ALA Booklist (Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 CST 1996)

Like many easy readers, this I Can Read Book is also for sharing with younger children. A boy wants the family dog to play ball, but his big sister explains that Digby is too old now to run and catch. She says that when she was small, Digby could roll over and shake and jump a stick, but now Digby can do other things and watch them play and be their friend. The story of aging and of time passing is told in very simple conversation--a question from him, an explanation from her--and the bright contemporary pictures show the bond between the African American brother and sister and their beloved pet. (Reviewed November 15, 1996)

Horn Book

When a young boy wants the family dog to play catch and do tricks, his older sister explains that although Digby is too old to do those things now, the dog can still be a friend. Bold childlike illustrations add some color to the spare text. Providing a simple understanding of aging, this book is an adequate addition to easy-reader shelves.

Kirkus Reviews

This I Can Read book is a conversation between a boy and his older sister, stylish children in homey,'' oversize clothes. When the boy commands his dog, Digby, to play catch, his sister explains that the dog is too old to play, but has different qualities now, such as patience. She also points out that she can play with him, just as Digby played with her when she was small. Behind the simple words is sweet wisdom; this tale from Hazen (Wally, the Worry-Wart, 1990, etc.) translates to tolerance for all the elderly. The illustrations, from newcomer Phillips-Duke, are a weak point. Three nearly identical scenes of Digby asleep in his basket open the book; the interaction between siblings grows static as they remain in the kitchen while they talk. Although the style is deliberately naive, there are details that readers will see as mistakes: A clockface has nine hours marked, instead of twelve; two small framed paintingsfloat'' around on the kitchen wall (sometimes next to each other, sometimes on a diagonal); the dog basket suddenly disappears from view; a chair that appears to one side of the table in most pictures is on another side for one scene, and then abruptly back in place. These flaws bury the sturdy sentiments of the story. (Picture book. 3-7)"

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2--Hazen skillfully conveys the feelings and questions a little boy has about his aging dog, acknowledging thoughts with which young readers can identify. The boy's older sister explains why Digby cannot run and fetch the way he did when she was little. She tells him that he is still loyal to the family and deserves their love and friendship. Through these conversations, the child is made aware of the changing life cycles and learns respect for the value of each phase. Phillips-Duke's bright, colorful, animated illustrations of the African-American family energize the very easy text and are sure to appeal to beginning readers. Digby provides a vehicle for young children to broaden their experiences; as such, it warrants a place in easy-reader collections.--Amelia Kalin, Valley Cottage Library, NY