Top Dog Picks 2013

Ollie and Claire is a happy-go-lucky ode to friendship and its challenges. When you pair the rhyming writing of Tiffany Strelitz Haber with the distinctive, detailed art of Matthew Cordell you have a book that will be a joy to read repeatedly. This is a story where listeners will be moving to the narrative beat and laughing at the lovable dogs.

Daisy Gets Lost written and illustrated by Chris Raschka is simply beautiful, brilliant. It's no wonder Martha V. Parravano talks about it at Calling Caldecott. You don't have to be a dog lover to appreciate and enjoy this story. Everyone understands being lost and found, being loved.

Spike: Ugliest Dog in the Universe is quite simply a masterpiece for the story it tells and the illustrations visualizing the words. Debra Frasier is truly gifted as both an author and illustrator. The meticulous detail within each picture is marvelous.

Here is the link to my review.

Once started Duke written by Kirby Larson will be one of those books read from beginning to end without stopping. Readers won't be able to turn the pages fast enough, wanting to know the outcome of all the little and big things happening in Hobie's life. There is so much love in this book; love of country, love of family and the love of a boy for his dog. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

You have to love the way Dog approaches everything in his life; how books are central to each and every adventure. Dog Loves Counting written and illustrated by Louise Yates pursues Dog's yearning for sleep by bringing numbers and animals together in an enlightening escapade. Wouldn't it be fun to find other animals and the numbers they might represent?

The Truth of Me written by Patricia MacLachlan is one of those books you will read over and over. The strength of this tale does not diminish with subsequent readings but grows. That's the power of storytelling from a master. While this book can surely be enjoyed by an individual, as a read aloud it's a winner from the beginning to the final sentence.

The Boy on the Porch written by Sharon Creech is so beautifully told it can be enjoyed repeatedly by readers older and younger than the intended audience. It provides answers but asks questions, opening up opportunities for discussion. Most of all this is a story of love, love shared and returned. Thank you Sharon Creech for this book.

This ringmaster shares center stage with his devoted dogs in Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs researched and written by Michaela Muntean illustrated with photographs by K. C. Bailey and Stephen Kazmierski. Kate DiCamillo, in the introduction, states:

We, too, are not always as we seem. Our best selves are sometimes hidden. But what if someone saw us, truly saw us and believed in the wonders waiting inside of us?

The best part about this book is not that it is heartwarming or hopeful or that its well-written with outstanding photographs. The best part is that this is all true. This is a nonfiction title not to be missed, to be shared.

Whether you are a fan of the Otis books or not, Otis and the Puppy written and illustrated by Loren Long will have you falling in love with this friendly little tractor again or for the first time and quickly seeking out the earlier titles. Everyone needs a friend like Otis. When they read these books, he is not just the friend of the calf, the bull or the puppy but their friend too.

Soldier Dog the debut work of author Sam Angus vividly brings to life the place of messenger dogs in service during World War I. It is a story of incredible courage, both human and canine; heartbreaking and heartwarming, captivating and compelling, memorable to the final sentence. For middle grade and up, this book has my highest recommendation. A historical note, author's note, photograph gallery and bibliography are found at the book's end.

My review is linked here.

Whether you share this story one on one or with an entire group, when the final sentence is read and the final illustration is shown, I know there will be a collective silence before you are asked to read it again. When Charley Met Grampa written by Amy Hest with illustrations by Helen Oxenbury is as beautiful as the first title. This books has staying power, a timeless quality. I certainly hope the adventures of these two continue within the pages of many more books.

Trouper written by Meg Kearney with paintings by E.B. Lewis is a very special book; a labor of love about love. The blend of narrative and illustrations compliment and enhance one another to tell a story of a bond formed by an act of kindness. It's about the magic of second chances. This title is meant to be shared often.