Sit, Truman!

by Dan Harper, Barry Moser (Illustrator), Cara Moser (Illustrator)

A rollicking picture book follows the rather large and slobbery dog named Truman, who likes to do things his own way and gets into a lot of trouble, especially with Oscar, the little dog who shares his house and toys.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Childrens, Pets

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

Reviews

[Shannon]

All of the trials and tribulations of living with a big, dopey, drooly dog. Everything in this book reminded me of my own dog, and how much I love her, despite her misbehaving and drooling on everything I own.

[Cristina Quintero]

Sit, Truman! is short and humorous story for beginning readers. The large print and realistic watercolor illustrations is sure to catch the eye of any young dog lover. This story reminds me of the "David" book series by David Shannon, with the exception that the main character in this story is a an adventurous yet mischievous dog. I would use this book in the classroom and at home to teach children about limits and about the responsibilities that come with owning a pet.

[Donna Mork]

Such a cute book about trying to teach a dog various commands.

[Nichole]

Absolutely adorable.

[Sandy Buteau]

My kindergarten students love this book!

[Michelle Francis]

This books makes me want a big dog and at the same time reminds me why this might not work out so well for me. Loveable dog. Kids will enjoy.

[Diane]

A day in the life of a big dog and his interactions with his human. The illustrations provide humor and tell a good deal of the story.

[Valeria]

Listen, I read a whole bunch of books to my niece.

Ya'll are crazy if I'm not counting them towards my book challenge.

Valeria, out 🎤

[Rōnin]

Anyone who shares their life with this huge and lovable breed knows this book speaks the truth- the struggle is real!💜💜

[Kristin]

As a fan of big slobbery dogs, I purchased this book for my then pre-school age cousin, as I remembered the value of having funny and interesting books at home when I was that age. Of course, I had to read it first to make sure it lived up to my expectations, and it certainly did.
Truman's a large mastiff who can't help but be a big part of every aspect of his family's home life. His daschund housemate, Oscar, plays the 'good dog' role in the household, but Truman is never told he is a 'bad dog', just gently scolded when he gets into trouble such as drinking from the toilet, rough-housing with the much-smaller Oscar, or stealing his master's sandwich off the table. An easy reader book that teaches manners through the behavior of a dog.
Truman's antics are typical for a dog, as even my own dog exhibits many of the flaws noted in Truman, but like Truman, he is loved despite the flaws. My favorite scene in the book is when Truman and his master go to the mailbox and Truman sticks his head inside, prompting the line, 'sorry, Truman, nothing for you'. Even though he's not named Truman, the line gets used frequently with our dog whether it's because he's got his nose in a washbasket or the freshly bought groceries or he's sitting a little too close to someone enjoying a meal.
All in all, one of my favorite picture books, and I hope it's still in print when I have children of my own.

[Baby Bookworm]

This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!

Summer Reading Day 45: Today's book was Sit, Truman! by Dan Harper. The mastiff on the cover made me pick this one; JJ's daddy and I have always been fans of giant-breed dogs (JJ's "brother" is a Dane mix rescue). So I was very pleased to discover this adorable picture book was all about a giant, gentle, and silly mastiff named, of course, Truman. The story takes us through one of Truman's days, complete with walks, play, and lots of drool. The illustrations are done in a realistic style, and they really capture the unique personalities of mastiffs.

The story is short and simple, great for little ones, especially those who live dogs. We definitely enjoyed it, and will be picking up a copy for our friends who have two pet mastiffs! Thumbs up!

Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!

[Kari Hilmanowski]

This is a cute story about a very large dog named Truman. The story is basically a narrator (or owner) telling Truman things, such as "Truman, that is not your lunch!" with an illustration of Truman stealing a hamburger from the table. It is just the fun antics of a family dog. Both of my daughters loved this book.

Example quote: "Truman, stop drooling."

Teaching opportunity: This is a wonderful book to introduce the idea of pets and what they need, especially with a focus on dogs. The book touches on taking dogs for a walk, eating, drinking, sleeping, and even playing. As a parent, one could share what is also important for the family pet to survive and thrive, or even a friend of the family's pet.

[Susan]

I have never understood the point of this type of book, one that is largely created to find fault. In this case, every page is focused on finding fault with some aspect of poor Truman's behaviour. In many (most) cases, the 'fault' is about Truman, the dog, behaving like, you guessed it, a dog! If people do not want an animal that behaves like a dog (OK, here a large, drooly dog) then why get a (large, drooly) dog in the first place?!? And why write a book criticizing the dog in the second place.

No, I have never understood, or liked, this type of book.

[Matthew]

The only qualm I have with this book is that the author uses negative language to communicate with the dog. This is fine and typical when speaking to your pet but if you are reading a book to an impressionable child who likes to use the word 'no' all the time, this book is not a good model for positive language.

[Alice]

2.75 Stars I guess I am not getting the point of this book but it is basically about a dog named Truman and all that happens all day is that his owner gets mad at him. I felt sorry for Truman...and it doesn't help that he has pathetic and sad looking face.

I am not much of a dog person, but someone might really like it!

[Aaron Ayers]

Cute but not memorable. I feel this book is a very personal telling by a lover of animals, and for that reason I accept this book as a nice good natured read for young children. The style and illustrations have a nostalgic feel that an adult would appreciate as I'm sure many will connect to similar books from their childhood.

[Peacegal]

This is a simple picture book about the trouble that Truman, a huge mastiff, gets into. Kids will no doubt giggle at the drooly, messy dog. The realistic illustrations, too, are a lot of fun.

However, I'm a little bugged by the lack of control the owner has with such a powerful breed, and the depiction of a dog who pulls his owner down the street, etc., as funny.

[Christy]

No day is dull with Truman around, and he has his own ideas about what he wants to do. Too bad there are so many interruptions: Heel! Sit! Fetch! STOP!

Big, slobbery, and endearing, Truman will make dog lovers everywhere sit up and beg for more.

[Kathryn]

We have a dog as big as Truman so my boys thought this was funny and I thought the pictures were beautiful.

[Barb Bittner]

This was the first book my son ever laughed at, so it holds a very special place in my heart. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves dogs and wants their kids to love them, too.

[The Styling Librarian]

Just loved this story, very cute. Funny illustrations with a feel of the dog from the movie Turner and Hooch- a Dogue de Bordeaux and the troublesome actions of No, David

[Beth]

Oh Truman, you are just a great, big, lovable oaf, aren't you?

[Elizabeth]

Poor misunderstood giant puppy.

[Lisa]

Hilarious pictures and captions! Great for a silly read any time of day. Being a lover of giant dogs, it all rings true!

[Jill]

This book caught my eye due to the Mastiff on the cover. I would actually give it 2.5 stars with exception that the illustrations are quite nice.

[Amy]

A really cute tale!