PreS-K. Grooming a favorite topic in a fresh way, the
author-illustrator of Ten Puppies 2004, and others, introduces a
crew of dissatisfied dogs: "One day, just keeping busy was not
enough. The puppies wanted more." Selected one-by-one by a human
trainer, each of the 10 bright-eyed furballs lands an exciting job,
one that as an endnote explains can actually be performed by a
dog--from "apprentice sled puppy" to "guide puppy" to "expert pet."
The countdown premise is clearly presented, but what will stick
with most children is the artwork, in which Reiser achieves
distinctive textures through a process involving "Sharpie markers,
Wite-Out, watercolor paint, scissors, tape, and a copy machine."
Even if kids aren''t ready for the arithmetic concepts, they''ll coo
over the wriggling pups and connect with the underlying messages
about performing a task well; giving and receiving plenty of
affirmation "Good puppies!"; and balancing work and play. Try
this on toddlers who adore Susan Meyers'' Puppies! Puppies! Puppies!
2004 or Sandra Boynton''s Doggies 1984. Jennifer Mattson
Booklist - Jennifer Mattson
PreSchool-Grade 2-In this countdown companion to Ten Puppies
HarperCollins, 2003, 10 canines become bored and seek adventure
through employment. One by one, each is paired with a human and
given a professional responsibility-the first becomes a beginner
firefighter puppy and the last, an expert pet. In between, readers
encounter a therapy puppy and a groundskeeper. On the left-hand
page of each spread, those who remain are seen sitting, sleeping,
or scratching, with the hint of a new employer human feet are
shown bringing hope to them. The appropriate numeral appears in an
upper corner. On the right, the newly adopted pup is shown in a
framed scene, happily obeying a command. The number is spelled out
here. On the final spread, the 10 puppies reunite for playtime. Paw
Notes in the back matter offer additional information on the jobs;
a subtraction table is also included. Reiser''s crisp, uncluttered,
artful illustrations are the result of Sharpie markers, Wite-Out,
watercolors, scissors, and other materials. A worthwhile purchase
for storytime and as an introduction to subtraction.-Linda Zeilstra
Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL School Library Journal
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