Loki and Alex: Adventures of a Dog and His Best Friend

by Charles R. Smith Jr.

Even though Alex and his faithful canine companion Loki are the best of friends, they have differing opinions on such topics as saying hello, going down slides, and playing tug-of-war, but they always agree that a hug is the the best thing ever!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 4, 2001

About the author

Charles R. Smith Jr. is an award-winning author, photographer, and poet with more than thirty books to his credit. His awards include a Coretta Scott King Award for illustration for his photographs accompanying the Langston Hughes poem "My People" and a Coretta Scott King Honor for his biography of Muhammad Ali, Twelve Rounds to Glory. He is the author of Rimshots, Hoop Kings, Hoop Queens, Tall Tales, Short Takes, Diamond Life, and I Am America. A father of three himself, Charles brings his love of basketball and baseball right down to the toddler set in Let's Play Basketball! and Let's Play Baseball! His recent work celebrates subjects he's been interested in since he was a kid, such as The Mighty 12, which honors Greek gods and goddesses. He currently lives in Poughkeepsie, NY, with his wife, Gillian, and their three kids. You can visit him online at www.charlesrsmithjr.com.

Reviews

[Jenna Montgomery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clever book concept with each double page showing perspective of the boy and the dog. Of course they have different expectations and understandings of what's happening which adds to the cuteness and humor.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spend a day with a boy and his dog. Reading each character's thoughts is interesting and this book makes a great springboard for talking about understanding each other (whether the other is a pet or a sibling.) I've read it with several kids and it's fun to watch their reactions to the characters differing points of view. A great book to share with a child!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a boy and his dog. Point of view changes on each page from hound to boy with the dog's perspective in black and white and the boy's in color. Great story told with humor about the bond between and child and their pet.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've read this book everyday since the day we checked it out. It is adorable and makes my daughter laugh hysterically. It is a two sided story of a boy and his dog.

[Agnė · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun introduction to the topic of different points of view and the need for understanding others.