When Dogs Work

by Opal Sinclair

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Animals, Nonfiction, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

Published November 12, 2024

Reviews

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dog person that I am, I was drawn to this book. I liked it even more as I began to peruse the pages. The pictures are real people and real working dogs. By that I mean that they appear to be genuine photos taken in action, not something posed. There are a variety of dogs and human characters, not to mention a herd of sheep. Love those guardian dogs. The author dedicates the book to her own dogs, too, a nice touch and loved the paw/hand photo used with the dedication.

Each working type gets a two page spread. One page is devoted to a short, rhythmical description of the dog's job. It's accompanied by a color photo of that type of dog doing its job. There's a bit of humor in the text, too, a plus for children who enjoy a giggle. As noted, the descriptions are brief. The author isn't trying to tell us everything there is to know about each canine job, simply to share the very basics of the job and, so to speak, offer kudos to those dogs. As an Alaskan who has attended many sled dog events, of course, I feel compelled to mention the inclusion of sled dogs as a canine job. Yeah, huskies. My favorite canine job, though, was the last one mentioned, the job of being a pet dog. In other words, they have a job, too. It's to love us and be there for us every day. My corgi mix, whose heritage would call her a working (herding) dog, falls into that category and I, for one, appreciated the inclusion.

Finally, the book closes with a list of suggested activities to expand upon the contents and focus on the idea of helping these dogs symbolize. The suggestions are simple one that anyone can do. They don't involved collecting a bunch of supplies and finding a specific time or place. In fact, one is simply to note dogs to the child when out and about on daily routines, asking questions such as what kind of dog do you think that is or what sort of job might that dog be suited for. All easy and low pressure type activities. Thanks #PajamaPress - #PublisherSpotlight for giving me a sneak peek at this book. I'll definitely be mentioning it to my friends.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one is a 2.5 for me. Although the lettering on the harness worn by the German shepherd on the front endpaper is reversed, this padded board will have child appeal with all of those full-color and full-page photographs of working canines. The accessible, rhyming text introduces youngsters to working dogs, including therapy dogs, dogs that act, dogs that help police, and even guide dogs. And for those dogs that don't have an official role, well, the final photo highlights what just might be a dog's most important place in someone's life--as a pet or a companion. There are important tips about how to approach working dogs as well as activities that enable youngsters to distinguish between dogs that are at work vs. dogs that are simply there to play.

[Anna Bergen · Rating 3 out of 5]

'When dogs work' is cool. All these dogs are amazing, like the police dog. The actors dog was cool too, have a treat, good rhyming! Its amazing how dogs might battle wolves for their friends, just like the livestock guardian dog. I think the fire prevention dog is one of the coolest dogs, fires are dangerous and this dog and somehow deal with it. Signed Eben

Love reading with Eben! Makes me to get a dog.:)

[Hailey Vittrup · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as a DRC. This is a great resource to teach children about the different jobs that dogs can have! The descriptions are followed by the answers to their prompts.

[Awjtf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy facts book explaining what kinds of jobs dogs do.

[Steph]

Turn/Level: B/2.5

Jobs dogs have.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to the jobs dogs can have. Also using actual photographs is key to showing the beautiful diversity of our world

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This padded picture book features real photographs of working dogs, and explains their jobs in short, simple sentences.

[Karol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Real and bright pictures share the roles dogs have in the world.
The suggested activities on the last page are great opportunities to share and discuss the various dog jobs shown in the book.

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and easy way to teach children about working dogs! I wish it had a bit more detail than it does but a great start!