The Good Dog

The Good Dog
by Todd Kessler
illustrated by Jennifer Gray Olson
published by Greenleaf Book Group

The Blurb

Join Tako on an adventure as he makes a brave choice and proves that heroes come in all shapes and sizes

When little Ricky Lee finds a puppy on the side of the road, he takes him home and names him Tako. Ricky's parents say that they will allow Tako to stay only if he is a good dog and follows the rules--or it's off to the pound he goes!

Tako wants more than anything to be a good dog and stay with Ricky, but when greedy Mr. Prichard hatches a plan to put the Lee family's bakery out of business, Tako has to break the rules to protect his new family. Will he be able to spoil Mr. Prichard's plan and be a hero, or will he end up in the pound?

My Two Cents

This book was cute.  It fell into that gap between picture book  and chapter book...it is illustrated throughout, but is much longer than the traditional 32 page picture book.  I would recommend it for picture book readers who are wanting to read a bit longer and meatier story.  I specifically enjoyed the illustrations.  

Notes of Interest

Todd Kessler is the co-creator and show runner of the highly successful children’s television series Blue’s Clues. He directed the pilot episode, creating an original storybook world unlike anything seen before on television. To date, he has completed 150 episodes, which air in thirty countries. Todd was named ”the David E. Kelley” of children’s television by the New York Times and is quoted extensively in Malcolm Gladwell’s bestseller The Tipping Point. Todd’s artistic and innovative work has garnered him the prestigious Peabody Award, seven Emmy nominations, two Television Critics Association Awards, five Parents’ Choice Awards, and a New York Film Festival CINE Golden Eagle.

The Good Dog has recently been endorsed by The American Humane Association!  

Find out more about The Good Dog!