Love That Dog

This really is a super little book that first came to prominence back in 2001. It is written from the perspective of Jack, an Elementary school pupil who initially has an aversion to reading/writing poetry. However, his teacher, Miss Stretchberry (what a great name) tries her best to encourage him. Jack decides to write a weekly diary in which he initially reveals that he doesn't understand the relevance or importance of poetry. On page 1 he states:I don't want tobecause boysDon't write poetry.Girls do.He goes on to suggest that he had given it a go but that his mind just wasn't in it:I tried.Can't do it.Brain's empty.Eventually though, he is introduced to the work of Walter Dean Myers and this inspires him to attempt to write a poem about a traumatic event in his life. He comes to realise that indeed he is capable of writing poetry and that, in some ways, it is a way of dealing with life's painful experiences. The whole of this 100 page book is actually written in verse, which makes it a quick, light read - so 10 minutes from start to finish is no exaggeration!Although this book is targeted at younger readers, I would recommend it to everyone - children, parents, grandparents or anyone else who has never been inclined to read/write poetry. It's a little gem!

I am now on my fourth copy of this book, because whenever I lend it to someone, it never comes back. This is a slender volume which can be read in one sitting, but which will stay with you for the rest of your life.It is told in the form of short poems or verses on every page from the point of view of a child in school. The child is struggling to learn about what makes poetry poetic, and why poetry is important. Those difficulties are played out in poetic form on the page.The other theme of the book is the child's relationship with its dog, the most important thing in its life. The child wrestles with poetry to try and express the often inexpressible feelings it has about the dog and what it means to have a relationship with it.The book is hauntingly sad, fantastically beautiful and never fails to touch those who read it. I gave this book to my mother who teaches literature to the under twelves, and who often find it difficult to engage with poetry. She has now worn out two copies of the book and says it is the most powerfully affecting book she has ever used to teach with. Children love it, adults love it, you will love it. You must buy it.

What better way to introduce the power of poetry to a child, or indeed, an adult than with Sharon Creech's Love That Dog? A short volume written in free verse, it does everything poetry should; it elicits an emotional response, it paints vivid imagery in concise language and it speaks of the human condition. A simple, accessible structure that describes a boy's response to poetry with his class teacher, gradually he begins to appreciate great words and even writes his own moving verse about his beloved dog. It is both poignant and funny. Don't worry about searching out the poems mentioned - they are all supplied in the back of the book. In short, it is beautiful and moving and I am still crying ... I am not a writer but if I could have chosen to write anything, I would have written this perfect little book.

Strange combination of very simple words and poems and quite complex ideas. I think the overall idea works on several levels and might be more satisfying to adults than children but I felt a little frustrated that there wasn't a bit more written about a concept I thought deserved more.

My daughter loved this. Shows you not all poetry has to rhyme.A great addition to her collection. Definitely recommend.Was a reading book studied in a friends year 5 class of an academic school.

My grandaughter is enjoying reading it.

The first book every to make me laugh about a VERY SERIOUS Robert Frost poem.The first book, too, to make me cry in a long while.Amazing in its originality. Moving in the best of ways.A gem.A joy.

The perfect and very touching expression of a little boy's unexpressed feelings for his yellow dog. I read it in one go, standing up drinking coffee, it's that fast, and have re-read it and re-read it since, and it makes me cry every time (in a good way). Just beautiful.

I used this to teach my class about poetry! They loved it.

I had already read this book and a bought a copy to share with my class. The book is something that warms my heart always. Delivery was timely and book was brand new condition. Happy with my whole experience ☺️

Au programme du CM1 / Grade 4 dans l’école bilingue de ma fille. Pas facile au début de comprendre. Mais une fois qu’on y est c’est super mignon. On veut savoir la suite. Littérature anglaise qui nécessite de bonnes bases mais livre court.

Cute poems for a teen.

... sondern eher für Liebhaber der englischen/amerikanischen Literatur und modernen Dichtung. Wir lesen, was ein Kind über seinen Unterricht in der Schule und über die Texte denkt, die seine Lehrerin ihm "zumutet", und dahinter erscheint eine geniale, einfühlsame Lehrerin, der es gelingt, das Kind für Gedichte zu begeistert. Derüber hinaus hilft sie ihm ganz behutsam, über seine Trauer und seinen Verlust zu sprechen. Ein kleines, harmlos daherkommendes, aber vielschichtiges und kuges Buch.