Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

In this playful, rhyming ode to dogs and dog lovers, Cole explores a variety of canine characteristics, from the mirthful to the mischievous."We want a dog." This loaded demand heard by parents throughout the ages is the opening volley for the pro-pooch crew. Next to the text (printed in cream, sans-serif type against black) lies a peaceful, slumbering dog curled up on a red, circular bed, a blissful image to accompany the request. To which the respondent blithely returns, "What kind of dog?" They want specificity: "One that races? One that chases? / One that digs in muddy places?" The clever questions continue in a seeming effort to discern what type of dog is most desired-but taken all together, they encapsulate the active, messy, unpredictable fun that dog ownership can be. Lively, rhyming text is perfectly paired with expressive, energetic artwork. The bold digital illustrations, done in a minimal palette of black, white, and red, are full of spontaneity and ingeniousness; a delightful gatefold allows for an ordinary spotted dog to become extraordinarily long, accompanied by the also-expanding question "One that grows…and grows…and grows?" The simple but sophisticated graphic style is reminiscent of Michael Hall and Craig Frazier. Together, text and art will garner giggles for this perfect read-aloud with a surprise twist ending!For dog owners, pet lovers, and parents of children clamoring for a dog: an absolute delight. (Picture book. 3-8)

ALA Booklist (Thu Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

For kids who'd like to get a dog, a series of peppy rhyming queries, accompanied by bright, bold art, humorously showcase an array of potential doggy traits and behaviors to ponder before making a decision. After all, there are all sorts of dogs ne with hair? / One that's bare? / One that likes to sit and stare?" Maybe, "One that races? / One that chases?" Then again, though, it could be "One with fleas" or, alas, "one that pees on Christmas trees." Ultimately, the cheeky final spread suggests that, perhaps, a dog may not be for everyone. Eye-catching illustrations in red, black, and gray hues pop with patterns and texture and incorporate simplified shapes to portray all manner of pups, from those wearing fancy bows to others making mischief, like sneakily snagging food from a garbage can. Young dog aficionados will find much to amuse and entertain here, and for those wishing for their own canine companion, this droll, bouncy book also provides lots to consider (and perhaps give pause) in a playful, engaging fashion.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

In this playful, rhyming ode to dogs and dog lovers, Cole explores a variety of canine characteristics, from the mirthful to the mischievous."We want a dog." This loaded demand heard by parents throughout the ages is the opening volley for the pro-pooch crew. Next to the text (printed in cream, sans-serif type against black) lies a peaceful, slumbering dog curled up on a red, circular bed, a blissful image to accompany the request. To which the respondent blithely returns, "What kind of dog?" They want specificity: "One that races? One that chases? / One that digs in muddy places?" The clever questions continue in a seeming effort to discern what type of dog is most desired-but taken all together, they encapsulate the active, messy, unpredictable fun that dog ownership can be. Lively, rhyming text is perfectly paired with expressive, energetic artwork. The bold digital illustrations, done in a minimal palette of black, white, and red, are full of spontaneity and ingeniousness; a delightful gatefold allows for an ordinary spotted dog to become extraordinarily long, accompanied by the also-expanding question "One that grows…and grows…and grows?" The simple but sophisticated graphic style is reminiscent of Michael Hall and Craig Frazier. Together, text and art will garner giggles for this perfect read-aloud with a surprise twist ending!For dog owners, pet lovers, and parents of children clamoring for a dog: an absolute delight. (Picture book. 3-8)

School Library Journal (Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 CDT 2021)

PreS-Gr 2 Even if you think you want a dog, it turns out there are an awful lot of traits you might not like in your new pet. Would you really want "One that begs?/ One that sheds?/ One that rips things into shreds?" In playful verse the many downsides of doggy behavior are enumerated until the very end when the narrator has a change of heart. The digitally created illustrations pop off the page in flat black, white, red, and gray. Strong, simplified shapes of dogs being dogs are arranged dynamically to both please and surprise the eye. Fledgling readers will be able to take a crack at the spare text on their own, while readers and listeners alike will get a giggle out of the fact that farts and peeing on the Christmas tree are not overlooked. VERDICT A visual treat with a jaunty, easy-to-read text, this should have wide appeal. Jan Aldrich Solow, formerly Fairfax County Public Sch., VA