Horn Book Review
A springer spaniel rhapsodizes about running, chasing, and splashing; a Pomeranian laments he can't see with his new ""powder puff"" haircut; and a little pug worries he won't be fed. Striking full-page portraits on black backgrounds coupled with expressive line drawings nicely balance the sometimes thoughtful, sometimes humorous musings of each dog in these sixteen poems. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Spectacular paintings on black backgrounds, a sleek design, and charmingly understated poems add up to blue-ribbon merit in this handsome poetic tribute to man's best friend. Sixteen unrhymed poems are perfectly paired with paintings of specific breeds (and one happy-go-lucky mutt), capturing each dog's attitude or special characteristics in a way that shows great empathy and understanding of the canine world. (In a departure from standard publishing practice, Gottfried wrote the poems to accompany the paintings rather than the reverse.) Each poem offers a distinctive canine voice, from a feisty Chihuahua to a faithful Collie, and many have tongue-in-check humor that will appeal to both children and adults. The volume's sophisticated design showcases each poem on a white background with additional line drawings of the chosen breed, facing a painted portrait of a single dog against a dramatic black background. Most of the portraits are straight-on views of the dog in an expressive pose, with the breed name casually lettered in white chalk in the background, resulting in a simple but memorable artistic composition. Dog lovers of all ages will find this collection an irresistible treat. (Poetry. 4-12) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
