Not My Dog - Hardcover

Rodowsky, Colby

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0374355312 ISBN 13: 9780374355319

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), 1999

Synopsis

Ellie Martin fiercely resists her new dog's charms

It isn't Ellie's fault, really. She's always wanted a puppy, and now that she's almost nine, finally old enough to get one, Preston is foisted on her. What's more, her parents say that this fully grown mutt that Great-aunt Margaret can no longer keep will have to do. They can't very well have a dog and a puppy. Although heartbroken and resentful, Ellie does see Preston's virtues. Still, she refuses to accept him as her dog. Then Ellie's resistance almost costs her Preston, and at last she embraces him. Colby Rodowsky's story about a child's change of heart has just enough tenderness -- and just enough bite -- to satisfy young dog lovers. Captivating drawings by Thomas F. Yezerski highlight the experience.

About this title

About the Author

Colby Rodowsky's most recent books are The Turnabout Shop and Remembering Mog. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Thomas F. Yezerski is the creator of Together in Pinecone Patch. He lives in Rutherford, New Jersey.

Reviews

Grade 2-4-Ellie Martin has always wanted a puppy and her parents have promised that she can have one when she turns nine. Before her birthday, a letter arrives from her great-aunt, who explains that she must move into an apartment where pets are not allowed. Trying to make the best of a difficult situation, Ellie's parents tell their daughter that she can have her great-aunt's dog, Preston. To Ellie, he is a boring, brown dog and definitely not what she had in mind. Preston, however, proves to be a good friend; he helps her find her way home when she gets lost and keeps her company when she gets sick. Slowly, Ellie's affection for the animal grows. This beginning chapter book will have readers rooting for Preston and empathizing with the girl as she struggles with disappointment. The dilemma of an elderly person who is unable to keep her beloved pet is sensitively treated and adds to the realism of the story. Occasional black-and-white drawings illustrate the text.
Carol Schene, Taunton Public Schools, MA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Rodowsky (The Turnabout Shop) is right on target expressing how it feels to receive a gift that is not quite right. For three years, eight-year-old Ellie has been dreaming of getting a dog that will "give puppy kisses" and "skid across the floor, his toenails making clicking sounds against the wood." But her dream misfires when Great-Aunt Margaret has to move into an apartment that won't take her dog, Preston, and Ellie's parents offer to adopt him. Preston looks like Ellie's worst nightmare, "a sort of square, boring brown dog with sticking-up ears and a skinny tail." It does not take Ellie long, however, to realize that the pooch has some redeeming qualities: when Ellie gets sick, he stays by her side, and when she gets lost in her friend's neighborhood, he leads her home. Turning her attention to a younger audience, the author writes a genuine, gently humorous and uncomplicated story about compromise and love. Readers will alternately empathize with Ellie, who has to settle for a hand-me-down pet, and Preston, who suffers a bout of homesickness before winning his new owner's affection. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 7-11.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ellie has always wanted a puppy, and her parents have told her she can have one when she's nine. Then her great-aunt has to move into an apartment, and asks Ellie's family to take in her dog, Preston, instead of a puppy. Preston, a full-grown, ordinary mutt, is definitely not what Ellie had in mind, but through his friendliness, affection, and aid when she's lost, he gradually wins her over. Rodowsky (The Turnabout Shop, 1998, etc.) keeps the pace quick and the tone light; Ellie, though stubborn, is never bratty, and Preston, while never anthropomorphized, is clearly aware of the loss of his owner. Small moments give the story its gentle glow, e.g., Preston looking out the window on his first night, Ellie scratching his ears until he falls asleep. (b&w illustrations, not seen) (Fiction. 7-11) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Edition details

• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0374355312
• ISBN 13: 9780374355319
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Yezerski Thomas F.
• Number of pages: 80