Vincent A. Watson’s Dog is Dog is a charming poetic reflection on self-acceptance, framed through the eyes of a lovable, unapologetically authentic dog. The poem emphasizes how the dog never tries to be anything it’s not, such as a cat, a lion, or a bird. The author’s clear and simple language makes this work accessible to readers of all ages, but its deeper message about embracing who you are and not comparing yourself to others strikes a chord that resonates universally.

The writing is playful and rhythmic, which brings a lighthearted yet profound quality to the poem. I loved how Watson used humor and whimsy to convey his message. For instance, one of my favorite lines goes, “Dog is dog and never tries to be a cow / Dogs don’t go ‘moooooo’ they don’t know how.” The silliness of imagining a dog mooing makes the poem delightful for young readers while driving home the point that dogs—and people—shouldn’t pretend to be something they’re not. The simplicity of the language adds to the charm, making it easy to read aloud and fun to share.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its repetition, which reinforces the central idea: being true to yourself. Each stanza follows a similar structure, starting with “Dog is dog and never tries to be” and then humorously pointing out the absurdity of a dog attempting to act like another creature. This consistent pattern gives the poem a musical quality and makes the message memorable. I found it comforting, like a gentle reminder, especially for young readers who benefit from such repetition to fully grasp important lessons.

Watson’s heartfelt dedication to his children and “all the kids around the world” adds a layer of sincerity to the work. There’s an undeniable warmth to his words as if the author is directly speaking to children, encouraging them to embrace their individuality. The closing lines—“Dogs are happy being dogs, so be happy being yourself too!”—encapsulate the book’s theme beautifully. This message made me smile, and it reminded me of the universal struggle we all face to feel confident in our own skin, no matter our age.

Dog is Dog is a delightful and uplifting read that would be perfect for young children, teachers looking for engaging classroom material, or even adults who appreciate a gentle nudge toward self-acceptance. If you’re searching for a book that delivers an essential message wrapped in humor and joy, I’d highly recommend giving this one a read. Watson’s simple yet powerful words remind us all that there’s only one you—and that’s more than enough.

Pages: 28 : ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C3G2GY5X