On the first morning of the world, a man and a dog forged a solid friendship. Ever since, in cultures all around the globe, dogs have been our faithful companions -- inseparable, dependable, loyal, and loving.
Gerald and Loretta Hausman retell thirteen tales that capture the spirit of our beloved friend, the many-faceted dog. Here are trickster dogs, like the well-meaning but forgetful husky who accidentally brought Death to the world. Here are guardian dogs, like the wolfhound who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect his master's baby. Here are super dogs, like the poodle who could speak four languages, catch bullets with his teeth, and change shape. Here, too, is the story of that first man and dog and the promises they made -- and many more.
The Hausmans beautifully evoke the varied cultures that nourished each tale -- from that of the Nyanga people of Africa to that of the Ainu of Japan and the Siberian Eskimos of Unisak -- and their rich storytelling style makes each an irresistible read-aloud. Barry Moser's brilliant watercolors gracefully pay homage to thirteen different breeds. So, dip into these pages and enjoy finding your own best friend -- in the mythic proportions every dog deserves.
Man's best friend is at the heart of 13 curious tales culled from worldwide traditions, crossing oceans and time. From Africa to Arabia, China to Japan, the stories span a range in both tone and subject matter. While many of the stories appeared in the Hausmans' The Mythology of Dogs (1997), those regathered here are the archetypal and mythological, the fanciful and magical, including ghost dogs, immortals, and canine heroes who speak and sing, marry princesses, transform, catch flying bullets in their teeth, and recover magic rings. A two-inch-tall faery dog shines in ``King Herla's Hound,'' while the mighty Thor's companion reveals why the watchdog Rottweiler's fierce growl sounds like thunder in the throat in the pourquoi tale ``Thunder Mouth Dog.'' The Hausmans are well-grounded in both folkloric elements and storytelling sensibility, arranging their tales in short chapters such as ``Trickster Dogs,'' ``Enchanted Dogs,'' and ``Guardian Dogs''; they punctuate each with an explanatory, if complex, punchline of sorts. Moser's characteristically striking design portrays the akita and basenji, spaniel and shar-pei as if the dogs posed for portrait sittings. Singular compositions focus on each dog as individual, without ornament or fanfare, as if in sculptural relief, carved against the surrounding vast plane of the page. (notes, sources) (Folklore. 8-14) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
