Muldoon

by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Henry Cole (Illustrations)

Muldoon the puppy thinks he is a valuable worker for the West family--waking the family up, bringing the children to school, and cleaning up after meals--but the illustrations show a much different story.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Humor, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Pamela Duncan Edwards is a British-born children's author living in the United States. She has written over forty picture books published in both the U.S. and the U.K., known for their playful language and engaging storytelling.

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a clever premise for this gentle spoof of a book.

Language at the beginning makes it seem as though Muldoon, the dog, is well employed, and as though he's very-very successful in the world of business.

But then the fun begins. Such a contrast between the narrative's flattering portrait... versus what the illustrations show the pooch doing: So many laughs from this little picture book!

AND DON'T MOST GOOD KIDS LOVE STORIES
ABOUT GOOD KIDS WHO ACT NAUGHTY?

My son loved such stories the best, couldn't get enough of them.

And then he grew up to become an Eagle Scout, etc.

For many reasons, parents and kids may develop a soft spot for this delightful picture book.

Thank you, author Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrator Muldoon. (Joke! I mean, illustrator Henry Cole.)

[Marytza Mundo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great book for children although the story talks about something and the illustrations show otherwise. I believe this book can be used with 1-4th graders and help them discuss why they think the author wrote this book like this where the illustrations show the opposite from the text. Also this would be a good time to get students to discuss what they think the characters in the illustration are actually saving. I personally love this book it was so funny and adorable. This is the first book I've read where you can see life in a dogs perspective.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super cute book, but told from the perspective of the dog so it requires some interpretation for very literal children.

[Wen's Buzzing Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally alsome!!! I HIGHLY recomend(an I don't hardly ever recomend anything,much less HIGHLY) this book for the youngsters. It's Hilarious!!! Easy for children to read and they will love the illustrations. I know my wee ones enjoyed this story. Muldoon had us laughing throughout the entire story,had us wondering what to expect next. That's one silly pooch. Loved It!!!!!

Muldoon is a very busy little pooch,I don't see how he does it. Ever since the West family chose him over other applicants, Muldoon has provided quite well of his duties. It's a tough job taking care of the whole entire household on your own. All the work he does I think the West's should give Muldoon a raise.

[Salsabrarian]

The West family has "hired" a dog named Muldoon. The story details his job duties but the pictures belie what's being described. The scene where Mrs. West realizes how hard Muldoon has been working and sends him outside for a break is really Mrs West kicking Muldoon out of the kitchen for making a mess. The book closes with Muldoon's favorite part of his job: payday, in the form of a big bone.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book that tells you about a day in a dog's eyes.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

With some explaining the kids enjoyed the story, but they wouldn't have "gotten it" if we wouldn't have talked about every page. Absolute minimum of 4 years old.