The Dog Who Had Kittens

by Polly M. Robertus, Janet Stevens (Illustrator)

When Eloise has kittens, Baxter the Basset Hound feels ignored. He is miserable until he meets the kittens for the very first time. They snuggle up to his warm body. They massage him with their paws. They pull gently at his legs and neck. Suddenly Baxter is happier than he has even been in his life.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Dogs, Cats, Fiction, Audiobook

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Dani Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dog Who Had Kittens was one of my favorite books growing up and after reading it again, I have to say it's kinda weird. I never really thought about it in the way of reproduction as a child but now that I know more than I did, I think the title could probably be changed to be a little more fitting. The dog did not really have the kittens in the book, he just ended up taking care of and protecting them. It's a very sweet story and I love the idea of the dogs and cats actually talking to each other. The illustrations add to the craft of the author by helping in character development because of the facial expressions and body language.

Because the story's main characters are a dog and a cat and it is told in third person, there is a lot of dialogue in the story which makes it more interesting and easier to hold the attention of children. There are also a lot of exciting parts and also mad parts where exclamation points are used. This adds excitement to the story. \

There is definitely conflict in this story, mostly person versus person, except that it's actually cat versus dog but it's basically the same thing. The dog wants to take care of the kittens but the mother cat and the human owners don't let him get near the kittens for fear that they will be hurt. After a lot of struggle, the dog is finally able to show everyone who was against him that he is gentle and good for the kittens.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of a family's basset hound, who takes on the responsibilities and joys of parenthood when the lackadaisical family cat has kittens. This book has won several state awards for children's books and is on K-grade 1 reading lists around the nation. Due to the storyline, it has been a big hit with foster families. It is also written by my mother, who is an excellent writer. :)

[Madelaine O'Neil]

I enjoyed this book because it was cute and had a very positive story and message. There was a happy ending where the dog and cat get along and give each other company when they are lonely. The message will teach children to be accepting and understanding of people who are different than them. It could also teach them to be caring for others and to help those who are lonely or in need. I really did not care for the illustration, but that isn't too big of a deal at all. I definitely think this would be a good book to have in a younger classroom.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Eloise has kittens, Baxter, the family Bassett Hound, is at first jealous. But one day he hears their tiny little cries and feels sorry for them. He climbs in their box to comfort them. Soon he is caring for the kittens and loving them.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stevens' illustrations are reminiscent of the classic hound picture book, "Boswell's Life of Boswell," by Evelyn Leavens.

[Jenna Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to my class for a virtual read aloud.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable.

[Mel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kid hated the ending. Kittens move out without dog having chance to say goodbye. They state everyone is sad and book ends.

[Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gift from Harper's grandmother

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awww. What a sweet story! One of those older titles that got lost in with others, but what a nice read-aloud. Dogs and cats, which kids love, but also about unlikely friendships. Very sweet.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet story is about a basset hound who discovers the joys of parenthood when the family cat has kittens. He snuggles with them. He let's them use his body as a playground. But eventually the kittens must go off to new homes.
Baxter, the hound, is much more emotionally connected to the kittens than the mother. In fact, Eloise, the mother “only came around to feed and wash her babies.” His connection to the kittens is clearly shown when he can no longer eat or sleep without the kittens.
Janet Stevens, the illustrator, is very detailed when drawing Baxter, Eloise, and the kittens–keeping the story focused on them. The huge, sad eyes, big, floppy ears, and folding skin all add character to Baxter's character. The plot structure is chronological, moving through the weeks of the kittens growth. The lines are very thin, as if to suggest the fragility of the time they will spend together.

[Karen & Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dog Who Had Kittens by Polly Robertus is a charming little book for children about a dog, Baxter, who lived with a cat named Eloise that had kittens. The dog felt ignored at first but when everyone was gone, sneaked in to see the kittens and liked them! They got along great. I loved that the dog became “the kittens’ playground.” It has a happy ending but I do not want to give it away. It is a fun, quick read and the illustrations are cute as well. I think any child with pets would enjoy this book.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book includes both a silly yet comical story plot. This book would be great for early elementary students because it would keep their attention with the great illustrations and funny concept. With this book you could ask the students a lot of questions to promote thinking out loud such as: why does the title seem weird, why does the dog take care of the kittens, why does the kittens disappear, and so on. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to using it in my classroom.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet tale about a basset hound who took care of a group of seven kittens; paying more attention than even the mother cat. When the kittens were old enough to be separated from their mother they were given away. And when Baxter discovered this, he was sad, moping around the house, pining for his kittens.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really hit the spot with me because I too have a dog that absolutely adores cats and they love him right back. Polly M. Robertus has written a great story and the illustrations by Janet Stevens are superb! A must read for all those little animal lovers out there!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! The art work is sure to give you a case of the warm-and-fuzzies, and the story is just adorable. As the owner of a cat-loving dog, it struck home, and I fondly remember my own mutts taking care of kittens and letting them curl up and crawl into his curly fur.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

1998.04.16 Alissa giggled at the title and couldn't imagine how the story would go. It was great.

1998.08.10 Alissa loved the newborn kittens; they were so helpless. Baxter the basset was so kind and responsible.

1999.04.08 Alissa loved the kittens.

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story of a basset hound who worries that he won't get much attention once some kittens come into the family. But he falls in love with the kittens too and becomes their surrogate mom on occasion.

Cute illustrations.

[Danine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who is this fabulous author?!?! A favorite book in our land :)

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too sad for storytime.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the preschool crowd listened attentively and enjoyed the pictures, the story line is really better conveyed at the early elementary level.

[Alycia Boyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute book about a dog who gets put out of the house because the house cat has kittens. He eventually learns to love the kittens and is sad when they are gone.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderfully illustrated story about a basset hound that fosters some kittens,

[Hag]

Library processing read. I really dug the illustrations in this book.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! The illustrations are wonderful and the story is wonderful. This is a great book for dog and cat lovers.

[Ruth Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is a cute book. It made me tear up at the end.

[M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love having the addition of kittens to the family from the dogs point of view.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute book about a dog and some kittens.This is a longer picture book I think it is for ages 5 and up.

[Nikol · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a pet owner of a dog and three cats, I thought this book was totally cute!! I read if for a small reading group. Fun!!

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about a bassett hound who helps his family's cat care for her new kittens.