Reviews

The Blue House Dog by Deborah Blumenthal, Adam Gustavson

cansail's review against another edition

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5.0

The Blue House Dog is an inspiring story for kids just starting to read on their own (though I'm hoping my 13 year old nephew will find it a good substitute for a real dog). Text and artwork combine to tell a touching story of a boy who adopts the neighborhood's stray dog. Highly recommended.

beecheralyson's review against another edition

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4.0

Not sure what it is about today but seems that I am reading books about dogs and grief. A dog on a book typically is going to be sad...not sure why that is, but it is true. In this case, there is a boy who lost his dog and a dog (a stay) who lost his family/home. The story shows how they both - find healing in a new friendship

cansail's review

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5.0

The Blue House Dog is an inspiring story for kids just starting to read on their own (though I'm hoping my 13 year old nephew will find it a good substitute for a real dog). Text and artwork combine to tell a touching story of a boy who adopts the neighborhood's stray dog. Highly recommended.

tashrow's review

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4.0

After Bones’ owner dies, he is left to fend for himself on the streets. He sleeps under bushes, avoids the cars driving around, and forages for food. Cody, a boy in the neighborhood who recently lost his own dog, notices Bones wandering around and feeds him scraps. But Bones is very skittish and shy. Slowly Cody begins to be able to touch Bones, then works day after day to get Bones to enter the house. Slowly Bones begins to bond with this new human, trust and friendship blooming like the daffodils at his old house.

Blumenthal has created a gentle story that will work its way into your heart. It is written with a tenderness that is apparent throughout. There are moments where the feeling of loss is very strong, others where the moments of connection are impressive. This is a book that brings emotions up, yet never becomes too overly negative for young sensitive children.

Gustavson’s illustrations are done in oil. They have a lovely velvety texture and rich colors. He has nicely chosen the best moments of the text, where the emotion is highest, where the tension of the building friendship is evident. His illustrations use changing perspectives to show us what is happening with a welcome clarity.

A gentle and profound story of a boy finding his dog. Appropriate for ages 4-6.
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