventures, this book has it all. What happens to them and what they do is nail biting and heart pounding. The escape from the shelter to find their human… well, you’ll have to read the book.
Mouse and His Dog is the sequel. Mouse and Buster, characters from the first book, are BFFs. Buster has always been in the shelter’s basement with the other dogs who are not prime-time for adoption, nor ready for Reading Buddies…. until Saanvi comes along and wants to read to Buster. The two become bonded until an elderly couple comes to the shelter and adopts Buster. Buster’s escape is classic, so he is put on The List along with Stewie. They need to escape, and how Mouse pulls this off is riveting. Smokey the robot dog wants to come along, but he is slow and… well, you’ll have to read the book.
These books don’t have the classic pathway of solving a problem. It becomes far more difficult and complicated as the stories progress. That’s what makes the books so good. The reader is surprised at the unexpected. The authors also make sure to include the Reading Buddy books. They don’t miss a beat!
If you think children’s books are only for children, think again.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
You know how much I love dogs, and these look wonderful. I might just have to treat myself to one. 🐕🦺
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes I know, and I hope you do! Read DogTown first. You will love it. Promise. Best to you, Pete.
I have added a paperback copy of Dogtown to my Amazon Wish List to remind me.
Wonderful!
These books sound lovely, Jennie. I do still read children’s books sometimes. Thanks for the recommendation
Hi Robbie, I’m glad to know that.
Sounds good!
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Who doesn’t love a good dog story child or adult…Thank you for sharing Jennie 🙂 x
Exactly! Thanks, Carol. 🙂
What gorgeous books. Children love books with dogs in them.
Thank you, Esther. Yes, children do.
They sound like great books. I’ll have to check them out.
They really are, Deborah!
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The book sounds delightful!
It is, Liz!
I haven’t read too many dog books because I have a daughter but I definitely plan to change that after reading this!
I’m glad you plan to change that!
As a dog lover, these books sound wonderful! I agree, kids books are for kids/people of all ages!
Darlene, you will love these books! You know all too well that good children’s books are god for adults, too. 🙂
They sure do!
Yes!
Love these, Jennie. I’m posting about beautiful dogs, too. Is this their month???
I wonder if it is??? Thanks, Jacqui.
these look absolutely great and I love that there are reading buddy books as well. what a great way to learn more about dogs and the shelters, and not always an easy solution to everything .
Well said! And you know what a great writer Katherine Applegate is.
Right!
Love, love, love! Thank you so much, Jennie. With you all the way…”kids books”? No such thing! 🥰
Thanks, Vicki. I champion your words!
Xo! 🥰
Great books, Jennie. I agree dogs make the best books.
Thanks, John. They really do make the best books.
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I have read many a children’s book, and been enthralled by the wisdom within them 🙂
Thank you Jennie for sharing these two gems xx
Have a lovely weekend xx ❤ Hugs xx
You are welcome, Sue! You’re right about the wisdom in children’s books, and these are gems. Hugs!
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I’m sure Lauren of King Copper would agree with this 🙂
I think she would. 🥰
I have a grandniece to start buying books for. Her family includes a beloved adoptee dog (half Great Pyrenees and half Golden Retriever) named Shadow. Thank you for these great recommendations!
How old is your grandniece? With the adopted dog, these books will be perfect! I promise they’re wonderful.
I recognize both books, though I don’t think I’ve read either. I was already familiar with Katherine Applegate’s work, but I met Gennifer Choldenko at our last author festival. She gave a fantastic speech about the dangers of book banning. I have a signed copy of this book. https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Secrets-Gennifer-Choldenko/dp/0385742533
I remember you met Gennifer at the festival. Lucky you! Her book sounds really good. I hope you check out DogTown at the library. Best to you, Pete.
Coincidentally, I picked up DogTown on my Kindle about two weeks ago. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Yes, yes, yes!!!
Thanks for sharing your reviews, Jennie. This sounds like a delightful series. I can just imagine the children’s faces while you read it to them. Hugs.
Glad you enjoyed these, Teagan. Yes, the children love the books.
I still remember the Pokey Little Puppy with deep affection.
Yes! I loved that book!
Hi Jennie. I read this post earlier, but I was in a hotel, and WordPress was throwing a world-class hissy fit. I could neither comment or like this post, but I did remember to come back to it.
Thanks for introducing me to what sounds like a wonderful story!
I’m so sorry WP was in a hissy fit. Thanks for reading, and I always appreciate your comments. As a Maddie owner, you would love DogTown! Honestly, I don’t know why it’s classified as a children’s book. I hope you are enjoying some traveling and R&R. Best to you, Dan.
Thanks for featuring these great books. I believe all ages should read good picture books. There is so much wisdom packed between the covers. I’m also a sucker for a good dog book.
Well said, Dayne! I’m a sucker for a good dog book, too.
Yes, yes, dogs make the best books, and the best friends, and the best longing eyes when they wait for us to pet them. 🙂 xo
Exactly!
Dogs are the best and reading them to children is so beautiful. Lovely post Jennie 😊
You are so right, Kamal. Thank you!
You are always welcome dear Jennie. I had a golden retriever and her name was Amber and we all loved her. She passed away two years back
I hope Amber is playing with our dog, Harry, on the other side of the rainbow bridge. 💕
Yes absolutely true Jennie. Take care and stay well 💓💓💓
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I also love the cover art. Thanks for the recommendations, Jennie! xx Michael
I do, too. It’s a great book. Best to you, Michael.
I absolutely agree with you about children’s books – so many of them are excellent reads. Two of my all-time favourite series were written for children – How To Train Your Dragon, not to be mistaken for the very disappointingly vanilla films of the same name… And the late, great Terry Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching series. I’ve laughed and I’ve cried over those books.
I love your thoughts on both of these books, Jennie. I have wanted to read them for a long time, but wanted to read them with my grandson. He is into the Minecraft books and hasn’t wanted to read these ones. I guess I will just read them myself.
I read these books on my own… what a pleasure! I highly recommended reading them on your own first, then it will be far more meaningful read with your grandson. Really. You should read DogTown first. Let me know what you think!