Dogs - Softcover

Seymour Simon has been called “the dean of the [children’s science book] field” by the New York Times. He has written more than 300 books for young readers and has received the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contribution to children’s science literature, the Science Books & Films Key Award for Excellence in Science Books, the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people, and the Educational Paperback Association Jeremiah Ludington Award. He and his wife, Liz, live in Columbia County in Upstate New York. You can visit him online at www.seymoursimon.com, where students can post on the “Seymour Science Blog” and educators can download a free four-page teacher guide to accompany this book, putting it in context with Common Core objectives. Join the growing legion of @seymoursimon fans on Twitter!

Gr. 2-3, younger for reading aloud. There are other books about these popular pets, but most are for older children. Here, Simon writes crisply for a young audience, who will eagerly turn the pages to see the next endearing color photograph. In Dogs, he begins with overall characteristics framed in ways kids can understand: "Dogs are able to swallow much larger hunks of food than humans are able to swallow." Simon also describes dogs' senses, their intelligence, and means of communication. Descriptions of birth and growth are enhanced by a full-page picture of puppies feeding and a smaller photo of a tiny puppy held in a hand. Simon also describes different breeds, including terriers, shepherds, and toys. Cats covers most of the same topics with the same sort of photos--for example, kittens feeding. Both books use a page or two to discuss pet care and end with pictures of various breeds. Simon's always lucid prose is matched by sharp photos, most of which fill up the pages. An attractive way to introduce children to nonfiction. Ilene Cooper
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