Not My Dog

by Colby Rodowsky, Thomas F. Yezerski (Illustrations)

Ellie Martin fiercely resists her new dog's charms

It isn't Ellie's fault, really. She's always wanted a puppy, and now that she's almost nine, finally old enough to get one, Preston is foisted on her. What's more, her parents say that this fully grown mutt that Great-aunt Margaret can no longer keep will have to do. They can't very well have a dog and a puppy. Although heartbroken and resentful, Ellie does see Preston's virtues. Still, she refuses to accept him as her dog. Then Ellie's resistance almost costs her Preston, and at last she embraces him. Colby Rodowsky's story about a child's change of heart has just enough tenderness -- and just enough bite -- to satisfy young dog lovers. Captivating drawings by Thomas F. Yezerski highlight the experience.

Genres: Childrens, Chapter Books

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Ijanaya Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with my kids and it teaches a lot of valuable lessons. It shows kids how they should be patient and that they should not rush to judgement. It also shows them to be open minded and willing to give things a fair chance. This was an excellent book.

[Cason]

This is an ok book I guess I read it yesterday

[Rhiannon's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie has always wanted a puppy, and she’s been promised she’ll get one when she turns nine. When her parents decide to adopt an adult dog, she feels very disappointed. Can Ellie learn to care for this dog instead of the puppy she’s always dreamed of?

AGES 6-9

Not My Dog explores feelings of disappointment for children, and finding joy in unexpected places. The story is a beautiful progression of Ellie bonding with the new dog, and eventually becoming proud to call him hers.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie Martin has always wanted a puppy. Her mom and dad give her the standard line: wait until you're older and you're more responsible. But one day, her parents give her some disappointing news. Great Aunt Margaret is moving to an apartment and she can't keep her dog anymore. No! Ellie doesn't want a dog ... especially a dog with such a dumb name. Who names a dog Preston?

[Red · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for telling the message that it doesn't matter the age of a dog, they are still going to be the best pet they can be(with the proper care and training), the book really has a unique message most books about dogs don't tend to have, an old dog can still be a lovable dogs.

[Vanessa R · Rating 1 out of 5]

There is a typo in the first few pages of the book. It's disappointing to find errors in books that have received awards.

[M.L. Little]

Loved this as a kid

[Shehab ِAlHawary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a nice and easy story about Ellie and Prestos who moved earlier to her house ...
The big lesson is: We should take our time before Judge anyone and try to get the other point.

[Tionna Dorsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Not my Dog" by Colby F. Rodowsky is part of the contemporary realistic collection. Colby Rodosky writes about real characters in a contemporary setting. The ages recommended for this book is young children 6-9 years old (P)Primary into (I)Intermediate.

This story is about an eight year old little girl named Ellie, who has always been dreaming about getting a puppy one day. Then suddenly her aunts dog Preston is pushed upon her. He's a full grown dog, and Ellie was really hoping for a puppy. The dog eventually won her heart over, and Ellie grew to love and care for Preston.

I rated this book with five stars. The illustrations throughout the book were colorful and smooth. The texture of the book was smooth too. Ellie's character was hard going, stubborn and mean at first, but lightened up towards the end. Preston was always loving, caring and playful. The language throughout the book was appropriate and understandable for young readers. A theme for this story could be "unwanted change".

I would recommend this book to young readers between the ages 6-9 years old. This book tells readers that sometimes you don't always get what you want, but to appreciate the things that you have.

[Tracie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to kids who want animal (especially dog) stories that are realistic. Ellie has wanted a puppy her whole life but her parents have always told her she must wait until she is nine. As her ninth birthday approaches, Ellie's great-aunt must give up her beloved dog and Ellie's parents convince her to take him instead of a puppy. Ellie is not happy, but neither is Preston the dog. The story of how these two grow to appreciate each other is a sure winner with the younger dog-loving crowd.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read for grades 2, 3. An eight-year-old girl wants a puppy in the worst way. Instead, her parents take in relative's older dog. By the end, the girl learns to love the dog and prefers to keep it, even when offered a puppy and the chance to get rid of the relative's dog. The change of heart - looking at what you already have in a new light, and loving it - is what makes this story special.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 9 year old wants a puppy but has to learn how to love an old dog instead. Sweet, simple story

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book at school. It was a quick read. A girl wishes all her life for a cute little puppy. When she gets a dog instead, will she still be happy?

[Kira Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute. Maybe for advanced first or second level reading group.

[Neely]

AR

[Jeannie Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellie Martin wants a puppy but she gets a dog. This unfortunate piece of luck is no thanks to her great-aunt, who has to move to an apartment that doesn’t allow dogs. Ellie’s parents agree to take Great-aunt Margaret’s dog Preston for Ellie, much to her chagrin. This is not Ellie’s dog! Or is it? Young readers will enjoy following Ellie’s change of heart as she falls for Preston in this charming chapter book about getting what you need instead of what you want. Text accompanied by black and white illustrations.