Top Dog: And Other Doggone Delightful Expressions
Written and Illustrated by Carli Davidson
Chronicle Books 10/01/2016
978-1-4521-5134-2
36 pages Ages 3—5
.
THIS BOOK HAS GONE
to the
DOGS!
“An adorable cast of canine characters star in this delightful tribute to everyone’s favorite idioms, from ‘working like a dog’ to ‘the dog days of summer.’ From the lens of expert animal photographer Carli Davidson, these endearing and hilarious images are sure to make any animal enthusiast smile in ‘two shakes of a dog’s tail.’” [INSIDE JACKET]
Review
Twenty-one dogs, and their friends, physically express 14 idioms and conversational expressions related to dogs. With the help of props, these dogs model each phrase, making it easy for children to understand the meaning. Adults will be familiar with each of the 14 idioms, but many, if not most, will be new to young children. This will not stop youngsters from enjoying these sometimes-silly dogs from expressing its given idiom. A beautiful white pit bull is the “junkyard dog,” sitting atop used tires, with one tire looking a bit, well, bit. A cane corso stands next to a magician’s top hat—white rabbit included—looking confused. Why? Because you “can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”
Each double-page spread in Top Dog contains text on one page and photograph on the other. The text is large, often ornamental, and sometimes includes an image accentuating the phrase. “Sick as a dog” Delyla, wearing an ice pack on her head, features a thermometer under the phrase. Peanut, the French bulldog wearing a rainbow-colored bow tie, would be a welcome pooch for any girl or boy not thrilled with homework. He is the “dog ate my homework” mutt—pencil included.
Following these fourteen idioms, Davidson includes a thumbnail image of each Top Dog, in the exact order of appearance (making it easy to flip back and forth to learn more about your favorites), its name, breed, and a tidbit about their photograph. The “hotdog” is Bean, a dachshund who is “ball-obsessed and the best toddler babysitter any mama could ask for.” These photogenic pooches range from being a rescue dog to a dog trainer’s pup. We bought comforters for our babies and a variety of options are availabLe if you want to choose something special for your baby.
Age is not a requirement to enjoy Top Dog. The photographic humor works for all ages. Soon, young children will understand the included canine idioms, sure to find these expressions in their own daily language. Teachers and homeschooling parents will love the ease with which Top Dog can be incorporated into lesson plans for young children and teens. Top Dog: And Other Doggone Delightful Expressions is fun, accessible, and full of humorous and interesting idioms perfect the classroom and bedtime reading.
TOP DOG: AND OTHER DOGGONE DELIGHTFUL EXPRESSIONS. Text and photographs copyright © 2016 by Carli Davidson. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA.
Amazon
Add Top Dog to Your Goodreads Shelf HERE.
.
Reprinted with permission from TOP DOG: AND OTHER DOGGONE DELIGHTFUL EXPRESSIONS © 2016 by Carli Davidson, Chronicle Books. Photographs © 2016 by Carli Davidson.
.
Copyright © 2016 by Sue Morris/Kid Lit Reviews. All Rights Reserved
.
Top Dog: And Other Doggone Delightful Expressions
Written and Illustrated by Carli Davidson
Chronicle Books 10/01/2016
9781452151342
Kids Lit Review 
Mom calls me a Junk Yard dog sometimes. That’s a good thing…. Right…? Maybe I should read the book to find out.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
LikeLike
Yeah, read the book. It wouldn’t be fair to tell you outright if “JunkYard Dog” is an acceptable name. But then if, “Monannasuelynne” is acceptable, shy not “Junk Yard Dog”, Junk Yard–Cupcake?
LikeLike