Patch: A Picture Book

by David Slonim

Patch is a good dog. At least he tries to be—but sometimes he finds it hard to remember commands or resist chasing rabbits. Three very short stories of a boy and his dog are combined in this adorably illustrated picture book that honors the special bond between dogs and their people and between friends of all species.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Animals, Childrens, Friendship, Storytime, Kids

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2013

About the author

David Slonim is an award-winning illustrator of many children’s books, including The Deer Watch by Pat Lowery Collins. He lives with his wife, four kids, and a dog named Maggie in Indiana.

Reviews

[Michael Lausche · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story about a dog named "Patch" and his owner who is a young boy. The book opens up with a page that states "Rabbits", and dives in to how his owner takes care of him. There can be times where it is easy to take care of Patch, but other times hard. At the end of the day though, they both still love each other. The meaning behind the bold text "Rabbits", is to tell us how Patch has a hard time not chasing after them on walks. The story goes on in this form by telling us about Patch and his characteristics. I chose this book as a read-aloud because it is a great book for pausing and asking questions during the story. I think a great way of really understanding a book or a story is by reading it all at one time, and then re-reading it again, but pausing for questions during the story. There are words or expressions that we can talk about as a class to help understand the bond between Patch and the owner. The illustrations of this book were really good, containing funny pictures of Patch and his life of being a dog. One thing I will point out though, is the amount of white space that is contained throughout the book. It usually bothers me when there is too much of it, but the cover and back of the book indicated to me that there might be more white space than usual. The simplicity of the illustrations gave a good structure of how the illustrator wanted the reader to see Patch and the owner. The simple, and hard times of their lives in a condensed picture. I recommend this book for children ages Kindergarten-1st grade.

[Brenna Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book demonstrates what friendship is and I think it's a great book for children when they are in kindergarten or 1st grade because they are starting to create friendships at that point in there lives.

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't do much for me, but if your little one is responsible for taking care of a dog, then it might be for you. The picture book had three very short little stories about a boy and his dog. Another surprising choice that it was on the 2012 Texas 2X2 list.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes dogs are the best companions.

[Cris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book about the bond between a child and his/her dog.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A boy and his dog books are always a win for us 🐕💙

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who loves dogs will enjoy this title, which contains three short stories about a boy and his dog, Patch. It's easy to relate to Patch's experiences as he continues to chase after rabbits even when he always ends up injured from the chase. The second and third stories show that his boy loves him even when he has to sleep outside because of fleas and even when his performance in the dog contest is abysmal. Yes, they love each other, come what may. The story is sweetly sentimental and may bring back fond memories of dogs long gone. The illustrations are filled with soft colors that allow the emotions of boy and dog to be visible.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three cute short stories of a boy and his trusty canine companion, best buds through good times and bad. Endearing illustrations, 3 pages used just for the words rabbit, fleas, and the contest, kinda like chapter titles, wish they had illustrations on them. Hope the binding holds up. Don't forget to look at the back cover!

[Elaine Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

preS-g1, maybe 2

okay, maybe just 4 stars, but such a sweet, sweet story that depicts the relationship between a boy and his dog. Simple "chapters" share vignettes in the child/dog's relationship that reveal the strong emotional bond between them.

[Regina Spiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patch is a sweet, little story of a doggie who unfortunately shares his life with fleas, likes to chase rabbits, and tries to win the talent contest. His boy loves him never the less and says "We're buddies through thick and thin...no matter what." Cute illustrations follow a simple storyline.

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute low level "chapter" book. Kids will enjoy this one about a boy and his loyal companion. I can't tell you how many 1st graders ask me for chapter books they can read so this one will definitely be one for me to show them.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for newly independent readers with lots of visual cues, white space, and large print. Patch is our narrator's joy & responsibility, through the good and bad, and we follow them through three short, funny adventures. Simple in the best way! Love a good dog book :)

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable, heart-warming, funny and with beautiful illustrations! Definitely a keeper!

[Lizzie]

Cutey cute short shorties.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charming stories about a young boy and his dog.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming story about a boy's love for his dog, fleas and all.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this picture book; sweet vignettes of a dog and his boy. Illustrations are adorable. And the back cover is MAGNIFICENT. I mean, simply magnificent.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three "short stories" about a boy and his dog, really like the expressions on the dog's face.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

great dog book. Who doesn't love a story about "buddies though thinck and thin....No matter what"?

[Brindi Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could see using this for turning pages, as a beginning reader since it's divided into "chapters." I like the illustrations.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 short chapters tell the story of the ups and downs of a companionship between a boy and his imperfect yet perfect pouch.

[Kellylou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three sweet short stories detailing life with a dog. A must-read for dog lovers! My students adored all the stories.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, simple, short stories about a boy & his dog. Good for emerging readers.

[Clare Landrigan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Patch is sweet story about a boy and his dog that many first and second graders will enjoy reading. We also love the ending to this book, as it has an important message about friendship.

[Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has cute illustrations and stories but was too young for my 7-year-old. It's written like a chapter book for very young readers because the three chapters are so short.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patch is a lot of trouble, but the best buddy and friend a boy could ever have, even with fleas. Paired it with Mine! by Shutta Crum.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute beginner book with three short chapter-type stories.

[Benjamin Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young boy tells about his dog in three short vignettes. In each one, the dog is imperfect in some way, but the boy loves him anyway.

[Ali Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great chapter book for little ones

[Elsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet little story about a boy and his best friend.