May I pet your dog? : the how-to guide for kids meeting dogs (and dogs meeting kids)

Children encounter dogs wherever they go: in the park, on the sidewalk, at their friends' homes. Sometimes it's love at first sight, on both sides--but not always. The right way for a child to approach a dog to ensure that the first connection is a complete success begins with this question to the owner: "May I pet your dog?" Using Harry the dachshund as a gentle guide, Stephanie Calmenson addresses this valuable yet overlooked topic with care and precision, and Jan Ormerod's warm illustrations portray a wide variety of breeds and personalities and depict situations that are realistic but never scary. Unique and straightforward, this is the essential guide to bringing children and dogs together--for kids and parents alike.

Author Notes

Stephanie Calmenson, a former early childhood teacher, children's book editor, and Editorial Director of Parents Magazine's Read-Aloud Book Club, is the award-winning author of over 100 children's books. Her work has been called "marvelous" (Publishers Weekly), "lyrical" (School Library Journal), "hilarious" (School Library Journal), "sweet, funny, and right on the mark" (Booklist) and includes such favorite books as Dinner at The Panda Palace, A PBS Storytime Book; The Principal's New Clothes and The Frog Principal (winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal); Late for School!; and Ollie's School Day (a Children's Book-of-The- Month-Club selection). About dogs, she has written May I Pet Your Dog? The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids), (a Horn Book Fanfare Book and ALA Children's Video Award Winner); Rosie a Visiting Dog's Story (featured in The New York Times) and, with long-time collaborator Joanna Cole (Creator of The Magic School Bus series) the Ready, Set, Dogs! series, starting with No Dogs Allowed!, Teacher's Pets and Hot Diggity Dogs!

(Bowker Author Biography)

Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

PreS-Gr 2-A little boy learns from Harry, a dachshund, how to treat an unfamiliar dog safely and politely. Harry's friendly, gentle voice reminds the child to ask for the owner's permission to pet the dog, allow the animal to sniff his hand, and approach from the side. The pooch coaches the boy as he encounters an excited puppy, a guide dog, and an unfriendly canine. Cues such as growling and tail wagging are explained. Straightforward guidelines and a positive, encouraging tone make this book appealing and practical. Young dog lovers will delight in the variety of breeds shown in the bright, clear illustrations. Harry's advice will certainly come in handy, and dogs will appreciate the safety and consideration shown by readers who put the techniques into practice.-Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Publisher's Weekly Review

Addressing the safety issues involved in meeting dogs on the street, Stephanie Calmenson has written May I Pet Your Dog?, illus. by Jan Ormerod. The picture book's story is told in the voice of Harry, a dachshund who lets readers know what to say and do when they want to make friends with dogs they meet on the street. (Clarion, $9.95 32p ages 4-7 ISBN 978-0-618-51034-4; Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

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Reviews (2)

School Library Journal Review

Publisher's Weekly Review