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Stay!
Buster is a very difficult dog! He's messy, naughty and sometimes, well, just disgusting! But Ben thinks he's the best dog ever.
When Ben goes on holiday with Mum and Dad, he tries to write down everything to help Grampa look after Buster -- but will Ben remember the most important thing? And will Grampa survive?
This delightful doggy treat from the creator of Lion vs. Rabbit and Pig and Small guarantees giggles!
When Ben goes on holiday with Mum and Dad, he tries to write down everything to help Grampa look after Buster -- but will Ben remember the most important thing? And will Grampa survive?
This delightful doggy treat from the creator of Lion vs. Rabbit and Pig and Small guarantees giggles!
32 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2015
211 people want to read
About the author
Alex Latimer
63 books56 followersAlex Latimer lives near the border of a national park so when not writing or drawing, he spends his free time shooing baboons out of his lounge. The Boy Who Cried Ninja is his first book for children. He lives in South Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 28, 2019
When Ben and his parents go on holiday, leaving his beloved dog Buster behind with Grandpa, the young boy leaves lots of instructional notes for his canine pal's temporary care-giver. Although he enjoys his holiday, Ben manages to find the time to send lots of postcards with further warnings and instructions. Grandpa, in the meantime, starts a course of dog training with Buster, and has a few notes of his own to give his grandson, when he returns...
The third picture-book that I have read from South African author/illustrator Alex Layton, following upon Pig and Small and Never Follow a Dinosaur , Stay! A Top Dog Story pairs an engaging tale of boy and dog (and grandfather!) with bright, colorful artwork. I really appreciated the fact that Buster's bad behavior is addressed through the story - something notably absent in the Naughty Mabel books I've been reading recently - but that his over-exuberant nature reasserts itself from time to time, even after training. Recommended to all young dog lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories in which naughty behavior is addressed in a constructive way.
The third picture-book that I have read from South African author/illustrator Alex Layton, following upon Pig and Small and Never Follow a Dinosaur , Stay! A Top Dog Story pairs an engaging tale of boy and dog (and grandfather!) with bright, colorful artwork. I really appreciated the fact that Buster's bad behavior is addressed through the story - something notably absent in the Naughty Mabel books I've been reading recently - but that his over-exuberant nature reasserts itself from time to time, even after training. Recommended to all young dog lovers, and to anyone looking for children's stories in which naughty behavior is addressed in a constructive way.
June 11, 2015
Ok so my son being an animal fan I figured he was do for a dog book (I can only read so many about cats before I go insane). So when I saw this on *Netgalley I went for it!
Stay is the story of Ben's dog Buster. Buster has a hard time controlling himself and knack for finding trouble. Ben is going away on vacation and Buster will be staying with Ben's grandfather. Ben prepares his grandfather by writing long lists of things about Buster. Even while he is on vacation Ben thinks of more and more things and sends them along to his grandfather.
I loved the illustrations in this especially the messy paw prints! Oh and the list were so cute. I thought this was a great book and really enjoyed it. My son LOVED it. Especially the fart jokes. Ah when will a fart joke not be funny to him? His favorite part was of course the dog farting as it was being hugged. I can already tell this is going to be read more than once to my son.
Both my son and I agree this was a 5 out of 5.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
**This book was read with my special needs son who is severely learning disabled. The review reflects not only my opinion but his as well
Stay is the story of Ben's dog Buster. Buster has a hard time controlling himself and knack for finding trouble. Ben is going away on vacation and Buster will be staying with Ben's grandfather. Ben prepares his grandfather by writing long lists of things about Buster. Even while he is on vacation Ben thinks of more and more things and sends them along to his grandfather.
I loved the illustrations in this especially the messy paw prints! Oh and the list were so cute. I thought this was a great book and really enjoyed it. My son LOVED it. Especially the fart jokes. Ah when will a fart joke not be funny to him? His favorite part was of course the dog farting as it was being hugged. I can already tell this is going to be read more than once to my son.
Both my son and I agree this was a 5 out of 5.
*I received a free copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion
**This book was read with my special needs son who is severely learning disabled. The review reflects not only my opinion but his as well
April 22, 2015
Having a puppy is a big responsibility and Ben's dog Buster, who is messy, often naughty, and thoroughly exhausting keeps the whole family on their toes tending to him. Ben adores his pup and they are inseparable. Mom and Dad decide they all need a well deserved vacation and guess who is not invited? Yep, poor Buster. He must stay with Grandpa as the family departs to have a break from their busy life.
But how will Grandpa ever manage taking care of Buster appropriately while they are away? Ben is very concerned that he won't know what to do. What can Ben do to help Grandpa out because his parents make it perfectly clear that Buster will not be going along with them?
His parents come up with a brilliant suggestion that Ben should write notes to Grandpa, explaining exactly how to care for his beloved dog. These suggestions work both for Ben (separation anxiety therapy) and for Grandpa (how can I train this puppy to behave and have some manners)?
As Ben keeps adding more and more tips, the notes keep piling on up. Luckily both he and Grandpa survive the separation ordeal and the reunion between dog and owner is very sweet indeed.
You will smile as you see the anxiety in Ben that is portrayed in his never-ending pile of notes to his Grandpa. The illustrations are detailed, busy and full of expression and life. If you are a dog owner now, or ever were, you will know exactly the feelings depicted by both the author and illustrator in Ben, as he leaves his best friend Buster behind, and then joyously returns to claim him once again as his very own. I love the story, being surrounded by four dogs myself, and could totally relate to all the characters involved. I highly recommend this book.
But how will Grandpa ever manage taking care of Buster appropriately while they are away? Ben is very concerned that he won't know what to do. What can Ben do to help Grandpa out because his parents make it perfectly clear that Buster will not be going along with them?
His parents come up with a brilliant suggestion that Ben should write notes to Grandpa, explaining exactly how to care for his beloved dog. These suggestions work both for Ben (separation anxiety therapy) and for Grandpa (how can I train this puppy to behave and have some manners)?
As Ben keeps adding more and more tips, the notes keep piling on up. Luckily both he and Grandpa survive the separation ordeal and the reunion between dog and owner is very sweet indeed.
You will smile as you see the anxiety in Ben that is portrayed in his never-ending pile of notes to his Grandpa. The illustrations are detailed, busy and full of expression and life. If you are a dog owner now, or ever were, you will know exactly the feelings depicted by both the author and illustrator in Ben, as he leaves his best friend Buster behind, and then joyously returns to claim him once again as his very own. I love the story, being surrounded by four dogs myself, and could totally relate to all the characters involved. I highly recommend this book.
December 9, 2015
I knew Stay! A Top Dog Story would be a winner without even opening the book and I was right. How did I know this? I have yet to see or read anything by Alex Latimer that was not gorgeous and well-written. Stay is a wonderfully funny book. Any kid, no, anyone with a dog, will understand Ben’s hesitation and worry. Ben wants Buster to go on vacation with the family, but mom wants a vacation to get away from Buster. The answer is no. So Buster spends this time with an unsuspecting Grampa.
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May 20, 2015
Stay! A Top Dog Story is a picturebook written by Alex Latimer.It is currently scheduled for release on July 2 2015. Buster is a very difficult dog! He is messy and tends to be naughty. However, Ben thinks he's the best dog ever. When Ben goes on vacation with his parents, he tries to write down everything to help Grampa look after Buster. Ben spends a good portion of his holiday thinking of other things he should have told Grampa, but maybe Grampa can make his own list of things to help Ben's family with Buster.
Stay! A Top Dog Story is a cute story about a family with a dog that needs some traiing. Buster is a nice dog, but one that often makes messes or gets into trouble. When Ben and his parents go on a trip Benm is worried about Buster, and his Grampa. It is during this trip that Grampa starts training Buster. While Ben is filling up postcards with Buster's favorite, and least favorite, things Buster is being taught correctly and Grampa is making lists of commands and instructions to help Buster be the best dog he can be. This is a charming and sometimes silly story about a puppy and his family that need to learn how to work together for good behavior. Buster was always a great dog, but with Grampa's help he can behave well also.
Stay! A Top Dog Story is a good story for showing that dogs need to be trained, just like people need to learn manners and skills. No dog is bad, just poorly trained. This could be a good story for showing children how much responsibility is involved in owning a dog, and how important that training is, as well as keeping up with that training.
Stay! A Top Dog Story is a cute story about a family with a dog that needs some traiing. Buster is a nice dog, but one that often makes messes or gets into trouble. When Ben and his parents go on a trip Benm is worried about Buster, and his Grampa. It is during this trip that Grampa starts training Buster. While Ben is filling up postcards with Buster's favorite, and least favorite, things Buster is being taught correctly and Grampa is making lists of commands and instructions to help Buster be the best dog he can be. This is a charming and sometimes silly story about a puppy and his family that need to learn how to work together for good behavior. Buster was always a great dog, but with Grampa's help he can behave well also.
Stay! A Top Dog Story is a good story for showing that dogs need to be trained, just like people need to learn manners and skills. No dog is bad, just poorly trained. This could be a good story for showing children how much responsibility is involved in owning a dog, and how important that training is, as well as keeping up with that training.
July 2, 2015
Stay! is a wonderful book with great illustrations and a lesson for children who want or have a dog. This is the story of Ben's dog, Buster. You don't really need to own a dog to understand this, but if you do have one, then this is even better. Buster has not been trained and the family is tired of the stunts he pulls so, when they do on vacation, they leave him home with grandpa. Ben is worried that grandpa will not know how to take care of Buster and he talks to his dad. Dad tells him to write notes to grandpa. This is where the cute begins. The notes Ben writes and later the postcards are a list of all his faults and misadventures. When grandpa and Buster have a misadventure, he decided it is time to train Buster. When Ben comes home, grandpa shows him what to do to make Buster listen and of course, the next vacation the family takes, Buster gets to go.
This is a good story for showing that dogs need to be trained, just like people need to learn manners and skills. No dog is bad, just poorly trained. This could be a good story for showing children how much responsibility is involved in owning a dog, and how important that training is, as well as keeping up with that training. The art work is wonderful filled with detail and expression as well as vibrant colours. I loved how Alex Latimer was able to show the anxiety Ben felt when leaving his best friend with grandpa. A delightful story that I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is a good story for showing that dogs need to be trained, just like people need to learn manners and skills. No dog is bad, just poorly trained. This could be a good story for showing children how much responsibility is involved in owning a dog, and how important that training is, as well as keeping up with that training. The art work is wonderful filled with detail and expression as well as vibrant colours. I loved how Alex Latimer was able to show the anxiety Ben felt when leaving his best friend with grandpa. A delightful story that I highly recommend.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read
December 13, 2015If anyone thinks dogs do not have a command of the English language, they need to reconsider their opinions. How else can a dog who weighed fifty-one pounds at most during her lifetime have faced every single day like her namesake, Xena the warrior princess? This dog was a force of nature, mentally and physically strong.
It was recommended we attend obedience school. We lasted one session...well, almost. The instructor insisted on using a pinch collar. We made it once around the room walking with the other wee pups before I stopped, removed the collar and strolled out. No one was going to take away my girl's spirit.
So I sought out places where we could walk, run and swim free from danger. Otherwise a leash or thirty-foot lead was attached to a harness. I wish I could have seen my face the day she pulled me down the road when I was wearing cross-country skis. She was and is my hero.
Some would look at us and think or say, "Who's running or walking who?" I would simply laugh and try to keep up with her. She made me be my best self. Other dogs use their strength in a less restrained manner. Stay: A Top Dog Story (Peachtree Publishers, September 1, 2015) written and illustrated by Alex Latimer is about an exuberant Buster and his loving human Ben.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
It was recommended we attend obedience school. We lasted one session...well, almost. The instructor insisted on using a pinch collar. We made it once around the room walking with the other wee pups before I stopped, removed the collar and strolled out. No one was going to take away my girl's spirit.
So I sought out places where we could walk, run and swim free from danger. Otherwise a leash or thirty-foot lead was attached to a harness. I wish I could have seen my face the day she pulled me down the road when I was wearing cross-country skis. She was and is my hero.
Some would look at us and think or say, "Who's running or walking who?" I would simply laugh and try to keep up with her. She made me be my best self. Other dogs use their strength in a less restrained manner. Stay: A Top Dog Story (Peachtree Publishers, September 1, 2015) written and illustrated by Alex Latimer is about an exuberant Buster and his loving human Ben.
My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...
August 1, 2015
I received a copy of this via the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
We LOVED this book! My daughter and I laughed the whole time, reading about a squirrel-chasing-dog (and everything else under the sun!) who loves to fart. Lots of giggles came out during our read through.
This book was really detailed but simple enough for a younger child to understand. And my daughter, who has a dog of her own, actually learned how much work goes into a dog. She said, "Wow mom, there is a lot you have to know about taking care of that dog, isn't there?" HOPEFULLY, this will translate into her everyday life.
There was a lot of heart in this story, and it really translated in the illustrations. There was SO much detail in the illustration, we sat and looked through all of it. It definitely added to the story!
Overall, this would be perfect for a family looking to get a dog or who already has one. I know it is one we'll be ordering in print for our own collection.
We LOVED this book! My daughter and I laughed the whole time, reading about a squirrel-chasing-dog (and everything else under the sun!) who loves to fart. Lots of giggles came out during our read through.
This book was really detailed but simple enough for a younger child to understand. And my daughter, who has a dog of her own, actually learned how much work goes into a dog. She said, "Wow mom, there is a lot you have to know about taking care of that dog, isn't there?" HOPEFULLY, this will translate into her everyday life.
There was a lot of heart in this story, and it really translated in the illustrations. There was SO much detail in the illustration, we sat and looked through all of it. It definitely added to the story!
Overall, this would be perfect for a family looking to get a dog or who already has one. I know it is one we'll be ordering in print for our own collection.
May 4, 2015
What a cute book! I can see it being perfect for any child and particularly for children who have a pet dog.
About the artwork: Really beautifully done, colourful and cute illustrations. I liked how humour is added to the book through the drawings.
About the story: I like how the story is simultaneously interesting, funny and also educational (in a subtle, non-obvious way). It teaches kids a few thing about how to care for their pets - like how to know if you're hugging too tightly (if the dog's eyes bulge, if he pants, croaks or farts!), or which are the best-loved spots to scratch a dog, or what things dogs shouldn't eat. The ending also leaves you with a smile on your face :)
Overall: A really sweet book!
- - -
I was kindly given a copy of this book for honest reviewing purposes
About the artwork: Really beautifully done, colourful and cute illustrations. I liked how humour is added to the book through the drawings.
About the story: I like how the story is simultaneously interesting, funny and also educational (in a subtle, non-obvious way). It teaches kids a few thing about how to care for their pets - like how to know if you're hugging too tightly (if the dog's eyes bulge, if he pants, croaks or farts!), or which are the best-loved spots to scratch a dog, or what things dogs shouldn't eat. The ending also leaves you with a smile on your face :)
Overall: A really sweet book!
- - -
I was kindly given a copy of this book for honest reviewing purposes
April 27, 2015
The first time leaving your favorite pet with someone else can be a little nerve-racking as you worry about whether your trusted pet sitter understands the signs of your pet, who needs a belly rub or wants to play fetch. When this pet belongs to a child, it can cause much concern.
In Stay! A Top Dog Story by Alex Latimer, a little boy named Ben leaves his dog Buster with his Grampa to go on vacation with his Mum and Dad. Ben was confident Grampa didn’t know anything about Buster’s likes and dislikes or how to take care of him. His Dad suggested he write Grampa a note. Ben quickly got started to write Grampa a note with pictures and some words describing Buster’s likes and dislikes.
For my full review, please visit http://bit.ly/1dmlUZp
In Stay! A Top Dog Story by Alex Latimer, a little boy named Ben leaves his dog Buster with his Grampa to go on vacation with his Mum and Dad. Ben was confident Grampa didn’t know anything about Buster’s likes and dislikes or how to take care of him. His Dad suggested he write Grampa a note. Ben quickly got started to write Grampa a note with pictures and some words describing Buster’s likes and dislikes.
For my full review, please visit http://bit.ly/1dmlUZp
June 2, 2015
This book was so adorable (dog farts included)! I think it would be great for anyone who is either thinking about owning a dog, or for a family already with a dog that they love (but is maybe a little naughty at times). Buster and his little boy have to go their separate ways when it is time for the family vacation, so the boy makes sure his grandfather will be watching Buster knows all of Buster's likes and dislikes. The boy's dedication to his dog is shown throughout the book, and with his grandfather's help by the end of vacation Buster is a better listener! The illustrations are adorable and very detailed.
July 18, 2015
Badly Behaving Buster
This book is adorable and funny and truly illustrates how much work and responsibility goes into having a dog. I think it would be a perfect book to help parents show children how big a deal having a pet is :) I am sure it would totally talk a lot of kids out of begging for a dog once they realize exactly how much work they will have to do!
***This book is suitable for readers of any age and is written at a grade school level
This book is adorable and funny and truly illustrates how much work and responsibility goes into having a dog. I think it would be a perfect book to help parents show children how big a deal having a pet is :) I am sure it would totally talk a lot of kids out of begging for a dog once they realize exactly how much work they will have to do!
***This book is suitable for readers of any age and is written at a grade school level
January 16, 2016
This copy kindly provided by NetGalley on behalf of the publisher
A funny one about a boy going on holiday without his mischievous dog, and worrying the whole time that his grandfather won't remember everything about caring for him. When he returns from his holiday he gets quite a surprise!
Heaps of fun, with great illustrations to go along with it.
A funny one about a boy going on holiday without his mischievous dog, and worrying the whole time that his grandfather won't remember everything about caring for him. When he returns from his holiday he gets quite a surprise!
Heaps of fun, with great illustrations to go along with it.
April 30, 2015
Great book! I love the story and illustrations! A great book for children (and even adults) to learn to connect and understand their dog and the importance and benefits of training. Humorous and positive approach to teaching (without teaching) children about their pets.
I received and read an ARC of Stay! which is set for publication this fall.
I received and read an ARC of Stay! which is set for publication this fall.
May 10, 2015
Buster is your typical 'bad' dog. Ben's family is about to go on vacation, and Buster got in a lot of trouble on their last vacation, so his staying with Grandpa. Ben writes his grandpa all kids of notes about Buster.
This book is adorable and children will love it.
I loved the illustrations.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book is adorable and children will love it.
I loved the illustrations.
I received a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2015
Anyone who has had to board a pet while going on vacation will appreciate this book. Ben's family is exhausted from taking care of Buster, the dog. They decide to go on vacation and leave Buster with Grandpa. Ben leaves tons of notes for Grandpa but forgets the most important one. Great illustrations and plenty of heart for dog lovers missing their pets.
April 24, 2015
I loved this! We need to buy a paper copy for Kait because Buster and Watson have a lot in common as bad habits go.
June 6, 2015
This was so cute, definitely suitable for children or for anyone looking for a quick fun read :)
*ARC received via netgalley for an honest review*
*ARC received via netgalley for an honest review*
January 27, 2016
I'm sure kids will laugh at the dog's naughtiness. I appreciated the notes Ben left on how to take care of Buster.
May 19, 2016
One extra star for the creative notes and writing inspiration.
March 4, 2018
Latimer, Alex Stay! A Top Dog Story. PICTURE BOOK. Peachtree Publishers, Ltd., 2015. $16.95. Content: G.
Ben loves his dog Buster! He is sure that Buster is the best dog in the whole world! Ben’s parents do not agree. When it is time to go on a family vacation, Mom and Dad agree that Buster will be staying at Grampa’s while they are gone. Ben is worried that Grampa won’t know how to take care of Buster and doesn’t know all the things that Buster likes to do. Dad suggests that Ben tells Grampa everything he might need to know in a note. Ben starts writing… and writing… and writing. By the time the family was ready to set off, Ben had more notes than he could count.
This is a fun book about pets, responsibility and love. Latimer takes a unique approach to publishing Ben’s lists by actually sharing child like drawings and sketches with “to do” lists such as “When should Buster have a bath?” and “You know you’re hugging Buster too hard when: he starts panting, his eyes bulge, he makes a croaking sound, and he farts.” The notes are written on different types and colors of paper and the illustrations are precious! This is not a quick read, rather a “snuggle down and spend a lot of time exploring” type of picture book. Dog lovers of all types will enjoy this unique book.
Pre-K. EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018/...
Ben loves his dog Buster! He is sure that Buster is the best dog in the whole world! Ben’s parents do not agree. When it is time to go on a family vacation, Mom and Dad agree that Buster will be staying at Grampa’s while they are gone. Ben is worried that Grampa won’t know how to take care of Buster and doesn’t know all the things that Buster likes to do. Dad suggests that Ben tells Grampa everything he might need to know in a note. Ben starts writing… and writing… and writing. By the time the family was ready to set off, Ben had more notes than he could count.
This is a fun book about pets, responsibility and love. Latimer takes a unique approach to publishing Ben’s lists by actually sharing child like drawings and sketches with “to do” lists such as “When should Buster have a bath?” and “You know you’re hugging Buster too hard when: he starts panting, his eyes bulge, he makes a croaking sound, and he farts.” The notes are written on different types and colors of paper and the illustrations are precious! This is not a quick read, rather a “snuggle down and spend a lot of time exploring” type of picture book. Dog lovers of all types will enjoy this unique book.
Pre-K. EL (K-3). ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL.
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018/...
January 24, 2023
Ben is convinced his dog Buster is the best dog in the whole world. But as most of us know, love is blind. Buster is a complete nightmare for everyone else. He has exhausted Ben’s parents to the point they need a vacation. And it is decided, to Ben’s horror, Buster is to stay at home with Grampa! But Grampa doesn’t know all the things that Buster likes to do cries Ben. So, write him a note and tell him says Dad. And that is the first of many cute instructional notes/postcards from Ben to Grampa.
While Ben is off having a great time Grampa quickly learns that Buster needs some reeducation.And he begins dog-training with Buster.
I’m sure many kids will see their own pets behavior in this zany, funny, wonderful story.
While Ben is off having a great time Grampa quickly learns that Buster needs some reeducation.And he begins dog-training with Buster.
I’m sure many kids will see their own pets behavior in this zany, funny, wonderful story.
January 3, 2018
My new favorite book about writing!!!
March 7, 2020
While there are lots of funny bits and ideas in the book and the graphics are nice (usual Alex Latimer's style), there's just no point to the story.
November 20, 2020
Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 6, 2022
It is a cute book. Love is acceptance.
October 20, 2024
What a cute and funny story!
February 18, 2021
Another librarian recommended this book to me and I am SO glad she did.
The notes were delightful and I can completely picture this happening.
The notes were delightful and I can completely picture this happening.
January 19, 2016
Review #1
Grades K-3
APA Citation:
Scott, Laura. (August 1, 2015). [Review of the book Stay! A Top Dog Story by Alex Latimer]. School Library Journal, 61(8), 72.
Retrieved from NoveList Plus database.
Scott found the book to be a great addition to a picture book collection and made special note of the engaging illustrations. Shaw pointed out that the notes and postcards included in the illustrations would be particularly engaging for fluent readers as they add detail to the story.
Review #2
Ages 4-8
APA Citation (unknown author):
(2015, June 15). [Review of the book Stay! A Top Dog Story by Alex Latimer]]. Kirkus Reviews.
Retrieved from NoveList Plus database.
The reviewer believed this book would be particularly engaging for reluctant readers and dog lovers. The book was found to be action packed and filled with uncertainty to the end. The reviewer noted that the illustrations, particularly Ben's notes, diagrams, and post cards were lively and entertaining.
My Review
Ben loves his dog and wants to take him on vacation. Unfortunately, his parents tell him that Buster must stay back with grandpa. Ben takes it upon himself to provide grandpa with advice on how to take care of Buster. In the end, Ben finds out that grandpa knows a few things about training dogs. "Stay! A Top Dog Story" could have special appeal for young readers who are also dog lovers. The illustrations are especially interesting as they contain a wealth of "extra" information about Ben's dog.
Grades K-3
APA Citation:
Scott, Laura. (August 1, 2015). [Review of the book Stay! A Top Dog Story by Alex Latimer]. School Library Journal, 61(8), 72.
Retrieved from NoveList Plus database.
Scott found the book to be a great addition to a picture book collection and made special note of the engaging illustrations. Shaw pointed out that the notes and postcards included in the illustrations would be particularly engaging for fluent readers as they add detail to the story.
Review #2
Ages 4-8
APA Citation (unknown author):
(2015, June 15). [Review of the book Stay! A Top Dog Story by Alex Latimer]]. Kirkus Reviews.
Retrieved from NoveList Plus database.
The reviewer believed this book would be particularly engaging for reluctant readers and dog lovers. The book was found to be action packed and filled with uncertainty to the end. The reviewer noted that the illustrations, particularly Ben's notes, diagrams, and post cards were lively and entertaining.
My Review
Ben loves his dog and wants to take him on vacation. Unfortunately, his parents tell him that Buster must stay back with grandpa. Ben takes it upon himself to provide grandpa with advice on how to take care of Buster. In the end, Ben finds out that grandpa knows a few things about training dogs. "Stay! A Top Dog Story" could have special appeal for young readers who are also dog lovers. The illustrations are especially interesting as they contain a wealth of "extra" information about Ben's dog.
June 10, 2015
Stay! is a wonderful book that's extremely hilarious and has a good lesson in it too. You don't really need to own a dog to understand this, but if you do have one, then this is even better. Ben has a mischievous dog named Buster, who's not been trained and the family is quite tired of the stunts it pulls. So, they take off on a holiday without the dog leaving it to grandpa, who initially trains it so the family can take the dog with them the next time. The story consists of notes and post cards Ben writes to grandpa so that he would know what to do with the dog. The notes and such are funny and cute!
The art work is wonderful and the colors vibrant. I loved how the pages were constructed and how the story moved. The rhythm works out nicely and there're even lessons to be learnt. What I found weird was that why hadn't the family trained the dog, if it was such a menace? In a way it was weird how grandpa suddenly managed to do that. For me this felt weird, but kids probably don't even notice stuff like this. For them this surely is a great read and of course Buster doesn't end up perfect - dogs need to be dogs and that's why we love them!
The art work is wonderful and the colors vibrant. I loved how the pages were constructed and how the story moved. The rhythm works out nicely and there're even lessons to be learnt. What I found weird was that why hadn't the family trained the dog, if it was such a menace? In a way it was weird how grandpa suddenly managed to do that. For me this felt weird, but kids probably don't even notice stuff like this. For them this surely is a great read and of course Buster doesn't end up perfect - dogs need to be dogs and that's why we love them!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews