Sad, the Dog

Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 20, 2016

Review

Mr and Mrs Cripps are mean to their unwanted puppy given to them as a gift. They feed the dog and bathe him - but don't bother to give him a name. They yell at him for typical puppy behavior digging, eating the paper and barking - instead of training him with a kind hand. The poor thing gives himself a name - Sad. One day the Cripps pack up all of their belongings (except the dog) and move. The poor thing wonders what will become of him - who will feed him. Sad is even sadder! But he is only alone overnight - when a family moves right into the house the next day. Jack, the young boy of the family, is delighted to see a pup comes with the house. Slowly Jack works to get the trust of the dog - through praise, biscuits, water and a bed. The dog thrives on this positive attention - and gets a real name - Lucky. The illustrations show a black and white terrier mix grow from a very sad dog to a very happy and loved pet. The gray autumn landscape extends the feeling of loneliness and sadness. The book hints at the issue of animal abuse/abandonment - but even the youngest reader will recognize the best way to treat a dog.

Overall Book Score: good