Not Afraid of Dogs - Hardcover

Pitzer, Susanna

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0802780679 ISBN 13: 9780802780676

Publisher: Walker Childrens, 2006

Synopsis

Daniel is the bravest boy of all!

Daniel isn't afraid of spiders. He isn't afraid of snakes. He isn't even afraid of thunderstorms. And no matter what his sister says, he's certainly not afraid of dogs ― he just doesn't like them. But there's no avoiding them when he comes home and his mother is babysitting his aunt's dog.

Susanna Pitzer's humorous look into the nature of courage, fear, and friendship has a touching outcome for both the brave and the frail of heart, with expressive illustrations by Larry Day.

About this title

About the Author

SUSANNA PITZER currently resides in New York City with three Shetland Sheepdog sisters, Zzazu, Sofie, and Daisy. Zzazu is the inspiration for this book.

LARRY DAY is the illustrator of the acclaimed Let It Begin Here!, which received starred reviews in Booklist and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, and other picture books while also working in the advertising industry. Larry lives in Downers Grove, Illinois, with his wife, Melanie, and their two sons, Andrew and Peter.

Reviews

Starred Review. PreSchool-Grade 3–Daniel is the bravest boy in the world, able to face spiders, snakes, and thunderstorms...but he just doesn't like dogs. When his aunt goes on vacation and leaves her pet, Bandit, with his family, he stays in his room and refuses to come out. Later that night, he needs to use the bathroom and is startled by Bandit, who has been frightened by a thunderstorm and is cowering behind the toilet. Daniel's anxiety slowly turns to astonishment as he realizes that he can comfort the pup–and that he does like dogs after all. The boy's connection to Bandit rings absolutely true, as does his insistence on his lack of fear. Day's hilarious illustrations, done in pen and ink with watercolor and gouache, show the truth behind his bluster, starting with the comical cover picture of Daniel climbing a lamppost to avoid a group of passing canines. Text and pictures work on every level, and readers will remember Daniel and Bandit long after they put the book down.–Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Carroll County Public Library, MD
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PreS-Gr. 2. Every time his big sister observes that Daniel is afraid of dogs, he responds, "I'm not afraid of dogs . . . I just don't like them." He can avoid them on the street, but it's another matter when Aunt Rose's dog, Bandit, comes to stay at his house. Rather than eat with his family, Daniel retreats to his room and shuts the door. He ventures out late that night during a storm, only to find the dog trembling in the bathroom. Realizing that Bandit is afraid of thunder, Daniel reaches out and comforts him. Pitzer tells the appealing story with simplicity and restraint, allowing Daniel the dignity of his original stance and the opportunity to change his mind on his own. Day's sensitive ink drawings, brightened with watercolor and gouache washes, create a series of large-scale, double-page scenes that clearly illustrate the emotions as well as the actions and attitudes of the characters, including Bandit. An encouraging story for the many children who are afraid of dogs . . . or just don't like them. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Walker Childrens
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0802780679
• ISBN 13: 9780802780676
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Day Larry
• Number of pages: 32