Dr. Duncan Dog on Duty—A children’s book review

I like children’s books that teach the child something in a creative way. If books are just all about “learning stuff,” the child won’t get the idea of reading for pleasure.

I like imaginatively painted, complex illustrations instead of just painted cartoons so we can talk about the visual concepts of the book.

I like children’s books that model a moral behavior without being preachy.

I like Dr. Duncan Dog on Duty for all these reasons.

The book introduces the idea of a therapy dog and the job the dog does in terms a child can understand. Everyone in the family in the book has a job—including Duncan the dog who is a volunteer at the hospital and makes children, and even grandmas, feel better.

Duncan was rescued from a shelter and this is his way of giving back. Before he goes to work he is bathed and groomed. He wears a vest and a badge that says, “Pet me, I’m friendly.” The children in the hospital love Dr. Duncan as he makes his rounds and makes them happy. At the end of the day the family feels satisfied with their lives and ready to start a new day being a productive family.

Dr. Duncan Dog on Duty written by Lisa Dunn-Dern with beautiful color illustrations by Andre Yomto is suitable for children 4 to 8.

More information here

Comments

[jackie]

i always wanted to write a childrens book about a throw away boy who
finds a throw away pit bull that eventually find a home and love...

[Sally]

I order books for our local library and it is hard to find
illustrations that don't look like the comic strips

[Schnoodlepoo]

awwww, that sounds like a nice book. we like it when dogs are rescued
and then go on to live productive lives

[Jean]

I agree that children's books should model good behavior, but I don't
think it is necessary to teach them anythng. Children should have
access to books that are purely entertaining

[Miss Trashahassee]

Jan,

That book will probably be a best-seller (let's hope).

BFF,
Miss T

[AuthorMomWithDogs]

I like the same kinds of children's books for the same reasons you do. I will put this on my list to read.

[gus and louie]

That is a great review. I sent your link to my mom she loves children's books. She is a retired librarian and I am sure she would love to read that book.. When I was a kid she used to bring home lots of children's books to read during the summer so she could find each child just the type of book they were looking for. She often says how she would like to write children's books but that hasn't happened yet..

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus and Louie

[Susan]

Sounds like a good children's book that will capture you're attention while educating you. I can't wait to read it to my children. I also passed on the word to my fellow teachers - thanks!

[Diamond Emerald-Eyes]

Thank you for the review, I will have Bean keep it in mind when she must buy a gift for the tail grabbers next.

Concatulations! I have given you an E for Excellence award! Make sure you stop by my bloggie to pick it up!

[CuriosityKiller]

I like the story line of this book... anything to do with petting a dog, and being kind is good in my world.

[Coll]

Sounds like a great childrens book.

[Saint Lover]

What a great story! i am going to recommend it to my friend with little girls that is looking for book suggestions right now.

Thanks for passing it along

[Flo]

Thank you so much! We all love the review -- you touched on points that we find important that others sometimes skip over.

Best,

Flo Selfman
PR for Lisa Dunn-Dern