100 Dogs

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As a read-aloud text, it is impossible not to read it in a rhythmic, playful manner, but I did have to stop myself from speeding up with excitement. I also had an interesting discussion with children about how to use the layout and the rhymes to help you read it. While I did my best not to miss any, I’m sure I did. It was quite the undertaking to compile such a list, but my plan is to update at least annually if not semi-annually. Strong rhythm and rhyme perfectly combine to celebrate 100 dogs. Tiny tots will adore the illustrations and parents can introduce early learning skills: first steps in counting and reading through repetition and predictive rhyme. A joyous, interactive treat!” – The Best New Kids Books Summer 2019 supplement, distributed in The Guardian

For the 2nd year in a row I have not removed books that fell out of the Top 100. They simply remain on the list with a rank of “NR” below the new Top 100.

The book is set in Hungary during the late forties and early fifties, a period of Stalinist oppression. The human characters understand as little of the arbitrary arrests and disappearances that have cast a pall of terror over their lives as our animal protagonist, Niki, does of the comings and goings of her mistress and the sudden absence of her beloved master, who for reasons unknown simply vanishes from her life. For both man and beast, such utter vulnerability to the incomprehensible can be made bearable only by “a strong reciprocal affection.” That mutual affection allows Niki and her mistress, whose husband has disappeared, to go on, at least for a time. WINNER – Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards – Children’s Book of the Year! WINNER – Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards – Best Picture Book! SHORTLISTED – Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

Dogs is a picturebook which lists 100 types of dogs, showing breeds and personalities in an entertaining and humorous way. The book written and illustrated by Michael Whaite, has proved controversial with some dog owners, but we won’t go into that here as it distracts from a genuinely original publication. All in all, I do hope that the author will do another book featuring animals as I want more! I would also recommend this book to everyone looking for a light and funny read with cute cats and sweet art. I have read 100 Dogs to children across the primary years, to dog fans and those wary of dogs. All have immediately fallen in love with the book and wanted to choose and share their favourite dog. One 7-year-old boy was trying not to giggle as he told me ‘sniffing at a botty dog’ was, funnily enough, his favourite. I am not sure if you should include books primarily about wolves. If so, maybe change the title from best dog books, to best books on dogs and wolves. A Wolf Called Romeo was a great book, and although there was a dog or two mentioned, it is primarily a wolf book. Say Goodbye for Now. As of writing this, Catherine Ryan Hyde’s latest book is not yet out. It looks like it will be phenomenal, but time will tell.The Philosopher and the Wolf. I know I said this above, but this is my favorite by far. I don’t think this book is for everyone though. It’s laden with philosophy and discusses the life and loss of the wolf owned by Mark Rowlands. I’ve talked about my favorite books before, but never my favorite dog books. This is going to be tough, but I’ll give it a shot. This book is a gem. Without a touch of sentimentality or anthropomorphism, Déry touchingly imagines the interior life of a dog, a creature of little understanding but great feeling. Anyone experienced in observing canine behavior will be completely convinced of the dead-on accuracy of the author’s portrayal. This silly celebration of dogs is bursting with funny details to spot and crazy, characterful dogs to fall in love with - a bark-aloud book to return time and again.

Final verdict: 100 CATS is a silly and humorous picture book read that is sure to delight young readers. This book would work well for toddlers through young elementary school readers. True Story Vs. Non-fiction. A “true story” is technically non-fiction, but I’ve separated “true stories” to be more of memoir style novels, whereas “non-fiction” is reserved for more training or scientific/informative books. This silly celebration of dogs is bursting with funny details to spot and crazy, characterful dogs to fall in love with – a bark-aloud book to return time and again. NR = Not Ranked (this could be a book that wasn’t previously on the Top 100 or a book that has moved out of the Top 100) We also saw a change at the top of the list for the first time in 3 years. One of my personal favorites, Where The Red Fern Grows, overtook the top spot! Well deserved.As noted, human emotions and thoughts are not attributed to Niki. She is not a heroine, just a dog. But this reader came away with a renewed sense of the infinite value of these living and sentient creatures, and more convinced than ever that the word “dog” should never be accompanied by the modifier “just.” Lastly, I see you seem to prefer Fiction over non-fiction. Have you considered splitting your list into two or more groups?