When Rosie Walks George

by Amy Hest, Taeeun Yoo (Illustrator)

From a New York Times bestselling author and a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book honoree, a heartfelt story about taking time to enjoy those you’re with and the world around you.

George is an old dog, and he doesn’t run fast anymore. But he still needs a walk, and each day, Mother, Dad, and the big kids take turns. Rosie, the little one, trails behind. George doesn’t hurry. And he always, always keeps an eye on Rosie. Imbued with warmth, this lovely oceanside tale from New York Times bestselling author Amy Hest and two-time New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book honoree Taeeun Yoo celebrates the idea of quiet, unhurried moments with loved ones and the beautiful connection between young and old.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Animals, Childrens, Family, Friendship, Summer

40 pages, Hardcover

First published May 21, 2024

About the author

Amy Hest is a three-time winner of the Christopher Medal and winner of the BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Award. She lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Megan Sanks]

Finally, a picture book about a kid and their older pet who DOESN'T DIE!

[Jen Geroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not crying your crying!! Beyond adorable!! I absolutely loved reading this to my kids. The illustrations were so cute and simple and perfect. The story was endearing! Nothing more beautiful than the loyalty of a family pet <3

[Marianne Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely Childrens’ book. I won this beautiful seaside book through a Goodreads giveaway. What a touching message for children to hear - that we take care of our dogs especially as they get older and our dogs are always so loving and devoted to us. My four young grandsons just love this book!

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reminds me of Bonnie, my doggie best friend from when I was a kid. I love that George takes his time - stops and looks around. Yes, he’s an old dog, but he still has a purpose, and it’s an important one. Lovely, warm story and a reminder to savor the quiet moments in life.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

George is an old dog who still needs walking. Each family member walks George differently. George paces himself but mainly keeps an eye on Rosie, who is the youngest member of the family. A heartwarming tale of loyalty and togetherness.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog lovers: Be prepared to cry

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of a young girl and her deaf dog.
A challenge to slow down and enjoy the beauty of life and our surroundings.

[Kim Wilch]

We loved George’s dedication to his friend Rosie. The theme of slowing down to enjoy every moment was not lost on us - a great reminder to make the most of every day! The precious illustrations helped to move the story along while keeping our attention. Repetition of the key points gently encouraged us to pay attention since it was worth repeating. Such a lovely story.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old dogs are my favorite dogs and I appreciate a good "old dog" book, especially the occasional one that doesn't end with the dog dying! This is just such a book. It's sweet and I like that George (the dog) and Rosie (his girl) both take the time to notice and enjoy the little things.

Another sweet old dog book similar to this is This Old Dog. And a wonderful old dog book about how, though old dogs don't do much, they're still full of a calm, warm love for their family is Homer. If you and your little one have a loved old dog who has crossed the rainbow bridge and are ready for a wonderful book that may help you process that, then I recommend The Longest Letsgoboy.

I think this book could work well in a preschool or elementary school storytime.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart never raced so much reading a picture book hoping that nothing happened to the main character or the dog....

When Rosie Walks George is one of the sweetest picture books that I've read so far this year. Although simplistic in text, it captures the loving, caring relationship between a little girl and her dog. While I think younger readers will appreciate the way in which the dog cares for the little girl, I think older readers/caregivers will appreciate Hest's message of life still being a meaningful, beautiful thing even as we get older. Honestly, this is one that I wouldn't judge by the cover. The inside contains such complex and impactful storytelling. Taeeun Yoo did such a wonderful job with the illustrations creating feelings of attachment to both Rosie and George. This is definitely one that I would recommend adding to your shelf of picture books.

[Erth · Rating 5 out of 5]

a heartfelt story about taking time to enjoy those you’re with and the world around you.

George is an old dog, and he doesn’t run fast anymore. But he still needs a walk, and each day, Mother, Dad, and the big kids take turns. Rosie, the little one, trails behind. George doesn’t hurry. And he always, always keeps an eye on Rosie. Imbued with warmth, this lovely oceanside tale from New York Times bestselling author Amy Hest and two-time New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book honoree Taeeun Yoo celebrates the idea of quiet, unhurried moments with loved ones and the beautiful connection between young and old.

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated book about the relationship between George, the old family dog, and Rosie the youngest child in the family. Rosie doesn't mind that George doesn't run as fast as he used to or that she doesn't get to take a turn walking him. George keeps an eye on Rosie and keeps her safe and happy. Sparse, heart warming text details the ups and downs of beach life and the relationship that is still going strong when Rosie is old enough to take her turn walking George. A relationship as unchanging as the sea and one that endures. Beautiful book that will be enjoyed by even the very youngest Storytime attendee - especially those that love dogs.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a couple of titles by Amy Hest and remember they were stories of special relationships between dog and humans. One feels good after these stories and this title is the special bond between the aging dog George with the youngest member of the family, Rosie. As the story begins George looks out for Rosie as she explores the treasures of the beach and as it ends Rosie has grown to probably school age and she has patience to walk George on the beach. Touching story.
Illustrations were done digitally and well done and I would not have guessed they were digital but I was so engrossed in the story.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely, beachy story about the bonds of interspecies, intergenerational friendship and taking in the quiet moments. George is an old, half-deaf dog who doesn't run fast anymore and Rosie is the youngest child of a family. The family walk along the beach calling to Rosie and George to hurry up, but Rosie loves to meander and George loves to stop and take in all the beach has to offer while keeping an eye on Rosie. A story of appreciation -- of friends, of family, of nature -- this is a quiet and lovely summer read.

[Daoud M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This delightful beachside tale highlights the bonds of interspecies and intergenerational friendship, focusing on cherishing the quiet moments. George, an elderly, partially deaf dog who no longer runs quickly, and Rosie, the youngest child of a family, share a special connection. As the family walks along the beach, calling for Rosie and George to hurry up, Rosie enjoys wandering slowly, while George takes his time to savor the beach's offerings and keeps a watchful eye on Rosie. This story celebrates the appreciation of friends, family, and nature, making it a serene and lovely summer read.

[Timberlea Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so excited to have won this book! I love that it teaches children and adults that you need to slow down and enjoy the beauty around you.
But , my real reason I love this story, is the lesson for understanding the differences in our stages of life. I have recently became a grandma and can only hear out of one ear 🙂. I will have this story handy to reconnect with my grandchildren and show them that we are all an important part of a family.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC through SLJ Day of Dialogue October 2024.
Beautifully written story of an older dog who moves slowly but still keeps an eye on his family's youngest child. Rosie loses her ball at the beach as the waves pull it out in the water. George keeps her out of the water and waits and waits for the ball to return. I love the message about appreciating who George is now and how Rosie cares for him as he ages and she grows up.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet, wistful story about the bond between a senior dog and the youngest child in a rambunctious family. While everyone else is always in a hurry, Rosie and George are just fine dawdling along the seashore and taking in the sights and smells. This is one that will capture the hearts of dog lovers, young and old.

[Rebecca Crunden]

This got me right in the feels. I love old George who does not hurry but watches over Rosie 🥹

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[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet ocean book about a dog and his family. It's a book that gives you a sense of slowing down time. It got a little long for storytime, but it's not a story that you can skip pages.

Reviewed from a library copy.

2024 storytime theme: Pool Storytime

[Barb Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie's family has an old dog, George. When their family walks on the beach, everyone except Rosie gets a turn to walk George. She moves slower than her siblings and gets distracted. George moves slower than the family and gets distracted, too. So, George and Rosie have a special bond.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An old dog teaches a family a thing or two about the art of slowing down and taking notice of life’s simple wonders, even as he keeps a watchful eye on the youngest child during their walks on the beach. Simple illustrations of George and his people depict the wabi-sabi philosophy of slow living.

[Elisabeth]

Soooo cute! George looks just like my pup. The artwork and colors was gorgeous. My two littlest kiddos enjoyed it!

[Emily Haage · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was going to make me cry ugly tears, but it is a joyful and quiet story. Share with kids who love dogs and maybe have a pup of their own who is old and deaf in one ear.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not gonna cry at work, I'm not gonna cry at work....

[Bhumika Thakur]

I want to read

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet book about an old slow dog and his little girl.

[Abby Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet and simple

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for a story about an elderly dog. This one hits a lot of good notes. Taking your time, being present, the importance of play no matter how old you are, paying attention and being kind.

[Wanda ❣️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet!