About the Holiday

Today’s fun holiday reminds dog moms and dads that people aren’t the only ones who like to party – dogs do too! Throwing a party for your pooch and their best buds with toys, games, treats, and all the trimmings is a perfect way to spend a summer day. For more information and tips on how to plan a successful party, visit dogtime.com.

WOOF! The Truth About Dogs

By Annette Whipple

 

If you love dogs, you can probably recognize different breeds just by their tail…or snout… or, maybe even by their bark. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that “dogs are the most popular pet in the world,” but why is that? Readers are about to find out with Annette Whipple’s WOOF!, which includes adorable photographs and answers to lots of questions you might have about dogs. Where does she begin? With puppies, of course! If you’ve ever seen a newborn puppy, you probably noticed three things right away: they are tiny, they have a unique, unforgettable sweet puppy smell, and they keep their eyes closed—for a long time. Why? Incredibly, “a puppy and its siblings grow for just two months in their mother’s womb. That’s fast—too fast to fully develop.” Whipple explains all the things newborn puppies can’t do and how their mom’s help them.

You know that when a dog wags his tail, it means it’s happy. But do dogs experience other feelings? Whipple says, Yes! With text and photographs, she describes a dog’s various emotions and shows readers how they exhibit and communicate them to their humans. Dogs help their humans learn about them, but how do dogs learn about their humans and other parts of their world? Dogs are master sniffers! “Dogs smell thousands—possible millions—of times better than humans.” How is this possible? Whipple shows what goes on inside a dog’s snout and tells readers why they—and unfamiliar dogs—always undergo a sniff test.

Having a dog as a pet is lots of fun, and they bring comfort and companionship too. But dogs can also help people in a myriad of ways from herding sheep and cows on a ranch to assisting police officers and soldiers to living with someone as a service dog to provide daily needs and keep them safe and healthy. Whipple reveals fascinating details about these special dogs and includes photographs of dogs at work. Think some dogs look like wolves? Whipple states that “scientists know dogs descend from wolves,” but goes on to relate all the ways—some of which are astounding—that dogs and wolves differ.

Whipple reveals ways that kids can help their canine friends at home or by volunteering at or fundraising for a local animal shelter. She also shows readers how to meet a dog as well as important actions to not take when greeting a dog. Interested in knowing which dog is the largest, tallest, smallest, fastest, hairiest, and not so hairy? That’s all hear too. And any dog lover likes nothing more than playing with their pet. Whipple includes instructions for making a tug toy out of recycled material that will make kids happy and keep their dogs wagging their tail.

Sidebars illustrated by Juanbjuan Oliver reveal more intriguing facts about dogs throughout the book. Backmatter includes a glossary of words found in the text as well as Internet resources from further learning.

Annette Whipple’s engaging and informative text educates readers—whether they are already dog owners, considering getting a pet, or just want to know how to interact with dogs they meet—on the health and behaviors of these beloved animals. Her straightforward delivery backed up by excellent photographs of a wide range of breeds will appeal to kids. Children who may love dogs but for some reason can’t have one at home, will want to check out Whipple’s discussion of various ways kids can volunteer to help dogs.

Visually striking and filled with information that’s sure to surprise, impress, and educate kids about dogs, WOOF! The Truth About Dogs would make an excellent choice for new or prospective dog owners at home and as an addition to school and public library collections.

Ages 6 – 11

Reycraft Books, 2021 | ISBN 978-1478873808

Discover more about Annette Whipple and her books on her website.

National Dog Party Day Activity

Homemade Dog Biscuits

 

These homemade dog biscuits are fun to make and a special treat for your dog at home, a neighbor’s pet, or dogs waiting for forever homes at your local shelter. 

*Children should have adult supervision when using the oven.

Supplies

• 1 large bowl
• Large spoon or whisk
• Cookie cutters – shaped like traditional dog bones or any favorite shape

Ingredients

• 3 cups Buckwheat flour
• ½ cup powdered milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup water
• 1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted
• 1 egg beaten

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. Add buckwheat flour to bowl
3. Add powdered milk to bowl
4. Add salt to bowl
5. Stir to mix dry ingredients
6. Add water
7. Add melted margarine or butter
8. Add egg
9. Stir until liquid is absorbed
10. Knead for a few minutes to form a dough
11. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one Tablespoon at a time
12. Place the dough on a board
13. Roll dough to ½ inch thickness
14. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters
15. Bake at 325 degrees for 35 minutes
16. Biscuits will be hard when cool.

Makes about 40 biscuits.

You can find WOOF! The Truth About Dogs at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million

To support your local independent bookstore, order from

Bookshop | IndieBound

Picture Book Review