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Jack the Dog
I, Jack
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. The hilarious tale of hijinks and heroism as told by big dog Jack himself.
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First published March 2, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 21, 2011
Teaching to Read
Kara Garrett
Even in elementary school, I used to get mostly A’s, but not all of my friends did. There was one of my best friends named Macy who had trouble reading and focusing on her homework. Macy had ADD. She loved animals, and so did I. Once, I found a book called “I, Jack” in third grade. It was a fiction autobiography about a yellow lab and I became very interested in it once I started reading. I knew Macy would love it too. Even though she didn’t like to read, she was always a sucker for an animal book.
So, one day I decided to bring “I, Jack” to school. It was about as thick as any regular teen novel and had a bright red cover with the title on the front. If I were to guess, I’d say it had lost its front cover a long time ago, but it was still in great condition to read. The autobiography was a silly sort. It was, of course, written by a dog named Jack. It started out with Jack describing his whole human family. He loved them a lot, but sometimes complained about his life and was a troublesome young pup. He ran away by accident toward the end of the novel, and asked his crush, the neighbor dog, to run away with him. The girl dog ended up loving Jack too and they ran to an old abandoned mill. It turns out they had puppies and lived together in the mill for a while. This book was an interesting story about the life of an average dog. I would recommend it as a comedy for kids and teens. Who knew dogs could be so entertaining. Macy and I loved the book. We would read it every morning at recess right before school would start.
Macy and I had an awesome time reading the book, and pretty soon it was both of our favorite books. At first, only I read it. I think that Macy might have been too embarrassed to read because she maybe thought she wasn’t good enough. One day though, when we were about half way through the story, Macy asked if she could read. I was a little surprised, but I was willing to let her at it. She took off pretty well at first, but when there came some larger words, I had to tell her what they were. She read about one page front and back before we had to go in to school. She wasn’t as fast at reading as I was, but she must have caught on pretty quick.
It took us the rest of the school year to finish “I, Jack”, but we had finally done it. I have to say, Macy helped a lot. She was getting faster and faster at reading, and pretty soon, she was as fast as I was, and she even corrected me occasionally! By the end of the year, she had moved up to a third grade reading level, instead of first grade. And by fourth grade, she was at least at an eighth grade reading level! The teachers were astounded. So were her parents. She had made a dramatic and positive change in her schoolwork. She even seemed more focused and able to do her homework. She may have even been in a higher level fourth grade math class, if I recall. I knew she now loved to read. She mostly read books about animals, her favorite thing in the world. I remember we would always watch Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet when I came over to her house. I think that when someone who hasn’t had much experience with reading starts to get into it, they really sprout and reading can have a very positive impact on their learning.
Reading with Macy made our friendship stronger, helped with Macy’s education, and increased her interest in books. I loved reading, especially with Macy. I give kudos to the author of “I, Jack” because it was such an abnormal book, but it was funny and a great read for kids who need a little longer book to read. Macy and I still chat about third grade and our recess sitting on the side walk reading a page or two in the morning. It was a memorable year for both of us and affected us both in ways that helped us grow in school and in life.
Kara Garrett
Even in elementary school, I used to get mostly A’s, but not all of my friends did. There was one of my best friends named Macy who had trouble reading and focusing on her homework. Macy had ADD. She loved animals, and so did I. Once, I found a book called “I, Jack” in third grade. It was a fiction autobiography about a yellow lab and I became very interested in it once I started reading. I knew Macy would love it too. Even though she didn’t like to read, she was always a sucker for an animal book.
So, one day I decided to bring “I, Jack” to school. It was about as thick as any regular teen novel and had a bright red cover with the title on the front. If I were to guess, I’d say it had lost its front cover a long time ago, but it was still in great condition to read. The autobiography was a silly sort. It was, of course, written by a dog named Jack. It started out with Jack describing his whole human family. He loved them a lot, but sometimes complained about his life and was a troublesome young pup. He ran away by accident toward the end of the novel, and asked his crush, the neighbor dog, to run away with him. The girl dog ended up loving Jack too and they ran to an old abandoned mill. It turns out they had puppies and lived together in the mill for a while. This book was an interesting story about the life of an average dog. I would recommend it as a comedy for kids and teens. Who knew dogs could be so entertaining. Macy and I loved the book. We would read it every morning at recess right before school would start.
Macy and I had an awesome time reading the book, and pretty soon it was both of our favorite books. At first, only I read it. I think that Macy might have been too embarrassed to read because she maybe thought she wasn’t good enough. One day though, when we were about half way through the story, Macy asked if she could read. I was a little surprised, but I was willing to let her at it. She took off pretty well at first, but when there came some larger words, I had to tell her what they were. She read about one page front and back before we had to go in to school. She wasn’t as fast at reading as I was, but she must have caught on pretty quick.
It took us the rest of the school year to finish “I, Jack”, but we had finally done it. I have to say, Macy helped a lot. She was getting faster and faster at reading, and pretty soon, she was as fast as I was, and she even corrected me occasionally! By the end of the year, she had moved up to a third grade reading level, instead of first grade. And by fourth grade, she was at least at an eighth grade reading level! The teachers were astounded. So were her parents. She had made a dramatic and positive change in her schoolwork. She even seemed more focused and able to do her homework. She may have even been in a higher level fourth grade math class, if I recall. I knew she now loved to read. She mostly read books about animals, her favorite thing in the world. I remember we would always watch Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet when I came over to her house. I think that when someone who hasn’t had much experience with reading starts to get into it, they really sprout and reading can have a very positive impact on their learning.
Reading with Macy made our friendship stronger, helped with Macy’s education, and increased her interest in books. I loved reading, especially with Macy. I give kudos to the author of “I, Jack” because it was such an abnormal book, but it was funny and a great read for kids who need a little longer book to read. Macy and I still chat about third grade and our recess sitting on the side walk reading a page or two in the morning. It was a memorable year for both of us and affected us both in ways that helped us grow in school and in life.
December 5, 2011
this book is about a dog narrating his daily life. new neighbors move in and there is a girl dog that jack (the dog) likes. he tries to get her attention but it doesn't work. it is an uphill battle with jack. he thinks everyone barks when they talk but they are talking. the cats leave comments about jack because they think that jack is stupid...
November 21, 2014
This book didn't really work for me. I do like that the book is told from the dog's point of view and feels like how some dog's probably would talk in reality if they could. What I didn't like was the dog's constantly happy attitude and how often he said and repeated how happy he was. Although I do know many dog's like Jack, I couldn't help but find him a little annoying, I would have liked him more if he was presented as a little less enthusiastic, and maybe a little smarter as well.
As far as the story itself, I often found it hard to follow and understand. While there are many sentences numbered throughout the book corresponding to numbers at the bottom of the page where the stories cats explain what Jack is talking about, I found it too distracting to keep having to look down at this then find my place in the story again. There were also several times where I missed the number completely as the numbers are easy to miss and found myself searching through the text I just read to figure out what the bottom sentences were talking about and even with these I couldn't always understand the book.
There are also some other things I didn't particularly enjoy about the dog's in the book, which I did not use in deciding what rating to give the book. One of the biggest things I did not like was that both Jack and the other dog were breeder gotten dog's and neither dog was ever spayed or neutered, leading to Jack causing unwanted puppies.
As far as the story itself, I often found it hard to follow and understand. While there are many sentences numbered throughout the book corresponding to numbers at the bottom of the page where the stories cats explain what Jack is talking about, I found it too distracting to keep having to look down at this then find my place in the story again. There were also several times where I missed the number completely as the numbers are easy to miss and found myself searching through the text I just read to figure out what the bottom sentences were talking about and even with these I couldn't always understand the book.
There are also some other things I didn't particularly enjoy about the dog's in the book, which I did not use in deciding what rating to give the book. One of the biggest things I did not like was that both Jack and the other dog were breeder gotten dog's and neither dog was ever spayed or neutered, leading to Jack causing unwanted puppies.
October 21, 2012
For those who have ever wondered what their pet might be thinking…the main element of fantasy in this book is that the reader can hear Jack the Labrador’s thoughts. Patricia Finney is able to write the entire book from the dog’s perspective and it comes across as authentic because of the style of writing. Jack’s narration is written in choppy sentences and the dog’s short attention span causes changes in topics midsentence in a way that is not confusing but comical. The word choice also adds to the book’s element of fantasy because Jack often tries to use human words that he does not entirely understand and he mixes them up in comical ways. Even though Jack is the main source of information, he also overhears commentary and information from human characters in order to keep the plot moving in a way that flows naturally. Patricia Finney successfully incorporated the fantastical world of the dog into this novel yet the book still remains seated in reality so that the reader can enjoy the book without having questions or needing explanations of the non-real elements.
August 22, 2018
I'm obviously partial to dog books, but this was a super fun middle-grade read. The story is told from the point of view of the Labrador Jack (as told to Patricia Finney) and written in short easy chapters with cute illustrations by Peter Bailey. I can see this being a book that would definitely appeal to young readers. It also had enough plot and style to keep adults interested. There's a particular style to the way Jack's thoughts are written out that can be a bit repetitive but is quite humorous. Jack isn't so bright and has his own way of thinking about his pack and the world around him. There's a glossary in the back of some of his names for things around him (Running Around Shouting House = school) but some of the fun is figuring out what he means as you go. The plot is fairly predictable but develops in a well paced way.
December 11, 2019
Jack has a very special way with words. He is so mysterious and perhaps the greatest antihero of modern literature?
October 7, 2009
Hilarious book b/c it's told from a dog's point of view. I thought I couldn't make it through the whole thing in this format, but it didn't really get old until near the end. Everyone should at least read a chapter of this for the dog's perspective. He loves food, smelling people's butts, etc. Three cats also live with his family and they are portrayed equally accurately. They smile by slowing closing their eyes (a much more dignified way to smile they note), and disapprove of the stupid dog, especially when he sticks his nose in their butts.
March 4, 2013
Jessica Mitchell, 11
I, Jack
4.5 Stars
OMG! This book had me laughing out loud! It was recommended to me by my 17 year old sister--She had read it in third grade, so, in about 2004 or 2005. I think. Don't trust my math skills. Its really cute how Jack always said. "OH OH BOY" or "OH DEAR". I think the biggest reason I loved it was because I have a yellow lab myself, and he's also a glutton, Just like Jack!
Petra and Jack have pups, but there's nothing..weird, Jack just went over to Petra's through the fence and 'played' and than came back and said he and her had gotten 'married.'
I, Jack
4.5 Stars
OMG! This book had me laughing out loud! It was recommended to me by my 17 year old sister--She had read it in third grade, so, in about 2004 or 2005. I think. Don't trust my math skills. Its really cute how Jack always said. "OH OH BOY" or "OH DEAR". I think the biggest reason I loved it was because I have a yellow lab myself, and he's also a glutton, Just like Jack!
Petra and Jack have pups, but there's nothing..weird, Jack just went over to Petra's through the fence and 'played' and than came back and said he and her had gotten 'married.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2007
Jack, a yellow labrador, has written a book (all by himself except for little help from the cats who provided the footnotes). His adventures with the next door neighbor's purebred Samoyed Petra will tickle your funnybone. Whether going for walkies, raiding the fridge, or running away with Petra, Jack knows how to find trouble. This is a great book for reluctant readers. It has lots of white space and even has some pictures. MS
March 7, 2008
My daughter introduced me to this one. She read it first and for several nights I heard her in her room screaming with laughter over it. She then talked me into reading it to her and her sister and all 3 of us were hysterical with laughter over it. It's the story of a family dog, told by the dog -- with some side commentary from the family cat. Truly unique and terrifically funny.
December 31, 2010
This book came highly recommended... and most likely one of the cutest I have ever read!
The whole story is told in the words of Jack, Labrador (much, much respect), and any dog lover will truly enjoy it.
Very entertaining!
A nice quick read, for one of those days where you might feel like some cheering up!
The whole story is told in the words of Jack, Labrador (much, much respect), and any dog lover will truly enjoy it.
Very entertaining!
A nice quick read, for one of those days where you might feel like some cheering up!
January 1, 2023
This was my favourite book as a child. Re-reading it 20 years later I can see why I have a soft spot for big dopey dogs. Written from Jack's perspective adds humour to the story, which still holds up. But as someone who's worked within animal rescue it made me cringe reading about unsteralized dogs (and of course the results) please de-sex your pets people!
February 25, 2008
I think this book is really, really great because Patricia Finney says Jack the dog wrote this book! The book is about a dog named Jack who falls in LOVE with a dog named Petra.I Think this book is very funny and has a very HAPPY ending.
July 12, 2009
This is an adorable children's book, told from the perspective of a big goofy yellow lab. And, as anyone who has ever owned labs can tell you, this is probably pretty accurate as to the "logic" that goes on in their heads. Very funny little book, makes a great "out loud" book for story time.
July 26, 2010
lis481 Supposed to be the Marley and Me for kids- told from a dog's point of view- split down the middle in class for those who loved it and those who hated it. I didn't like it at all! Too much going on, cliched plot elements, and Finney writes the dog as dumb.
May 3, 2012
It is not like Rosies Stories...
The author tried to put the voice on Jack, but for me it backfired. It is not simple. Lot of onomatopoeia that doesn't make sense. It's confusing, lot's of breeding things...
Sorry, really didn't like it.
The author tried to put the voice on Jack, but for me it backfired. It is not simple. Lot of onomatopoeia that doesn't make sense. It's confusing, lot's of breeding things...
Sorry, really didn't like it.
March 15, 2013
I didn't really get the book half the time till about the end because I finally got used to how the author was talking like jack and how a dog really would talk out load, but it was a easy book to get a 10 out of 10 on :).
December 16, 2007
this book will make you wonder what your pet is thinking about
August 19, 2008
Jack, the eponymous Labrador Retriever of this first-person memoir, is far and away the best writer on four legs.
September 26, 2008
Terrific kids' book, narrated by the family dog.
If you like dogs (or cats...they provide the footnotes!) you'll love this book.
If you like dogs (or cats...they provide the footnotes!) you'll love this book.
October 13, 2008
I thought this book was really really cute. It's neat how this book helps you understand dogs and cats. :)
December 12, 2008
This book was totally fun! It's written in the voice of the dog, so for any kid (or adult, I confess) who has ever given their pet its own voice (count me in!) this book is like a dream. Super fun.
December 17, 2008
luv this book!
September 23, 2009
Fine, but ultimately annoying book. The Dog's voice was tiresome and repetitive. Troubling heteronormativity.
Read
April 20, 2010It was an EASY book
June 11, 2010
Jack the dog as told to Patricia Finney (Jack the dog writes of his life and adventures with his Pack family)
August 12, 2011
Jack is thick. But he's also clever. Or at least, that's how he describes himself. This was a cute, short read of life from a dog's perspective.
October 21, 2010
Very funny and age appropriate humor adults and kids will enjoy. Looking forward to reading her next one!
March 3, 2011
Really funny book
January 12, 2012
My daughter found this book at the library and we read it together every night. We really enjoyed it. I thought is was creative and cute and I am glad to have found something she loved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews