It's Still a Dogs New York: A Book of Healing

by Susan L. Roth

In this parable of childhood bereavement, Pepper and Rover, two New York dogs, are miserable after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Pepper feels overwhelmed with sadness and fear and anger. But in a tour of New York City, his friend Rover shows him that even though they' re sad, they can go on. Pepper learns that helping others, expressing his feelings, celebrating the bravery of rescue workers, and allowing himself to enjoy life can lead to healing; that the pair are not underdogs, but top dogs; that Americans are strong enough to survive and thrive, that It' s Still a Dog' s New York.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Susan L. Roth creates unique mixed-media collage illustrations that have appeared in numerous award-winning children’s books, many of which she also wrote. Her book, Listen to the Wind, spent a year on the New York Times best seller list. The Mangrove Tree, which was released in 2011 and addressed Dr. Gordon Sato's mangrove tree-planting project, was the winner of Jane Addams Children's Book Award. Roth lives in New York.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, two dogs take a tour of New York City, discovering the spirit that makes the place special still remains. This is a valiant attempt at reassurance, but sadly, it's one of those books that seem irrelevant after the fact. Plus, the artwork is pretty atrocious.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not only a celebration of New York, but also a way of helping children (and adults) work through their feelings associated with the tragedy of 9/11. Pepper doesn't know what to do with all her sad and mad and other feelings, and Rover doesn't claim to have all the answers, but takes Pepper on a walk around New York to talk things through and come up with some ways that might help. "Who said it would be easy? We will have to try very hard..." says Rover. They discuss how music and laughter and celebration and being happy feels wrong, but isn't because there are so many things that are worth celebrating and being happy about even in the midst of sadness. They talk about how all the books in the library might not help them understand what happened. They talk about how reaching out and connecting with everyone in the wake of a tragedy--even cats--is a good response. Overall, I found it an gentle, smart handling of the complicated response to trauma. I would keep this on hand for any kind of tragedy.

[Mills College Library]

Picture R845i 2001