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Wild Thing and The Bagel
Who really adopts who when a family brings home a new dog? According to the author, Erin L. Neal, it is, in fact, the dog that adopts the family. In the nonfiction children’s book Wild Thing and The Bagel, Erin shares her family’s story about adopting two amazing dogs.
Wild Thing is an energetic chocolate lab that instantly falls in love with his family, especially Brady. They were best friends and loved playing together. However, one day it was time for Brady to go off to school. Wild Thing tried to keep busy protecting Dad while he worked, but he was lonely. So Mom and Dad brought home a new dog that had rescued them. This sweet dog was named The Bagel because she was a basset hound and beagle mix. It took a while, but soon both dogs adjusted to having the other around and learned to play together. They learned to share the family they both love and became best friends.
Wild Thing and The Bagel is a wonderful picture book highlighting some crucial situations families face when adopting an animal. From the seemingly never-ending energy, training them to be good citizens, and dealing with separation anxiety, many things must be considered. Adding a new animal to the family can cause jealousy, and there will be a period of adjustment. This book teaches children about these phases and explains how it is normal. This is a great children’s book to read to kids when families want to get a new pet to help the whole family know what to expect.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0BP514VVK
Axel and Ava as Cat Sitters
Axel and Ava are so excited to find out their friend Becca just adopted a new cat. They rush over to Becca’s house to meet the new cat. When they arrive, Becca tells them they need to be patient and let the cat come to them when it is ready. She explains how rescue animals are very afraid of people to start till they know they can trust them. Axel and Ava however are impatient. When Becca runs out, they try and force the cat to play and interact with them. Axel ends up getting scratched and the cat runs out the door.
This interesting picture book by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Nyamdorj Lkhaasuren tells not only the story of Axel and Ave with the new cat but gives children a good lesson on how to act and not act around new animals. It highlights the importance first off of adopting an animal from a shelter, and then how to introduce that animal to your friends. The language used is age-appropriate for early elementary and kindergarten children. The concepts are presented in a manner they can relate to, most kids want to play with new animals and often don’t understand that what they do with their own pets is not always okay with a new one. Explaining the consequences of not listening to pet owners and following directions is done in a kind and gentle way as well. Children will follow the antics of Axel and Ave while learning a valuable lesson.
Axel and Ava as Cat Sitters is an educational picture book on the do’s and don’ts of meeting a new animal. The creative artwork adds to the charm of this insightful story. This would be an excellent book to give to a child when getting ready to add a new animal to the family or for a school library.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B09K4CXW3Z
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