Jake: A Labrador Puppy at Work and Play

Heartwarming photographs and a simple narrative chronicle the education of a pedigreed Labrador puppy as he learns some tricks from Luke, an eleven-year-old black Lab.

Grade 2-4-- A look at the first year in the life of a yellow labrador retriever. Through serviceable and clear prose, Jones gives a good picture of the puppy's personality as he matures and an even better picture of the steps needed to train him as a successful hunting dog. Eppridge's full-color photographs are the book's strongest drawing card: they are extremely attractive and appealing. There are a number of books available about a puppy's development, but this one offers a new slant as the animal is being trained to hunt, rather than as a family pet or to help the disabled. Therefore, those looking to expand their coverage in the 636.7 section should consider purchase. --Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, GA
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

An adorable puppy and a writer who understands dogs as deeply as he loves them are the subjects of this splendid photo essay. Jones chronicles the milestones in his dog Jake's first year, from the initial meeting with the elder Jones dog, Luke, to lessons in retrieving. The author's affection--a pure sort, born of respect and knowledge, and uncontaminated by coyness or embarrassment--permeates the text. Eppridge's photographs, too, cleanly capture Jake's brand of animal magnetism. The only danger: Jones is so experienced a trainer that Jake learns the household routines with few setbacks (he chews, photogenically, on a cat-shaped tea cozy), and housebreaking is painless--mere mortals might want to add Some Swell Pup to the syllabuses of young would-be dog-owners to foreshadow more typical experiences. Older readers should be encouraged to peruse Jones and Eppridge's Upland Passage: A Field Dog's Education , a simultaneously released adult trade title that greatly expands on the material covered here while retaining the same rare balance of enthusiasm, wisdom and restraint. Ages 8-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.