Poetry Review - Poetry by Kristine O'Connell George

Book Cover Photo Source: Barnes and Noble, http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Little-Dog-Poems/Kristine-OConnell-George/e/9780395822661/?itm=1, accessed October 13, 2008.

Bibliography
George, Kristine O’Connell. 1999. LITTLE DOG POEMS. Ill. by June Otani. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395822661

Plot Summary
In this charming book of poetry we spend a day with a little girl and her Little Dog. Little Dog protects the girl from the vacuum cleaner, guards the house against mail jeeps, delivery trucks and cats, and loves presents from the pet store. This book of 30 lively poems is a must for every dog lover!

Critical Analysis
In this collection of 30 short poems, Kristine O’Connell George takes us through an ordinary day for Little Dog. Any child who has ever had a pet will relate to these easy to read short poems. From waking up in the morning, “Little Dog’s cold nose/is better than any/alarm clock”, to bedtime, “No one will ever guess/that the lump/under my blanket is/Little Dog”, we witness the love and admiration between dog and owner.

June Otani’s illustrations, done in eye-catching watercolor, are a perfect match for the playful text, which sometimes swirls around the page. Through her pictures we can actually “see” Little Dog in our minds and all of the adventures she has in a normal day. We come to know how much the little girl loves Little Dog in one poem about Little Dog’s birthday. “Only someone/who loves Little Dog/very much/would bake/birthday cookies with/liver powder.” This is an enchanting book which will be a joy to share with even the youngest of readers.

Review Excerpt(s)
HORN BOOK review: “The events are as ordinary, and as entrancing, as a child's own daily round; the language is simple and concrete enough for the youngest listeners.”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “Otani's familiarity with the exuberance and joy of puppies and children shines through her delicate watercolors, and she depicts their pounces and feints, cuddles and anticipation, with a deft sense of line.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The poetry and paintings in Little Dog Poems complement one another wonderfully and bring to life an engaging canine character.”
KIRKUS REVIEWS: “George plays with words with a sure hand; just as surely, Otani picks up on their expressive qualities, e.g., showing the bedraggled pup in "Bath," "Dripping and soggy,/Little Dog/really is/little." A charming glimpse of life with a small dog, and its small but satisfying pleasures.”

Connections
This book would be a wonderful new way to share poetry with children. It is not the typical rhyming poems that so many children come to expect. It would be a great way for you to have your children in class make up their own poems about a familiar topic.
Other engaging books of poetry by Kristine O’Connell George
TOASTING MARSHMALLOWS ISBN 061804597X
THE GREAT FROG RACE: AND OTHER POEMS ISBN 0618604782
SWIMMING UPSTREAM: MIDDLE SCHOOL POEMS ISBN 0618152504
BOOK! ISBN 0395982871
FOLD ME A POEM ISBN 0152025014