The Poet's Dog

Reviewed by: Deidre Walsh - Goodall Library, Sanford, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 16, 2016

Review

This story is filled with such sadness, but it is also filled with love, family, hope, loyalty and a bit of magic, as well as a touch of humor. A brother and sister are trapped in their car in a blizzard. Their mother has gone for help, but does not return. Alone, scared and cold, the two siblings are rescued by a dog named Teddy. Teddy too, has been abandoned, but in a different way. The three understand each others' language. Teddy is able to guide the two to the cabin in the woods that he used to share with the poet Sylvan. Sylvan has recently died and that is the reason for Teddy's abandonment. Teddy is alone. The siblings and Teddy take shelter in the cabin together. Since the brother and sister can understand Teddy, he tells them of his life. How Sylvan rescued Teddy as a puppy, how he loves poetry, and how Sylvan understood and talked to him. Sylvan was the one who told Teddy that only children and poets could understand dogs. But what will happen to Teddy when the siblings Flora and Nikel are rescued and go home? Will Teddy be left on his own again? This is a story of grief, loss, friendship and new beginnings. And of hope, always hope. MacLachlan has crafted another beautifully written tale full of heartfelt emotions. This book is under 90 pages long. The double spaced text has wide margins as well. It would appear to be a good choice for solid beginning readers. But this is not for the young. It may be a short book but it has quite an advanced vocabulary and deals with some mature issues like death and grief. Give to mature 3graders only with parental or teacher supervision, to discuss the themes afterwards. For 4th and 5th graders, and struggling 6th grade readers. Give to dog and poetry lovers and anyone in need of a heartwarming, life affirming magical read.

Overall Book Score: very good