March 2008 Recommendations
You may order any of these books through your favourite bookstore or online by clicking on title in March's Recommendations at the right side of this page.
Your Child’s Dog: How to Help Your Kids Care for Their PetsBy Andrea McHugh
Firefly Books, $16.95
You’ve heard the refrain, “Pleeease...can I have a dog? I’ll look after it—I promise!” Andrea McHugh’s wonderful book helps parents navigate the tricky waters of dog acquisition and ownership. Not only does McHugh provide tons of information about dog care, training, activities, feeding, grooming and health care, she also discusses dog psychology, common problems and challenges, and dog-child relations. The author answers kids’ common questions (Why does my puppy pee everywhere? Is it true that fleas can live in the furniture? Why does my dog smell so bad?). Excellent colour photographs showing toddlers and children interacting with, and caring for, their dogs complement the text. Instructions for training and dog care are clear and include explanations of dog behaviour so the whole family can understand dog psychology and why it’s important to follow certain guidelines when dealing with our canine companions. The training chapter includes information on agility training, hosting a canine carnival, and dancing with dogs, proving there are many ways to enjoy life with the family dog.
The Doggy Bone Cookbook: The Fun, Easy Way to Bake Love and Nutrition into Your Dog’s DietBy Michele Bledsoe
Come-And-Get It Publishing, $10.96
This sturdy book comes complete with a dog bone-shaped cookie cutter. A dozen recipes for healthy, home-baked dog cookies provide instructions for holiday, birthday and everyday treats your dog will love.
Why Do Dogs Bark?By Joan Holub
Puffin/Penguin, $5.99
Why do dogs sniff you? Do dogs understand words? Why do dogs pant? This easy-to-read book is perfect for children in the primary grades who are curious about why dogs do the things they do. Colour photos and an attractive layout make each page inviting to children just beginning to read independently.
Why do Dogs Have Wet Noses?By Stanley Coren
Kids Can Press, $14.95
This book by UBC psychology professor Dr. Stanley Coren is intended for a slightly older reader. Four chapters cover how humans and dogs became friends (and how the various breeds developed), and how dogs see the world, communicate and think. Colour photos throughout break up the text and add to the appeal of the intriguing text.
See How They Grow: PuppyDorling Kindersley, $4.99
Intended for very young children, this simple photographic tale shows the growth and development of a puppy from one day to eight weeks old. The text is spare but effective. Other titles in the series follow the development of a chick, kitten, frog, pig, and butterfly.
First Discovery: DogsBy Gallimard Jeuness
Scholastic, $6.99
Another title intended for younger children, this book touches on different breeds, how dogs communicate and some jobs held by capable canines. What makes this book extra flashy, though, is the use of transparent pages behind which new scenes (and new dogs) hide. I’ve always been a sucker for transparent pages and probably enjoyed flipping them back and forth just a little too much!
How to Speak Dog!By Sarah Whitehead
Scholastic, $8.99
Now this is a fun book. Packed full of dog-centric activities and illustrated with great photos, this book will help children understand how dogs learn and communicate. With this basic information in mind, children can tackle basic training (sit, down, heel), tricks (shaking a paw, spinning, weaving through the legs, fetching), and games and activities (treasure hunt, puzzles for the dog to solve, tracking). A glossary of terms as well as a list of websites and canine organizations round out the offerings in this handbook for children.
Nikki Tate is an author who lives on Vancouver Island. Kids who like to write should visit Nikki’s website at www.tarragonisland.com or www.stablemates.net. 
