Acclaimed author Kathryn Lasky explores the nature of friendship in three delightful stories for beginning readers.
July 1, 2009
Gr 2-4-This early chapter book consists of three stories. In the first, Poodle goes to the beauty salon to have her fur done and is pleased with the results. She does not think Hound will appreciate her beauty, so she has a lonely tea at the Ritz and waits to be admired. When she returns home, Hound does notice and wisely tells her, Nothing is ever wasted on a friend. Next, Hound is counting the stars and comparing the brightness of the planets when Poodle appears and distracts him. Finally, he puts aside his telescope and listens to her story of snakes and monsters on the moon. They spend the rest of the night whispering of stars and moons and planets with strange rings. In the final story, Hound is planting a vegetable garden. They learn about bugs from Poodles library book, and by planting flowers that attract the good ones, Hound has the best garden ever. If Poodle is bossy, often bored, and more than a little vain, Hound makes allowances. Illustrations in watercolor and pen show a feminine poufy white poodle and a not exactly pretty Hound going about their activities and clearly enjoying one anothers company. Reluctant readers will be part of the larger audience who will enjoy these adventures."Mary Jean Smith, Southside Elementary School, Lebanon, TN"
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2009
Grades 1-3 Although theyre best friends, Poodle and Hound are also very different. Poodle thinks Hound is more interested in reading newspapers than in admiring her fancy, beribboned new salon do. Studious Hound is annoyed when Poodle interrupts his stargazing. And neither agrees on what to plant in their new garden. In three scenarios, however, each friend discovers new things to appreciate about the other. The lively prose, in large, well-spaced print, provides an entertaining, accessible celebration of friendship. While illustrating how individual differences sometimes bring conflict, the stories ultimately show how sharing others interests can bring mutual enjoyment and enhance relationships. The colorful, watercolor-and-ink illustrations incorporate word balloons and amusing, whimsical details and show fluffy Poodle and long-eared, bow-tied Hound in everyday activities, from eating cookies to planting a garden. A warm story for beginning chapter-book readers to tackle on their own, or for reading aloud with preschoolers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2010
Poodle and Hound are close friends despite their differing interests. Hound can appreciate Poodle's fancy new hairdo better than anyone, and Poodle helps Hound with his astronomy and gardening projects in her own special way. Attractive design and illustrations set this sophisticated easy reader apart from others in the pervasive odd-couple buddy-tale category.
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)