The Latchkey Dog - Hardcover

Auch, Mary Jane

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316059161 ISBN 13: 9780316059169

Publisher: Little, Brown, 1994

Synopsis

Determined not to let his parents get rid of his dog, Amber, who has no one to keep him company during the day, Sam, with the help of his friend, Jamie, tries to teach Amber to be a latchkey dog.

About this title

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-5-When Sam's father leaves and his mother goes to work, his golden retriever is lonely and disturbs the neighbors. Told that he must give Amber away, the boy tries a variety of ways to keep his pet, from offering her to an elderly neighbor to keeping her up all night to change her sleeping habits. Thinking that Sam's problems are a result of staying at home after school without adult supervision, his mother places him and his younger sister in a program at Happy Days Day Care Center, which takes in not only young children but also elderly people who can't be left home alone. This story begins with a child's dilemma and ends with a most satisfying conclusion, not only for Sam and his dog, but also for the people at the day-care center. Auch's approach to a problem in contemporary society is deftly handled, and her characters are completely believable. Black-and-white drawings scattered throughout enhance the action. Children will respond to Sam's ingenuity and will be reassured to see that there are many ways to solve problems creatively.
Jana R. Fine, Clearwater Public Library System, FL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 3-5. After Sam's father moves out and his mother takes a full-time job, no one is left at home to entertain Amber, the family's friendly pet. The lonely golden retriever expresses her frustrations by barking all day, thus annoying the elderly neighbors. In desperation, Mom decides the only solution is to put Amber up for adoption. Sam tries everything he can think of to change her mind and the dog's behavior (including taking Amber to the beach for an all-night romp in hopes that she will sleep the next day), with predictably disastrous and hilarious results. Eventually, everyone gives in a little--Mom arranges to work at home some days; a friend's father agrees to dog-sit on the other days; and Sam and Amber become volunteers after school at a local day-care/senior center. An appealing cast of characters, the humorous yet believable situations, and a strong sense of family highlight this easy chapter book, making it a good choice as a read-aloud or a read-alone. Illustrated with pen-and-ink sketches. Kay Weisman

About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0316059161
• ISBN 13: 9780316059169
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 120
• Illustrator: Smith Cat Bowman