Teddy the Dog: Be Your Own Dog

Reviewed by: Carla McAlliste - New Gloucester Public Library., New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 27, 2017

Review

Teddy is one cool dog and he knows it. He refuses to fetch, he makes messes and is noisy when he thinks he is helping out neighbors, but he thinks he is all that and a side of fries. One day he receives a box in the mail with no return address and inside is a feline with a pink bow in her hair and a bejeweled collar. Whatever will he do? He has been tasked with taking care of Penelope and that is a tall order, especially as Teddy has always been quite content and busy taking care of himself. It is a CATastrophe of gargantuan proportions. After some adjustment, he finally realizes that since he has always advised one and all to "be your own dog" maybe that applies to "being your own cat!" He takes Penelope under his proverbial wing and shows her how to get along in "Teddyville." With big, beautiful and really cool illustrations, this book will fit the bill for the picture book set, especially those that adore dogs and cats. The lesson here is that we are each different and should revel in being ourselves and embracing our individuality and unique qualities.

Overall Book Score: very good