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Douglas the Dog #2
Douglas, You're a Genius!
Laugh along with a dog named Douglas and his pal Nancy in this silly follow-up to Douglas, You Need Glasses! as the friends execute outrageous plans to meet their neighbors.
Pals Nancy and Douglas think their baseball game is over after their ball rolls through a hole in the fence. But when the ball rolls back, followed by a note in an unfamiliar language, they have to discover who's on the other side of the fence. And so in a series of truly outrageous--and hilarious--stunts, Nancy tries to launch, vault, and fly Douglas over to the other side to see what's what. Finally, after all Nancy's plans fail, Douglas gets his turn to execute a plan--and it works! And who do they find? New friends who speak Spanish. Readers will laugh out loud at the antics in this zany picture book, which proves that working together makes everything more fun.
Pals Nancy and Douglas think their baseball game is over after their ball rolls through a hole in the fence. But when the ball rolls back, followed by a note in an unfamiliar language, they have to discover who's on the other side of the fence. And so in a series of truly outrageous--and hilarious--stunts, Nancy tries to launch, vault, and fly Douglas over to the other side to see what's what. Finally, after all Nancy's plans fail, Douglas gets his turn to execute a plan--and it works! And who do they find? New friends who speak Spanish. Readers will laugh out loud at the antics in this zany picture book, which proves that working together makes everything more fun.
40 pages, Library Binding
First published September 11, 2018
5 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Ged Adamson
30 books71 followersGed Adamson is a British picture-book author and artist. He has worked as a cartoonist, a storyboard artist, and a composer for television and film. He grew up in Liverpool and now lives in London with his partner, Helen, and their son, Rex.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 4, 2018
I have reached a point where I am so tired of presumably contemporary girls in picture books being styled for the 1950s that a book with children gets a star just for putting the girl in pants. There isn't a requirement that every picture book of the 21st century look like 2018, but I am out of patience with books showing early to mid 20th century styles for no obvious reason. Yes, many little girls go through a stereotyped girlie phase when they start some kind of school for the first time. But for most kids in the US, for all but that one year, or special occasions when someone else sets the dresscode, pants and shorts are the norm. Stop gratuitously and inaccurately marking gender: it's weird and regressive and stigmatizing and annoying, just like pink razors, and describing rooms with brown wood as masculine, and or requiring gendered uniforms. No more bows in the hair and mascaraed curly eyelashes. Just put everyone in blue jeans and t-shirts as the default, and if it's anthropologists critters on two legs then same.
This endeth my diatribe for the day.
Library copy
This endeth my diatribe for the day.
Library copy
August 17, 2019
Has the artist here ever seen the immortal "Mr Peabody," because Douglas looks just like him, glasses and all.
And anyone with half a brain--that is,anyone who does not support the heap of sludge currently squatting in the White House-- might notice that the "wall" here, complete with Spanish speakers on the other side, makes this book look like political satire. It will go over the heads of kids, and hopefully will date by 2020 at the least.
And anyone with half a brain--that is,anyone who does not support the heap of sludge currently squatting in the White House-- might notice that the "wall" here, complete with Spanish speakers on the other side, makes this book look like political satire. It will go over the heads of kids, and hopefully will date by 2020 at the least.
October 27, 2018
This is a funny saga of a girl and her dog as they discover that there is life beyond the fence. It all begins when the ball escapes their yard and rolls through a hole in the fence.
The girl actually talks to the dog Douglas and what pet owner doesn't converse with a beloved companion? Well, they get into problem solving. The problem being how to make contact with the other side. They discover that it is a person who writes in a language the girl doesn't know.
The resolution is cute and fun and gives a sprinkling of Spanish to young readers. If you're not a dual language household, this should prove funny to you as you try to pronounce words unfamiliar to you.
Kind of off-the-wall funny and simply lots of fun to read and share.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own, alone, and are freely given.
The girl actually talks to the dog Douglas and what pet owner doesn't converse with a beloved companion? Well, they get into problem solving. The problem being how to make contact with the other side. They discover that it is a person who writes in a language the girl doesn't know.
The resolution is cute and fun and gives a sprinkling of Spanish to young readers. If you're not a dual language household, this should prove funny to you as you try to pronounce words unfamiliar to you.
Kind of off-the-wall funny and simply lots of fun to read and share.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own, alone, and are freely given.
September 6, 2019
My six-year-old loved this book! He had to share it with me, and when the nine- and twelve-year-olds heard me reading, they had to peek over my shoulder, too. Cute storyline about problem-solving. Love the pictures in this one. A mild twist I didn’t see coming.
I particularly loved the message that we can be friends with those who are different from us. It was presented in a way that felt so natural and not at all preachy.
(The more I think about the tall wall dividing the English speakers from the Spanish speakers, and how Nancy and Douglas befriend the Spanish-speakers who are really just like them except for the language, the more symbolism I see there!)
We also really enjoyed the first book: Douglas, You Need Glasses. A dog going to the optometrist is just funny!
I particularly loved the message that we can be friends with those who are different from us. It was presented in a way that felt so natural and not at all preachy.
(The more I think about the tall wall dividing the English speakers from the Spanish speakers, and how Nancy and Douglas befriend the Spanish-speakers who are really just like them except for the language, the more symbolism I see there!)
We also really enjoyed the first book: Douglas, You Need Glasses. A dog going to the optometrist is just funny!
February 7, 2021
I love the play on communication being the issue and that both sides wanted to get to know each other without hate just because they didn't understand one another. Something that happens way to often.
Everyone should read this, it is very smart and deserves 5 minutes from everyone.
Everyone should read this, it is very smart and deserves 5 minutes from everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
Ingenuity, determination, and friendship highlight this fun picture book that brings together a Spanish-speaking boy, an English-speaking girl and their pet dogs. Through cleverness and perseverance, they overcome the barriers of a fence and language in their backyard. This is a fine example of a true picture book because the illustrations take the text to another level with a punch at the end when the reader discovers that both youngsters have been trying to figure out how to find out who was on the other side.
Is the term ‘tom-boy’ outdated? I hope not, as girls who like to ‘get their hands dirty’ will appreciate the main character here.
This is a follow-up to the 2016 “Douglas, You Need Glasses” that received very good reviews.
Full-color, cartoonish illustrations done in pen and watercolor show a variety of perspectives, sometimes up close, some from far away to show the expansiveness of the backyard where the action takes place. Text includes occasional speech bubbles and lots of handwritten notes and diagrams of plans. A Spanish glossary is provided on the verso page. Endpapers show a hand drawing of the train (which facilitated the first communication between the potential friends) on graph paper, with realistic smudges of a project in the works.
Preschoolers will enjoy the humor and friendship. Older readers will go deeper to explore the parallel story, finding ways to communicate, and thinking outside the box.
Is the term ‘tom-boy’ outdated? I hope not, as girls who like to ‘get their hands dirty’ will appreciate the main character here.
This is a follow-up to the 2016 “Douglas, You Need Glasses” that received very good reviews.
Full-color, cartoonish illustrations done in pen and watercolor show a variety of perspectives, sometimes up close, some from far away to show the expansiveness of the backyard where the action takes place. Text includes occasional speech bubbles and lots of handwritten notes and diagrams of plans. A Spanish glossary is provided on the verso page. Endpapers show a hand drawing of the train (which facilitated the first communication between the potential friends) on graph paper, with realistic smudges of a project in the works.
Preschoolers will enjoy the humor and friendship. Older readers will go deeper to explore the parallel story, finding ways to communicate, and thinking outside the box.
August 19, 2020
Monarch 2021 nominee
October 6, 2018
In this funny follow-up to Douglas, You Need Glasses!, Douglas and his human companion lose the play they are playing with when it rolls through a hole in the fence. someone or something rolls it back to them, and the two are curious to learn what's on the other side. The fence is extremely high, however, and they are unable to get over it. Nancy comes up with various plans for how to do so and ignores Douglas's attempts to suggest alternative approaches. Eventually, he is able to put his plan into place, and the two of them climb up, up, up to the top of that fence and make friends with a Spanish-speaking girl and her dog. Together, the four of them come up with plans for several activities involving water and slides. The pencil and watercolor illustrations show off the various plans and how everything eventually comes together. While I liked the fact that Douglas is the one who comes up with a way to get over that fence and how Nancy just keeps ignoring him, I didn't particularly like the ending. It's great that these new friends can word together, but the structure they come up with would require a lot of expertise and materials that someone their age wouldn't be likely to have. Still, despite my issues, fans of Douglas will be willing to follow him over that wall.
March 20, 2019
Douglas You’re a Genius by Ged Adamson. PICTURE BOOK. Schwartz and Wade (Random House), 2018. $18. 9781524765309
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Nancy and Douglas the Dog are playing in the backyard when their ball goes under the fence. It’s a very tall fence and they get very curious about what’s on the other side. They eventually send a message through the hole and get a message back –in Spanish! They try various ways that Nancy comes up with to go over the fence, will she ever allow Douglas to share his ideas? Large bright artwork.
Pretty sure this book is a commentary on the proposed wall for the US southern border –with the conclusion that we should come together and be friends. I know parents who would be very upset if their child brought this home. But this book also features themes of taking turns, listening, creativity, and curiosity –so I think it’s a nice fit for a school library collection. I think a fascinating use for the book is to read it to an upper grade class as an introduction to a border wall discussion and brainstorming session.
Reviewer: Stephanie
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
Nancy and Douglas the Dog are playing in the backyard when their ball goes under the fence. It’s a very tall fence and they get very curious about what’s on the other side. They eventually send a message through the hole and get a message back –in Spanish! They try various ways that Nancy comes up with to go over the fence, will she ever allow Douglas to share his ideas? Large bright artwork.
Pretty sure this book is a commentary on the proposed wall for the US southern border –with the conclusion that we should come together and be friends. I know parents who would be very upset if their child brought this home. But this book also features themes of taking turns, listening, creativity, and curiosity –so I think it’s a nice fit for a school library collection. I think a fascinating use for the book is to read it to an upper grade class as an introduction to a border wall discussion and brainstorming session.
Reviewer: Stephanie
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
November 15, 2018
Douglas -- wearing glasses since his last book -- and Nancy want to know what's on the other side of a fence. They send a note through, and another note is returned to them -- in Spanish. Douglas and Nancy concoct a variety of comical plans to get over the wall-- er, the fence. I LOL'd when they shook seltzer bottles to try and blast Douglas over the barrier. Eventually, Douglas has a plan to dig a hole and build a mound of dirt for them to climb over the magically tall fence. At the top, they find that the Spanish-speaking kids have been trying to reach them too, also using a comical variety of tools and tricks (like a cannon). The kids build an amusement park together that creates a channel between the fence that separates them. I wasn't expecting an allegory about immigration and acceptance in a sequel to Douglas, You Need Glasses, but that's what I got and I loved every second. Douglas, the dog with glasses, sees the world in a curious and compassionate way.
November 7, 2018
Douglas the dog figures out a way to meet the stranger on the other side of the fence.
They lost their baseball at the beginning and it mysteriously is returned. They try to communicate and finally send a train through the hole. A message returns in a different language.
Nancy has all sorts of ideas to get over the fence but they don't turn out well. Douglas comes up with an idea that works. To their surprise, they meet a young boy and his dog trying to get over the fence from their side.
They work together to create a play area for everyone wrapped around the wall.
Certainly fun at face level but also useful for dialogue about getting along with others.
They lost their baseball at the beginning and it mysteriously is returned. They try to communicate and finally send a train through the hole. A message returns in a different language.
Nancy has all sorts of ideas to get over the fence but they don't turn out well. Douglas comes up with an idea that works. To their surprise, they meet a young boy and his dog trying to get over the fence from their side.
They work together to create a play area for everyone wrapped around the wall.
Certainly fun at face level but also useful for dialogue about getting along with others.
October 9, 2018
Adamson shows how a wall between people can be a problem. In a effort to solve their problem and reach out, Nancy and her dog Douglas persevere with a number of attempted solutions. Their work pays off as they meet the friends on the other side who happen to speak another language (Spanish) and by working together they build something even greater than a wall. Adamson uses Spanish words which are also defined in the predominantly English book. Seems like a greatbook for a classroom collection especially during these times.
October 14, 2018
Look, kids! It's got engineering! Bilingual text! And it's a political indictment of that ridiculous wall! Fun for the whole family!
Actually, it's a cute little picture book about a girl, Nancy, who loses her baseball and her helpful pup, Douglas, who gets Nancy over the fence to meet her Spanish-speaking neighbor and HIS dog, with whom they build a fun amusement park. Nice that the glossary was at the beginning rather than the end of the book; kids are more likely to see and use it this way.
Actually, it's a cute little picture book about a girl, Nancy, who loses her baseball and her helpful pup, Douglas, who gets Nancy over the fence to meet her Spanish-speaking neighbor and HIS dog, with whom they build a fun amusement park. Nice that the glossary was at the beginning rather than the end of the book; kids are more likely to see and use it this way.
November 15, 2018
This was a little disappointing after "Douglas you need glasses", I did like the language barrier and translation notes at the beginning. I guess I have mixed feelings about how simple the plans were to get to see the person on the other side of the fence.
The artwork was quite cute and I liked that Douglas and Nancy were playing cricket, which is irrelevant to the story. It feels like an adequate book overall.
The artwork was quite cute and I liked that Douglas and Nancy were playing cricket, which is irrelevant to the story. It feels like an adequate book overall.
December 19, 2018
Douglas the Dog and his faithful companion Nancy loose a ball through a hole in the fence. When the ball rolls back to their side, they wonder just who sent it back. To find out, they try all kinds of crazy ideas thought of by Nancy, Unfortunately, none of Nancy's ideas work. Finally Douglas convinces Nancy to give his idea a try and they ultimately find out who's on the other side. Full of fun and surprises, this book is sure to please almost any child.
December 1, 2018
This is a fun book about a girl and her dog as they try to meet up with the people on the other side of the fence. There is a multicultural aspect as the note that is returned to them under the fence is in Spanish and there is an engineering element as they draw up plans and brainstorm how to get over the fence.
July 1, 2019
After Douglas and Nancy get a message in Spanish from a hole in their fence, Nancy creates many plans to get tot the other side of the fence. All of her plans involve Douglas experiencing flight & crashing. Nancy has great ideas and plans but ultimately Douglas’s plan is the one that works and connects them to new friends that speak Spanish! So fun...our students will love this book!
April 9, 2020
Title: Douglas, You're A Genius!
Author: Ged Adamson
Lexile Level: AD450L
Pages: 32
Recommendations & Comments: A girl & her dog try a lot of ideas to figure out who is on the other side of the fence. Will they eventually make a new friend? A cute book with a silly trial & error inventive process. You might even learn a little Spanish during their antics. Check it out.
Reviewed By: Emily K
Author: Ged Adamson
Lexile Level: AD450L
Pages: 32
Recommendations & Comments: A girl & her dog try a lot of ideas to figure out who is on the other side of the fence. Will they eventually make a new friend? A cute book with a silly trial & error inventive process. You might even learn a little Spanish during their antics. Check it out.
Reviewed By: Emily K
September 19, 2018
Nancy and her talking dog, Douglas lose a ball over the fence only to have it mysteriously return. They try every plan to get to the other side and see who is there. Some Spanish translations at the very end if you want.
December 17, 2018
A girl and her dog loose a ball over the fence and it's thrown back to them. They spend the rest of the day plotting ways to figure out who is on the other side of the fence. Elementary and up for strong steam concepts.
January 14, 2019
Great book for kids and adults. For me the takeaway was that when collaborating with others make sure to listen to everyone’s ideas and judge them on how viable they are in achieving your goal. Loved the illustrations and the sketches of their plans. 👍🏼
October 4, 2019
Meh...
This book was recommended by a book blogger that I follow. It made me have really high expectations, but I just didn’t think it was that great.
Maybe if my expectations had been lower I would have enjoyed it more. I don’t even think my son liked it that much.
This book was recommended by a book blogger that I follow. It made me have really high expectations, but I just didn’t think it was that great.
Maybe if my expectations had been lower I would have enjoyed it more. I don’t even think my son liked it that much.
August 2, 2020
Another fun one. A girl and her dog lose their ball through the fence and then spend the book trying to figure out who lives on the other side. The dog was funny and the ideas were cute. The end was a little odd but overall it was a fun, nice story.
September 18, 2018
Adorbs!
September 20, 2018
When an errant ball comes back through a hole in the fence a dog and a child investigate and develop elaborate plans to see what's on the other side.
September 22, 2018
Nancy and her talking, bespectacled dog Douglas return in this silly follow up to Douglas, You Need Glasses!
September 22, 2018
Meeting the next door neighbors takes a plan!
October 4, 2018
Clever, with good characters and some fun engineering content. Recommended for ages 4-7.
October 8, 2018
I really hope this book is a slight jab at Donald Trump's stupid wall plan
October 9, 2018
Great for a kindergarten or older kid ST.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews