Little Dog Poems

~Little Dog,
~~Little Dog,
~~~Little Dog --
"loves to supervise the neighborhood"

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

George, Kristine O'Connell; illustrated by June Otani. Little Dog Poems. New York: Clarion Books, 1999

ISBN 0395822661

PLOT SUMMARY:

Little Dog Poems is a book brimming with short, sweet poems about the life of a cute little dog and its owner. The book begins with the adorable dog waking its master with its Cold Nose which "is better than any alarm clock."As the book progresses so does the dog's day from battling with the Enemy -- "Little Dog barks and chases the noisy enemy around the house until the vacuum learns its lesson and stops growling" to the pooch's Morning Nap and finally Coming Home -- Little Dog is "jumping so high, trying to turn yourself inside out," Little Dog is happy [my] owner is home.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Kristine O'Connell George relies on both free-verse and concrete poetry, sometimes called visual poetry,  This book of Little Dog Poems is lacking what most people think of as poetry -- there is no rhyme, rhythm or cadence but this book certainly does conjure a Carpe diem spirit. This simple book covertly urges the reader to continue reading -- turning the pages -- even though the reader is intrinsically aware what will be on the next page -- they turn the page and another event of Little Dog's day is exposed. George speaks the words that every dog owner is cognizant of -- they know their dog wants to go outside and is always ready to battle a beetle. George does not use alliteration or versification in these poems, her poetry is based more on emotions. She is able to capture the moments of Little Dog's day and the various feelings -- sadness of the master leaving to happiness riding in the car and the owners arrival back home. Little Dog has an delightful and eventful day.

June Otani's watercolor illustrations in this book tell the perfect story -- realistic and heat-warming moments are captured for the readers. Little Dog approaches the Enemy vacuum curiously and protectively and when it is nap time the gentle and soft colors coupled with Little Dog's peaceful slumber has the reader relaxing and wishing happy thoughts for the pooch. The choice of watercolor adds a sense of gentleness and affection between owner and canine. Otani continues to mesmerize readers with the dogs happy expression on the Car Ride to it's effervescent bounce as Little Dog see it's owner Coming Home. True devotion is evident, it exists between Little Dog and the owner.

REVIEW EXCERPT:

Kirkus Reviews: These agreeable poems from George chronicle a day in the life of a little dog doing little dog things. After the obligatory cold nose wakes the dog's young keeper, the dog duels the vacuum cleaner, surveys the territory from the window, gives the letter carrier notice, curls like a watch spring into a spot on sunlight, snoozes, duels with a beetle, makes a mess, tears things apart, serves and protects.

CONNECTIONS:

* Read other poems by Kristine O'Connell George
* Discuss similarities of Little Dog and their pets
* Read what other animals need regarding care, food and shelter