About the Holiday
In 1928, Captain William Lewis Judy, founder of Dog World magazine National Dog Week established National Dog Week to celebrate the joy and companionship we get from our pups while also reminding people of what it takes to be a responsible dog owner. As members of the family, puppies and older dogs deserve as much love, care, and respect as their humans. To celebrate this week, take your dog for an extra walk or two, get (or make) them a new toy, and don’t forget to give them an extra treat.
Thank you to Bloomsbury Children’s Books for sharing a copy of Oodles of Poodles and Doodles with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.
Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors
Written by Stephanie Calmenson | Illustrated by Hollie Hibbert
It’s time to celebrate Poodle and Doodle Day! Friends and their dogs eagerly enter the dog park, where “there are oodles of poodles and doodles to meet,” each one sporting their favorite color. First down the path is a “pink-ribboned poodle,” her well-coifed cut accented by a big rose bow. Two more poodles join the fun, one playing with a yellow banana squeaky toy and the other bounding along with her blue bear. Here come two more to join the party. “See the goldendoodle racing past? / His big red wheels help him move fast.” An aussiedoodle carries “a long brown stick” while a sheepadoodle noshes on a cookie that’s black and white.
Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.
The party is in full swing when the doodles spy a dachshund in their midst. The pink-ribboned “poodle starts barking, “who are you?” and tells the dachshund he must leave the poodle/doodle-only party. But then a small poodle barks up to tell her friend “that is wrong! This dog must stay. He does belong.” She explains that while he’s not an oodle, he’s her “friend, so he’s a froodle!” She goes on to reveal that a froodle is a “friend + oodle.”
Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.
It turns out that all of the dogs at the party have a froodle, and they invite these pals to join the newly renamed Poodle Doodle Froodle Party. All the dogs agree that “the party is merrier when froodles come too.”
Back matter includes an illustrated page of seven haircuts that are common for poodles and the benefits of the various cuts. Stephanie Calmenson also includes the story of the first-ever doodle dog—a Labrador/poodle mix named Sultan and how he came to be. Illustrations of eight types of doodles invite children to research more about these unique dogs. Kids will also enjoy seeing a photograph of the real Jeeter the poodle and Harry the dachshund that inspired the story.
Illustration copyright Hollie Hibbert, 2024; text copyright Stephanie Calmenson, 2024. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Children’s Books.
Dog- and pet-loving children will be excited to join the poodles and doodles at the dog park as they learn colors. Stephanie Calmenson’s enthusiastic rhymes not only introduce ten colors but three different poodles and six breeds of doodles. The dogs’ playfulness as they bound around the dog park carrying their favorite toys, getting into mischief, and noshing on treats will delight kids. When one poodle sticks up for her non-doodle friend’s right to come to the party over the objections of another poodle, Calmenson uses straightforward language kids can understand and emulate if they find themselves in similar circumstances. As the rest of the dogs realize they also have “froodles,” readers learn a gently imparted, but still powerful lesson about the hurt and injustice of prejudice and exclusivity.
Hollie Hibbert’s vibrant illustrations put the focus on color, inclusion, and friendship as young children are invited to find, point out, and name a full palette of colors in addition to those featured on the poodles and doodles. Each page of these featured colors also include more examples in surrounding flowers, clothing, toys, and other objects which will encourage kids to find them in their own natural environments.
A kid-pleasing romp through color identification, friendship building, and dogs!, dogs!, dogs!, Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors is a book that kids and adults will have fun sharing again and again. The book is a top pick for home and library collections.
Ages 3 – 6
Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2024 | ISBN 978-1547612277
About the Author
Stephanie Calmenson’s books have been called “marvelous” (Publishers Weekly), “lyrical” (School Library Journal), “hilarious” (School Library Journal), and “sweet, funny, and right on the mark” (Booklist). With over 100 books to her credit, she writes for babies, toddlers, elementary school kids and, for all ages, books about dogs.
Her picture books include the beloved classic Dinner at the Panda Palace, a PBS Storytime Book; How to Cheer Up a Friend; May I Pet Your Dog?; and Dozens of Dachshunds. Early chapter books include the Our Principal series and The Adventures of Allie and Amy series, written with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole.
A former teacher and children’s book editor, Stephanie feels privileged to have found work that brings together her love of children, language, and laughter. Visit Stephanie at stephaniecalmenson.com.
About the Illustrator
Hollie Hibbert is a dog-loving digital artist. She earned her BFA from Brigham Young University–Idaho. She has been working full-time in educational software since 2011. She illustrates a range of publishing and editorial projects and enjoys exhibiting at comic conventions and art shows. Her other hobbies include book arts, playing the piano, traveling, reading, indoor cycling, cooking, and online shopping. To learn more about Hollie and see a portfolio of her work, visit her at holliehibbert.com.
National Dog Week Activity
Paw Print Magnet
Whether you have a dog or a cat, a print of your pet’s paw makes a cute magnet for your fridge or locker to give you a paw . . . I mean hand . . . holding those important messages and pictures. Here’s how to do this easy craft with your pet.
Supplies
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 1/4 cup water
- Cookie cutter (optional)
- Bowl
- Wax paper
- 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 or shape the dough by hand
- 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
You can purchase Oodles of Poodles and Doodles: A Woofing, Wagging Book of Colors at these booksellers
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)
Picture Book Review
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