All the Best Dogs

by Emily Jenkins

For anyone who loves a dog--and anyone who loves a laugh, comes this sensitive (and silly!) story about growing up and mending fences. An enduring message of friends, community, and the joy of pets.

Ask anyone who has a dog and they’ll tell you that their dog is the best. Really, truly, the best dog in the world. Theirs is the best dog that ever lived, ever, ever, in the history of the known universe.

Welcome to the dog park! It’s a playground for dogs in the big city. Here, four sixth graders (and their dogs!) overlap on one hilarious and important June weekend.
Ezra needs to find his lost dog.
Cup-Cup needs a friend. (She also needs to learn to walk on a leash.)
Mei-Alice wonders if anyone will ever understand her.
Panda wonders what will happen if she breaks the rules.
Kaleb is covering up a terrible mistake.
Grover and Lottie are making lots of terrible mistakes. (Some of them are disgusting.)
And Jilly needs to make a new life in a newplace.
On this almost-summer weekend, a series of surprises, mishaps, and misunderstandings will end up changing all of their lives.

Genres: Middle Grade, Animals, Childrens, Audiobook, Juvenile, Dogs, Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 5, 2024

About the author

Emily Jenkins is the author of many books for children, including the recent picture books Tiger and Badger, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, and Princessland, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka. Her chapter books include the Toys series, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky; she is co-author of the Upside-down Magic series. Emily Jenkins lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a sweet book! Its’ intended audience is middle-grade readers, but anyone who has ever loved a dog would find it enjoyable. The author has done a great job of writing a book that is a tender tribute to friendships of both the human and canine variety.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet MG novel by the author of Toys Go Out, among many others. It centers on a day in the life of several 6th graders and their dogs in Brooklyn. Some parts are narrated by the dogs communicating with one another, other parts focus on the dialogue of the kids, who all know each other. Some trials and tribulations occur, and I think kids will enjoy the lessons that pop up, especially one involving a tripod Corgi named Panda who devours a box of chocolate truffles. Very simple and silly story with some fun moments. Definitely itself a great one for dog lovers, though there is also a nod to cats (the Corgi has a cat sibling who tries to be the voice of reason).

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love opening spread - pic of the dogs on one side and their people on other side and then a map
Surprisingly small font for illustrated chap book
Biff off? Had to look up that saying
Jarritos sodas
Fun quotes:
Your farts are just feelings coming out the back end.
But they are 6th graders. That’s not going to happen today.
Cash feels happy to be alive, all the time. It’s that uncomplicated.

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to @tbrbeyondtours @delacortepress & Emily Jenkins for my advanced physical copy of 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬, an enduring story with a powerful message of friends, community, and the joy of pets!

ѕσυя¢є: TBR & Beyond Tours, Penguin Random House, NetGalley
яєℓєαѕє ∂αтє:  November 12, 2024
яαтιηg: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✧ ✧ ✧
Such a pleasant, fun read!
My kids and I really enjoyed reading this one together. It has gorgeous artistry and the story itself is both sweet and has a great message.
It’s about friends and community and the pure joy of owning pets…which we all know are more family than anything else.

So happy we got the opportunity to read this one!

𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣. Make sure you head over to https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/ to follow the tour schedule and drop by other hosts!

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Emily Jenkins’ All the Best Dogs is a heartwarming celebration of our four-legged friends, capturing the essence of what makes dogs such beloved companions. This delightful book is a must-read for dog lovers of all ages, offering a charming blend of stories, illustrations, and insights into the world of dogs.

All the Best Dogs is a beautifully crafted collection that explores the unique personalities and adventures of various dogs. Jenkins’ love for dogs shines through every page, making this book a joyous tribute to man’s best friend. The book is a thoughtful exploration of the bond between humans and dogs.

The book is organized into short, engaging chapters, each focusing on different dogs and their stories. Jenkins introduces us to a diverse cast of canine characters, from playful puppies to wise old dogs, each with their own quirks and charms. The structure allows readers to dip in and out of the book, making it perfect for both quick reads and longer, more immersive sessions.

Jenkins excels at capturing the unique spirit of each dog she writes about. The stories are filled with humor, warmth, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. Readers will find themselves laughing, crying, and nodding in recognition as they read about the antics and adventures of these lovable dogs.

The book is complemented by delightful illustrations that bring the stories to life. The artwork adds an extra layer of charm and helps to visualize the dogs and their escapades. Each illustration is thoughtfully placed, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Jenkins offers keen insights into the nature of dogs and their relationships with humans. Her observations are both entertaining and educational, providing readers with a deeper appreciation of what makes dogs such special companions.

Jenkins’ writing is warm, engaging, and accessible. She has a knack for storytelling that draws readers in and makes them feel a part of the dogs’ lives. Her prose is lyrical and down-to-earth, striking a perfect balance that appeals to readers of all ages. The conversational tone makes the book feel like a cozy chat with a fellow dog lover.

All the Best Dogs is about love, loyalty, and the joy that dogs bring into our lives. Jenkins explores themes of companionship, adventure, and the simple pleasures of life with a dog. The book also touches on the challenges and responsibilities of dog ownership, offering a well-rounded perspective on the human-canine bond.

All the Best Dogs is a delightful read that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved a dog. Emily Jenkins’ heartfelt stories and charming illustrations make this book a true celebration of our furry friends. Whether you’re a lifelong dog owner or simply a dog enthusiast, this book is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Jenkins’ ability to capture the essence of dogs and their relationships with humans makes All the Best Dogs a standout in its genre. It’s a book that you’ll want to revisit time and again, each time finding new reasons to appreciate the wonderful world of dogs.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four kids and over a dozen dogs that frequent the Cheshire Street dog park encounter challenges and joys over the weekend. Friends Ezra and Kaleb have a falling out; May-Alice must defend her big personality; and Jilly is just getting used to living with her aunt while her mom is in rehab. These sixth graders have realistic problems, loving adults and luckily, there are dogs to help break the ice and tenderize the most fractious relationships. Each kid’s worries, secrets and happiness are nicely fleshed out, including their family makeup. Their challenges are interwoven, and much of the drama takes place at or around the dog park. At the same time, each dog has a personality fleshed out by text in italics, which really feels authentic. By the end of the weekend, lost dogs are returned to their owners and friends have figured out how to mend their relationships.

I love that this sweet story begins with two full page spreads that introduce each dog and most humans, as well as a map of the neighborhood. Preitano’s black and white artwork perfectly grabs the dogs’ idiosyncrasies and makes it easy to follow the quick introductions and developments between characters. The omniscient narrator feels like a sympathetic observer who cares about and respects each human and dog. One wonders if the story would have been half as eventful without the dogs – they bring everyone together and show unconditional love to all.

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🐕 love dogs of all kind
🧒🏻 are in middle school
🚶 like to go for walks
👀 enjoy multiple POVs

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

Welcome to the dog park! It’s a playground for dogs in the big city. Here, four sixth graders (and their dogs!) overlap on one hilarious and important June weekend.

Ezra needs to find his lost dog.

Cup-Cup needs a friend. (She also needs to learn to walk on a leash.)

Mei-Alice wonders if anyone will ever understand her.

Panda wonders what will happen if she breaks the rules.

Kaleb is covering up a terrible mistake.

Grover and Lottie are making lots of terrible mistakes. (Some of them are disgusting.)

And Jilly needs to make a new life in a newplace.

On this almost-summer weekend, a series of surprises, mishaps, and misunderstandings will end up changing all of their lives.

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This was a cute read for lovers of dogs! So much information about all kinds of dogs was packed into this middle grade read! I never knew a lot of this stuff and felt like I learned so much. I grew up with cats, so it was nice to see this side of things! I also loved how real the issues in the book felt between the characters. We see so many different dogs and people and learn about their lives both separately and together with the other characters. I highly recommend this one for everyone, not just middle grade readers, especially if you love all dogs!

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always nervous when reading a middle grade novel involving dogs. So many of them have sad endings. This book is the exception; it is feel-good from start to finish, and that makes it a thoroughly refreshing and enjoyable read. The multitude of dogs we meet are oozing with cuteness and their humans are a delight. I love the interconnectivity woven throughout this story between both animals and people. Unlike many children's books, this one does feature some adults as key characters, and I loved that touch as well. Just as a heads-up, we do follow multiple perspectives, and the entire book is written in present tense. This may be a deviation from the norm for many young readers, but rest assured that Emily Jenkins knows what she's doing. Her writing style works really well here. In Summary, if you have a "best dog" and/or you are looking for a cute, feel-good story that still manages to touch on some serious stuff, this book is for you. I would recommend it wholeheartedly to all middle-grade readers and think many of their adults will enjoy it as well.

Thanks to Net Galley for an advance copy of this book to read in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

👦🏻reviews: I love dogs and since we live in a smaller house in NJ, my parents are not keen to have any pets in the house. Well I wish I was one of the characters in the book because despite the troubles every single one of them went through, they have their 4-legged friends to console them. The storylines of each kids partnered with their fur best friends while facing and seeking answers made this book wonderful and fun to read. I was quite moved when the kids used the dog park as their social gathering area instead of staying in and play games all day long. It is full of funny, realistic stories including their fur best friends and humans interacting and solving problems together. After reading this, I told my mom that getting a dog would definitely force me to take my dog out for a walk and learn responsibilities, do you think she bought my concept? Probably not because she told me she’ll end up raising another kid. I’m still trying to convince her but in the meantime read this one! It is really good!

[Leonard Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was one plot twist I found particularly moving that I didn't expect for a character. But that did make me realize I was more interested in the adult characters (though I'm still older than any of them) than the sixth-graders. Of course this was excellent, but Jenkin's previous Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School was transcendent, and this didn't quite reach those heights for me. The writing style reminded me a bit of Mylisa Larsen's (also transcendent) Quagmire Tiarello Couldn't Be Better. Emily Jenkins is an amazing writer who probably rates ahead of Larsen objectively, but I did wonder what Larsen would have done with this.

As Jenkins writes on page 1, "Well, each one is still the best."

[the_romance_regent · Rating 4 out of 5]

“All the Best Dogs” by Emily Jenkins is a feel good book for middle schoolers, but honestly, this is a book for any age. Over one weekend at a dog park, four six graders develop a friendship over their shared love of dogs, their problems and their secrets. By the end, the dogs find their way back to their owners, and the kids learn how to deal with their own issues. The illustrations are awesome and really catch your eye. I definitely recommend “All the Best Dogs” for middle schoolers!

Thank you @tbrbeyondtours and Emily Jenkins for the beautiful physical copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

A variety of dogs and their owners converge on a neighborhood dog park in Brooklyn and get into all kinds of mischief. Many of the characters are in the same sixth grade class, and there is some friend drama, as well as some challenging family situations. There are a variety of characters, as well as a variety of dogs, represented, and I loved that this was a happy, upbeat story with realistic problems. I would definitely buy this for an elementary school library, where students will adore reading about slightly older kids and their dogs! Very fun book!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another really cute book by Emily Jenkins. I enjoyed the way the stories of all the main characters intersected and that the conflict between the humans wove together with the conflicts among the dogs. I also liked how the humans and the dogs were of equal importance in the book and that the conflicts among both species were highly relatable. The pictures throughout also helped bring the stories to life. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good quick story about animals and their people.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attention dog lovers! There’s so much to enjoy in this 2024 middle grade novel…a story with a powerful message about the joy of owning dogs, the bond between owner and pet, friendships, and the celebration of community.

Things I loved:
-the graphic of “The Best Dogs” and “Their People” and a map of the community in the pages before the story began
-illustrations throughout the novel
-how the stories of each dog and their owners intertwined
-short chapters that capture the reader’s attention

4 paws up. Highly recommend!

[Kim Wilch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top 5 Reasons to Read All the Best Dogs

1. Grabbed us right out of the gate with two spreads introducing the characters, the dogs, and even a neighborhood map. 
2. Paws-itively paw-some illustrations dot the pages. 
3. Full of realistic troubles that are not far-fetched at all. 
4. The dogs do what they do best, show unconditional love. 
5. Even though it's a howl-arious book, the characters are delusional. We know that WE have the best dog ever!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kids always enjoy books about dogs, but I almost felt like there were too many dogs/characters to keep them straight or get to know any of them very well. There were like 10 different subplots that I wanted to read more about.

Note: One question I'm always asked when giving book recs is about crushes/dating (every family has a different opinion on this), there is talk in the book of crushes in the book - boy/girl/nonbinary.

[Therearenobadbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a Puppy book very much, especially with silly humor. Perfect for dog lovers of all ages. Each child has a goal to complete. We also learn a lot about having a dog. Awesome art.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feel good middle novel about the joy of dogs, friendship and overcoming obstacles along the way. Loved it! Quick chapter, easy to zip through.

Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.

[LS Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle dog book - no dogs die!! I wish there were fewer child characters and/or that they were more developed.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever loved a dog, you’ll probably love this book.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story about a variety of dogs and their owners. A great story for animal lovers.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun book to read with my 6 year old!

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost dogs, hamster, almost all from a pets perspective and their young owners.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick fun read for dog lovers. Mixed with themes of friendship and forgiveness, a short chapter book about how all dogs are “the best dog in the world”.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read-aloud to read with Theo.

[Megan (ReadingRover) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. 3.5 stars

[Briana Gagnon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

This was adorable and I liked all the multiple POVs, however I did get lot in them a bit. Overall I think middle grade readers will really love this book

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it was a short and fun read with a pretty complicated and compelling plot and characters… unfortunately i had to take off a star for the inclusion of LGBTQ characters…

[BookBairn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a brilliant cast of characters - both human and waggy tailed companions. Love that it dealt with a variety of topics but tied it all together with the love we eachhave for our dogs!

[Dara · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Best Dogs by Emily Jenkins was the sweetest book about a group of kids (and a few adults) and their dogs. It mainly follows 4 6th graders – Ezra, who is full of anxiety, his best friend Kaleb, who has a hard time helping Ezra feel less anxious, May-Alice, who acts confident but may not be, and Jilly, who comes to stay with her aunt Valeria and her two super grumpy terrriers, Grover and Lottie. While dealing with the normal human types of problems, the characters also face common dog issues such as what to do when your puppy eats chocolate and how to find your lost dog. I felt so sad for Grover, who felt displaced when Jilly came to stay. Luckily, his growly antics didn’t get him removed from his family, like happens to some animals! I loved that the dogs could talk to each other and reading their thoughts was such a fun part of this book.