The Good Dog by Todd Kessler: Children's Book Review

I received this book from Netgalley.com and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The publisher was also kind enough to provide a hard cover copy of the book so I could better discuss the illustrations and quality of the book. All opinions of the book are my own.






Author and Illustrator: Todd Kessler and Jennifer Gray Olson
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
Publication Date: October 26, 2015

Description: 

Debunking Kid Lit’s Short Attention Span Myth, One Page at a Time…
NEW CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK FROM BLUE’S CLUES CREATOR

In the age of iPad games and thin, five-hundred word children’s picture books relying on clever concepts rather than character development and sustained narrative, The Good Dog is set to spark a revolution in publishing by returning to traditional storytelling for young children.

The Good Dog – the debut children’s book from Blue’s Clues creator Todd Kessler – relies on children’s innate desire to experience decision-making within the context of compelling adventure and relatable conflict. Puppy protagonist Tako is an orphaned dog who is adopted by Ricky Lee. Ricky’s parents explain to Tako that he can stay with the family if he’s a “good dog” and behaves in the Lee family’s new bakery. But when greedy Mr. Pritchard, a business competitor, decides to secretly sabotage the Lee Family business, Tako has to choose whether to follow the rules or break them in order to protect his family.

Over twice the length of today’s standard children’s picture book, The Good Dog debunks the myth that kids today have shorter attention spans, making this action packed, page-turning tale a vital and trend-setting contribution to the children’s publishing marketplace.

Illustrated with vibrant watercolors by #1 bestselling Ninja Bunny author-illustrator Jennifer Gray Olson, The Good Dog is set for arrival in bookstores across North America on October 26th, 2015. Like Kessler’s Blue’s Clues, The Good Dog garnered nearly one hundred percent attention in test readings with children ranging in ages from 3 to 10. This story of friendship, integrity, and courage is certain to become a family favorite in any household. The Good Dog has also been praised by educators as an ideal text for guided and independent classroom reading and for presenting complex themes which spark rich classroom discussion.

The Good Dog – and the second book of the series, The Good Dog and the Bad Cat(Spring 2016) – are with Coralstone Press, the new Independent Publishers Group [IPG] children’s book imprint. Both books empower kids to be heroes in their own lives, follow their instincts, and know that “sometimes you have to be a little bit bad to be very good.”

The Good Dog, written by Todd Kessler and illustrated by Jennifer Gray Olson, will be available via online and brick-and-mortar book retailers across North America as of October 26th, 2015 with Coralstone Press [IPG]. Book two in the series, The Good Dog and the Bad Cat, will be released in Spring 2016.

The Good Dog is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.

My Review:

I want to preface this by saying although, in the past, I haven't reviewed many children's books on my blog, I have reviewed several on goodreads and on netgalley.com. I appreciate children's literature as someone who is becoming an Elementary School teacher and as a aunt, cousin and hopefully future parent.

That being said, when I read the description of this story I was more than excited to jump into the story. What is better than the creator of more of televisions most beloved dogs writing a children's book with an adorable dog as its protagonist.

I didn't know how much I would love our little dog Tako in this tale. Not only is this lengthy children's story beautifully illustrated and written it also contains some valuable lessons for children to take away from the story.

I can see why a longer children's book might turn people away from this tale but it is actually very action packed and easy accessible. A children with early reading skills could even read this independently without issue and take away a complex yet accessible lesson. This story opens children's eyes to the hard decisions of doing what is right and knowing when something that might have been the wrong choice before can become the best choice based on the situation you are in at the time.

This is an important lesson for children and I think one that is approached gracefully and with easy by the author.

Another aspect of the story I enjoyed was the fact that Tako was a rescue puppy. He was found in a pile of boxes among the trash and I found that to be heart warming. Ricky Lee swoops him up in his arms, bundles him up in his jacket, and provides him with a good home. That also is a great lesson to represent in a children's story.

Overall, I found the story rich the illustrations enchanting and the hardcover edition of the book very high quality. The pages are thick and glossy, the image is printed on the dust jacket and the book itself, which I think it perfect for a children's book and couldn't have asked for a better read. 

My Star Rating:

5 out of 5 adorable stars

Read this if you enjoyed: 

The author created this beloved television show full of excellent lessons and his first lovable dog character but not his last by far.

I would also suggest it for fans of Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree.