About the Holiday
Is there anyone you can count on as much as your pet? Sure, they can’t really help with the chores or remind you of appointments, but they’re always there to give you a little love and more than a few laughs. This week we celebrate our pets by showing them how much we appreciate them. This can be shown in so many ways from a new toy to special treats to an extra long walk or play session. This week is also a good time to make sure your pet’s medical needs are up-to-date too.
I received a copy of Nanny Paws from Two Lions to check out. All opinions are my own.
Nanny Paws
By Wendy Wahman
Nanny Paws loved watching over her girls, Ally and Mae. “Why just last Tuesday she woke the twins, washed their faces, and helped them get dressed.” She got them cookies for breakfast—while chomping a few herself!—cleared the table lickety split, and walked them to school through the dog park where all the other nannies hung out. Nanny Paws kept herself busy during the day with chores like picking up toys and doing “a little gardening.”
Copyright Wendy Wahman, 2018, courtesy of Two Lions Publishing.
When Ally and Mae came home early from school with tummy aches on that Tuesday, Nanny Paws couldn’t imagine how they could have gotten sick. Did they drink out of the bird bath or gnaw on dirty shoes? All that mattered, though, was that Nanny Paws take care of them in her own special way. In bed she lay on them to keep them warm, and she “sang a lilting lullaby.”
Copyright Wendy Wahman, 2018, courtesy of Two Lions Publishing.
After a nap, Ally and Mae felt better. “Nanny Paws recommended chicken soup, saltines, and… a belly rub.” Then it was time for some outdoor exercise. Before bedtime Nanny Paws shared a story, tested the bath water, and then sniffed out the girls along a sock-strewn scavenger hunt to made sure they jumped in the tub to get nice and clean. “Who knew being a nanny was such hard work?” But did Nanny Paws mind? “Not that Tuesday, or any other day.”
Copyright Wendy Wahman, 2018, courtesy of Two Lions Publishing.
Wendy Wahman’s laugh-out-loud story will delight kids, and any pet owner will instantly recognize the zany shenanigans that endear furry friends to a family. As a particular Tuesday plays out, adorable Ally and Mae’s sweet poodle is at the center of the action, eager to help out just as any good nanny would. But who is she really helping? Wahman’s straightforward storytelling juxtaposes hilariously with her madcap illustrations that offer up funny, dog-centric interpretations of each task in the children’s day.
Wahman’s colorful and exuberant images capture the joys—and “oh, no!” moments—that ensue when kids and a playful puppy are brought together. Ally and Mae giggle, enjoying the mischief as Nanny Paws jumps on the bed to lick them awake, plays tug-of-war with their socks, and provides cookies for breakfast as their plates of eggs and fruit grow cold on the table just waiting for Nanny Paws to “clean up.” Wahman’s special talent for portraying animals is on full display as energetic dogs frolic at the park, and Nanny Paws romps around the house, monopolizes the bed, and shakes bathwater onto the already dry girls. Nanny Paws’ touching way of comforting Ally and Mae with an ear on each girl’s head is ingeniously charming and will make kids and adult say “awww.”
Kids will fall in love with this little pink poodle and want her to visit every day, making Nanny Paws a perfect addition to the family bookshelf or classroom library.
Ages 3 – 7
Two Lions, 2018 | ISBN 978-1503954366
Discover more about Wendy Wahman, her books, and her art on her website.
Pause a moment to watch the Nanny Paws book trailer!
Pet Appreciation Week Activity
Pet Paw Magnet
A print of your pet’s paw makes a cute magnet for your fridge or locker to give you a paw…er, hand… holding those important messages and pictures. Here’s how to do this easy craft with your dog or cat.
Supplies
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/4 cup water
- Cookie cutter (optional)
- Bowl
- Wax paper
- Strong multi-surface glue or hot glue gun
- Strong magnet, available at craft stores
- Paint (optional)
Directions
- Mix the flour and salt in the bowl
- Slowly add the water and mix the dough, kneading it until it is smooth and soft. Add more water if necessary.
- Roll out the dough until it is about 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick
- Place the dough on the wax paper
- Carefully press your pet’s paw into the dough.
- Place the cookie cutter over the print and cut out
- Bake the paw print at 250 degrees for 1 to 2 hours depending on thickness of dough
- If desired, paint the print, the background, or both
- Attach the magnet with the glue
- Display your magnet
Picture Book Review
celebratepicturebooks.com 