Picture Book for Dog Lovers

Ok, I cannot tell a lie. While the picture book I am profiling today is quite good, I might (just might) have been influenced by the fact that there is an adorable dog at the center of this story. Now I usually do not succumb to the cuteness of our canine friends, but I just got a new puppy, so my doggy hormones are all in a tizzy and I see cute pups everywhere.

Don’t forget to visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com for more picture books whose winsome animal illustrations that will make you sigh in the most delightful way.

Title: Extraordinary Jane

Author: Hannah E. Harrison

Target: Preschool - Grade 2

What this book is about:
Jane is lovely little dog who comes from an extraordinary circus family. Her mother is graceful on the back of a horse, her father can lift an elephant in the ring and her daring brothers relish being fired out of cannons. Jane tries to find a talent, with sometimes disastrous results. However, she is really good at being herself and being a loyal and devoted pet turns out to be the best thing of all.

Why I love this book:
First off the illustrations are fabulous! You can feel Jane’s trepidation as she stands at the height of the trapeze. You can sense the other animals displeasure when she rolls a balancing ball through their rehearsal and you can delight as the ringmaster realizes what a gem of a pet he has in Jane. No words needed, the expressions on these darling animals say it all!

However there are words in this book and the message is lovely. Being yourself is the greatest pleasure. In an environment where we all want our kids to be the best, fastest and smartest it is nice to share this lesson. Of course the fact that Jane is the cutest dog you have ever seen helps things along!

Who this book is for:
Any pet lover will thoroughly enjoy this story and illustrations.

Final thoughts:
This book is just adorable. Dare you not to smile while reading … double dog dare you!

I am a mom of three with a passion for literature! No matter what book series our kids devour, as they come to an end, we as parents ask the inevitable question - what is next? I am ever on the job, trying to answer that question. I try to do it with a variety of books. Some are silly, some true to life, some pure fantasy, but in the end I hope they make my children love words, explore new ideas, and laugh!