The Dog Child

By Simon Black, Honorio Robledo Tapia

Dogs are people too. (Well, not really.)

Description

Have you ever met people who think their dog is sooo wonderful? They talk about little Princess or Fido ALL the time. You wonder if they secretly think their dog is…a kid! Well, if you think they’re weird, you haven’t met Mr. and Mrs. McVitie. The McVities love their dog Judy so much, they long ago forgot that she’s not human. They let her sleep between them in the bed, they sew little outfits for her, they take her photo at every opportunity. One day, they dress her up and send her to kindergarten. The McVities even have a birthday party for Judy and invite all the kids and their parents. Are the McVities out of their minds? the parents wonder. Do these people think this dog is a kid? At the party, they soon find out exactly what the McVities think–and it’s even worse than they imagined: the McVities want Judy to blow out the candles! Judy saves the day with a birthday wish that changes their lives forever, and finally helps the McVities face reality. (Well, sort of).

About the Creators

Simon Black

Simon Black teaches in the English department at Cal State LA. He is currently a writer on the animated show Chico and Guapo, which debuts in October on MTV2 and features two Latino characters trying to make it in the music business. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, two kids and dog named Judy.

Honorio Robledo Tapia

Honorio Robledo, artist and musician, has illustrated four Lee & Low books: ¡El Cucuy!, Nico Visits the Moon and The Dog Child with the imprint Cinco Puntos Press, and Super Cilantro Girl with Children's Book Press. He and his wife Luana moved to Mexico many years ago so their children could grow up barefoot.

Reviews

  • "A story that can be read as fable or lampoon of the doting dog owner... A cheerful valentine to family life and man's best friend."

    - The New York Times
  • * "Written by Simon Black and illustrated by Honorio Robledo, The Dog Child is a very special picturebook that will prove to be of particular interest to young readers with canine companions of their own. Judy is a dog whose family dresses her up in clothes, takes her to school, even gives her a birthday party. When Judy blows out the candles on her birthday cake she makes just one wish--that the McVittie family will soon have a human baby so that Judy can go back to being the family dog and enjoying the usual doggie benefits. This highly entertaining picturebook story for young readers is a welcome addition to the library picturebook shelves."

    - Midwest Book Review

Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Holidays & Celebrations / Birthdays
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Family / New Baby
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Animals / Dogs
  • Themes Animals, Families, Fiction, Kindness / Caring, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Realistic Fiction
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 9
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading M
  • DRA 28
  • Interest Level Grades K - 3
  • Reading Level Grades 2 - 3
  • Bebop Reading Early Fluent
  • ADA Site Compliance-Accessibility Policy