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How Much Is That Doggie in the Window?
It is a sad moment when a young boy discovers he doesn't have enough money to buy the waggely tailed dog he sees in the pet store window. Nothing but that waggely tailed pup will do as a pet for the boy, so he's off to make some money to buy the dog of his dreams!
Misadventures follow and by the end of the week the boy has less money than when he started. Thinking he will just say hello to the doggie in the window, the little boy finds the dog is gone. Someone else has bought the dog for a very special son to thank him for all the nice things he has done. Who could that lucky boy be?
A story as irresistible as waggely tailed doggies and little boys.
Misadventures follow and by the end of the week the boy has less money than when he started. Thinking he will just say hello to the doggie in the window, the little boy finds the dog is gone. Someone else has bought the dog for a very special son to thank him for all the nice things he has done. Who could that lucky boy be?
A story as irresistible as waggely tailed doggies and little boys.
24 pages, Board Book
First published January 1, 1997
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92 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 4, 2019
While apparently many readers see this as a charming story of a young boy who falls in love with a puppy at a pet store and perseveres in raising enough money to purchase the pup, I couldn't help but think of the countless families who have unwittingly propped up the puppy mill industry over the years by buying pet store puppies.
This title was originally published in 1997 and re-published in 2001, well within the time period of general public knowledge of puppy mills and the problems associated with buying puppies at pet shops.
Since this text almost completely rewrites the lyrics of the original 1952 song, I was hoping perhaps this version would depict more modern sensibilities and rework the story to feature an animal shelter, rescue group, or a visit to a responsible breeder. Interestingly, over 50 years after recording "Doggie in the Window," Patti Page remade her signature song to be about shelter pets.
This title was originally published in 1997 and re-published in 2001, well within the time period of general public knowledge of puppy mills and the problems associated with buying puppies at pet shops.
Since this text almost completely rewrites the lyrics of the original 1952 song, I was hoping perhaps this version would depict more modern sensibilities and rework the story to feature an animal shelter, rescue group, or a visit to a responsible breeder. Interestingly, over 50 years after recording "Doggie in the Window," Patti Page remade her signature song to be about shelter pets.
December 10, 2014
This is an adorable book, written in rhyme to fit the music (if you wish to sing it) and the story is accompanied by lovely pictures as you follow a little boy's attempt to earn money to buy the doggie while he also does nice things for his family. I've never yet managed to make it through without tearing up.
December 5, 2017
This book takes you through the journey of a little boy who falls in love with a puppy that he sees in a store window one day, and the steps he takes in order to make that dog his own. After several failed attempts to make money, he feels hopeless that he’ll ever get the dog. But once his parents see how dedicated he is, they decide to surprise him with a gift…
The pictures really make this story. Trapani does a great job at adding details that make you want to stop and appreciate the illustrations. The illustration of the puppy was so adorable that by the end of the story, I wished that I could buy it myself! I would recommend this book for pre-k-1st graders. It would be a fun and engaging read-aloud/sing-along for the whole class.
The pictures really make this story. Trapani does a great job at adding details that make you want to stop and appreciate the illustrations. The illustration of the puppy was so adorable that by the end of the story, I wished that I could buy it myself! I would recommend this book for pre-k-1st graders. It would be a fun and engaging read-aloud/sing-along for the whole class.
November 29, 2021
Contemporary Realistic
2nd-3rd grade reading level
This was such a heartwarming story, and I absolutely loved it! Something that I that was very valuable from this story is that when you do the right thing, sometimes you get what you deserve! This means when you sacrifice everything you have for others, things will eventually be in your favor.
2nd-3rd grade reading level
This was such a heartwarming story, and I absolutely loved it! Something that I that was very valuable from this story is that when you do the right thing, sometimes you get what you deserve! This means when you sacrifice everything you have for others, things will eventually be in your favor.
January 11, 2022
A remake of the classic song in book form, my students really enjoyed this story.
March 31, 2024
I sang this book to both my granddaughters. I remember my mom singing this song to me when I was little. Love it! I actually bought this book for myself. Giggle.
January 22, 2025
Cute book, beautiful illustrations.
February 7, 2017
Summary:
This book tells the story of a boy who saw a dog in a pet shop window and became determined to make the pup his own. Originally, he did not have enough money to afford the dog, even after the store owner offered to take five dollars off of the price of sixty (the boy only had eleven dollars and fifty cents). The pet store worker tried to interest the boy in other possible pets, but he knew which one he wanted. Not being able to afford his desired pet did not discourage the boy, he said he would raise the money and be back at the end of the week to purchase the doggie in the window with "the waggly tail." The young boy's week, however, did not go how he had hoped. He spent his time and money trying to sell lemonade in the rain, sick in bed, buying his sister a sweet treat after she fell, getting his mom chocolates to help her feel better after a bee sting, and purchasing tissues for his allergy stricken dad. At the end of the week, he was sad and discouraged that he had less than a dollar, and would still not be able to afford the pet he wanted. He went to pass by the store to say hi to the unattainable dog, and it was not in the window any longer. This made the boy even more sad. The store owner explained that other people had bought the dog for their son who had been nice and helpful. The boy headed home upset. Then, as he approached his house, he saw the doggie from the window! His parents purchased the dog for him because of all of the good deeds he had done that week. Talk about a happy ending! This story can also be put into song, and the notes are in the back of the book if a reader wants to sing along to the catchy tune.
Theme:
The theme of this story is an important one that so many people can learn from. It pertains to the idea that if you are helpful and kind, you will be rewarded. The boy spent his energy on being sweet to the ones he loves, and did not selfishly focus on his own desires. At the end of the day, good deeds are not unrewarded, and being kind is so worth it! Things can not always go as we plan, but life consistently works itself out.
Star Rating: 5
Personal Response:
I love this book and can remember singing along to it with my parents when I was little! Sometimes I find myself being too much of a people pleaser and wondering if I should be more selfish, and this book was a good enforcer for me to keep being myself and not to question my prioritization of others. It is so nice to be nice, and I know I will end up benefitting from being compassionate!
Why I Recommend:
It is so easy, especially in society today, to get caught up in taking care of yourself only and not really caring about others. This story is a great reminder to readers that being selfless not only feels good, but usually does not go unnoticed. People you've done good for will want to pay it forward. This book is filled with awesome illustrations and an endearing story.
This book tells the story of a boy who saw a dog in a pet shop window and became determined to make the pup his own. Originally, he did not have enough money to afford the dog, even after the store owner offered to take five dollars off of the price of sixty (the boy only had eleven dollars and fifty cents). The pet store worker tried to interest the boy in other possible pets, but he knew which one he wanted. Not being able to afford his desired pet did not discourage the boy, he said he would raise the money and be back at the end of the week to purchase the doggie in the window with "the waggly tail." The young boy's week, however, did not go how he had hoped. He spent his time and money trying to sell lemonade in the rain, sick in bed, buying his sister a sweet treat after she fell, getting his mom chocolates to help her feel better after a bee sting, and purchasing tissues for his allergy stricken dad. At the end of the week, he was sad and discouraged that he had less than a dollar, and would still not be able to afford the pet he wanted. He went to pass by the store to say hi to the unattainable dog, and it was not in the window any longer. This made the boy even more sad. The store owner explained that other people had bought the dog for their son who had been nice and helpful. The boy headed home upset. Then, as he approached his house, he saw the doggie from the window! His parents purchased the dog for him because of all of the good deeds he had done that week. Talk about a happy ending! This story can also be put into song, and the notes are in the back of the book if a reader wants to sing along to the catchy tune.
Theme:
The theme of this story is an important one that so many people can learn from. It pertains to the idea that if you are helpful and kind, you will be rewarded. The boy spent his energy on being sweet to the ones he loves, and did not selfishly focus on his own desires. At the end of the day, good deeds are not unrewarded, and being kind is so worth it! Things can not always go as we plan, but life consistently works itself out.
Star Rating: 5
Personal Response:
I love this book and can remember singing along to it with my parents when I was little! Sometimes I find myself being too much of a people pleaser and wondering if I should be more selfish, and this book was a good enforcer for me to keep being myself and not to question my prioritization of others. It is so nice to be nice, and I know I will end up benefitting from being compassionate!
Why I Recommend:
It is so easy, especially in society today, to get caught up in taking care of yourself only and not really caring about others. This story is a great reminder to readers that being selfless not only feels good, but usually does not go unnoticed. People you've done good for will want to pay it forward. This book is filled with awesome illustrations and an endearing story.
March 3, 2012
The little boy wants his doggy so badly, but doesn't have enough money. He wants to save his money, but can't. It is raining and nobody comes to his lemonade stand, he gets sick, then he buys his little sister frozen yogurt, his mother chocolates, and his father tissues. He returns to the store only to find that the doggy is gone! When he returns home, he finds that his parents bought him the doggy to thank him for being so nice.
April 15, 2009
This is a nice book. The little boy wants the doggie in the window. He doesn't have enough money. He tries to raise the money with a lemonade stand. He gets sick. Instead he uses his money to help his sister, mom an dad. At the end of the book his mom and dad surprise him and buy the dog for him. Wonderful book.
October 30, 2014
I loved this book! I had heard the first verse to this song and had no idea there was more to the story. It teaches such a good message and actually gave me chills at the end. Could be fun when teaching music, I could also see this being fun to act out and sing as well! So glad i picked this one up to read!!
September 26, 2016
A boy spots a dog in the store window and instantly fall in love. He is short on money, so he tries to earn money throughout the week to be able to buy it, but instead ends up spending all his money helping his family. Will he be able to save up enough money before the puppy is sold? This is a very sweet story that K-2nd graders will love. It teaches children about hard work and motivation.
February 24, 2015
The moral of this story is great! It is written very well, going along with the tune of the song so you may sing it if you'd like. The illustrations that accompany the story are beautiful. This is a wonderful story for children holding some great teaching lessons.
December 18, 2016
My 3 year old truly loves this book. We have read it many times in the past week! Every spread is another verse in the familiar song. I wish there was some way to make it about adopting a pet instead of buying one, but otherwise it's pretty solid.
February 9, 2008
A delight.
August 11, 2010
One of my favorite childhood songs, with several new verses that teach a great moral.
August 11, 2010
One of my favorite childhood songs, with several new verses that teach a great moral.
November 15, 2010
Very fun to read to and sing along with the kids. :)
May 13, 2012
Three things about this book:
1) http://youtu.be/J6h59S9mPKM
2) Selling lemonade in the rain. What a boss.
3) The dog is juggling on page 11!
1) http://youtu.be/J6h59S9mPKM
2) Selling lemonade in the rain. What a boss.
3) The dog is juggling on page 11!
December 19, 2012
It is in a song format. The students will love this book!
February 12, 2013
This book has good illustrations...they make it easy for my students to look at and retell or make up their own story. It can also be used for sequencing days of the week.
March 4, 2014
This book has fun illustrations, and I love the story line. It's so sweet to see the little boy using his money to do nice things for his family, and then the twist at the end is great. :)
March 30, 2014
I though that this book was really adorable. It was cute, and silly, and had a nice moral and great illustration. All around good.
February 19, 2015
I really liked this little book. It actually tells a good story too!
September 15, 2015
I recommend singing only the first four pages, talking the next six pages (not necessarily reading the text -- descriptions are fine and faster), and then finishing by singing the last two pages.
January 15, 2013
This is my all-time favorite book growing up! I made my parents read it to me every night!
October 21, 2013
If only I could remember this tune from page to page! Geesh!
November 18, 2014
Just like the 1950s song with artwork to turn it into a cute story.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews