Friday, July 07, 2006

Mutt Dog

King, Stephen Michael. Mutt Dog! Illustrated by Stephen Michael King. Harcourt, 2005. ISBN 0152055614. $16.00. Ages 2-5.

King begins with a remarkably simple story about a search for a home and weaves it into an inspiring tale of love of the canine sort as Mutt Dog finds the affection he has longed for his entire life. Cast out and living on the streets of a booming metropolis, Mutt Dog is in a daily struggle for survival until one cold and blustery day, he wanders into a shelter and a nice lady lets him sleep inside. The next morning, she kicks him out only to call him back and take him home to her welcoming family. Readers will appreciate King’s sometimes sorrowful, yet colorful sketches that set off the story as Mutt Dog encounters further hardships until he finally arrives at a place called home.

This book could be used to talk about hardships faced in major metropolitan areas by people who are homeless and how shelters are places of refuge. It can also be used to teach compassion for others.

Darcie Pike, Intervention Specialist, Senior, BGSU

No comments: