I had such fun with my prior picture book review featuring children’s book author Susan Ross that I was thrilled when she asked me to review her newest story, Dogs Don’t Go to School. Susan lives in Ontario, Canada, and has published 5 children’s picture books. Please check out my review of two of her books, The Great Bellybutton Cover-up and Say Please to the Honeybees, which my daughter and I loved.

Here is my picture book review of her latest story, Dogs Don’t Go to School:

 

Gillie is a little worried about her first day at kindergarten. Grandma’s solution is to send Abby, her little dog, to school too. After all, Gillie and Abby are both five. Chaos follows Abby as she inadvertently disrupts one activity after another. Children will love reading about Abby’s hilarious antics. Handpaint art instructions included.  Ages 3 – 8 (Grades Kindergarten – 3)

When I did my previous picture book review, my daughter was 6 and in first grade (so a perfect age for the stories). My daughter is now 12 and in 6th grade, and I am lucky to get her to stop and say hello these days (between travel soccer and her social life I am now second fiddle 🙁 ). Therefore, this book was all for me!

As an elementary teacher and aunt to many, I can honestly say that I adored this story! It is absolutely perfect for any child entering kindergarten (or even preschool) who might be anxious about the transition. It is adorable, and young children can easily relate to not only the details about kindergarten itself, but to the feelings the main character has about starting something new. Even better, the repetitive nature allows emerging readers to follow along with the story and even practice reading solo! I found myself laughing out loud and cheering on Abby throughout the story. 

Finally, one of my favorite things about this book is the fabulous set of directions to make handprint art at the end of the book. The step-by-step instructions are clear and easy to follow. I love that the author included several photos of actual artwork examples. This is my favorite:

This would be a perfect rainy (or snowy) day activity when you are stuck indoors. 

My book review of Dogs Don’t Go to School is FIVE STARS

Purchase Dogs Don’t Go to School here!

Thanks so much to Susan Ross for sending me this fabulous book! I highly recommend everyone checking this and her other books out! They would make perfect holiday gifts! You can find more information on Ms. Ross and her books here.

Happy Reading!

 

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