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First Dog
Once upon a time a dog was looking for a home. Not just any home--the perfect home, to be exact. So he decides to travel the world, visiting different countries and seeing how other dogs live. Full color.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2009
3 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
J. Patrick Lewis
134 books104 followersJ. Patrick Lewis is the current Children's Poet Laureate. He has written more than seventy children's books, including Once Upon a Tomb: Gravely Humorous Verses. J. Patrick Lewis lives in Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 28, 2009
J. Patrick Lewis and Bath Zappitello First Dog illus. Tim Bowers 32pp. Sleeping Bear Press 04/09 ISBN978-1-58536-467-1 $15.95
A loveable and wide-eyed dog with his head cocked expectantly graces the cover of this cheerful story about a homeless dog searching for "the perfect place to live." He travels the world to see how other dog breeds live and after returning to the United States, he accidentally wanders to the White House and is presumably adopted by the presidential family (Dad answers "YES, WE CAN!" to the children's request to keep the dog, a reference to President Obama's famous speech.) Pawprints playfully meander across the pages, inviting the reader to turn the page also. In addition, each spread has a small part of the illustration, such as a poodle's puffy hairdo in France or our hero's panting tongue in hot Africa, that juts into the margin to break up the otherwise traditional rectangular layout. A third "puppy-like" element of First Dog is the whimsical font used throughout the story. Attractive and educational monochromatic blue endpapers depict the 10 different dog breeds in the story, although the actual breed of the presidential dog (a Portuguese Water Dog) is absent from the descriptions. Also missing is the story and a picture of the real presidential dog, Bo. Despite these minor flaws, this book lends itself nicely to an enjoyable read-aloud to young children, but can be easily expanded into a lesson for upper elementary grades on geography or a discussion on pet adoption.
A loveable and wide-eyed dog with his head cocked expectantly graces the cover of this cheerful story about a homeless dog searching for "the perfect place to live." He travels the world to see how other dog breeds live and after returning to the United States, he accidentally wanders to the White House and is presumably adopted by the presidential family (Dad answers "YES, WE CAN!" to the children's request to keep the dog, a reference to President Obama's famous speech.) Pawprints playfully meander across the pages, inviting the reader to turn the page also. In addition, each spread has a small part of the illustration, such as a poodle's puffy hairdo in France or our hero's panting tongue in hot Africa, that juts into the margin to break up the otherwise traditional rectangular layout. A third "puppy-like" element of First Dog is the whimsical font used throughout the story. Attractive and educational monochromatic blue endpapers depict the 10 different dog breeds in the story, although the actual breed of the presidential dog (a Portuguese Water Dog) is absent from the descriptions. Also missing is the story and a picture of the real presidential dog, Bo. Despite these minor flaws, this book lends itself nicely to an enjoyable read-aloud to young children, but can be easily expanded into a lesson for upper elementary grades on geography or a discussion on pet adoption.
September 20, 2012
I thought that this was a really cute story. "Dog" is in need of a new, good home. He plans a trip around the world to try and find that new home that is has been yearning for. Along his journey, he meets other dogs in the areas that he has traveled. Kids would definitely be drawn to this book because of all of the different types of dogs that are found throughout the story. This story also teaches children about different breeds of dogs while still telling the story. "Dog" ends up finding his forever home with the first family in the white house.
Each different place the Dog visits, he meets a new dog of a different breed than the one before. I think children would love this because all children loves books that deal with animals. Especially books where animals are talking to one another. It also teaches children of different places throughout the world such as Mexico, Paris, China, and London.
The illustrations, I think, are great. I am a huge dog lover and the drawings of all of the different dogs definitely seem to bring them to life. I especially love the drawing of the main character "Dog." His black, curly fur is enough to make any person fall in love with his character.
Each different place the Dog visits, he meets a new dog of a different breed than the one before. I think children would love this because all children loves books that deal with animals. Especially books where animals are talking to one another. It also teaches children of different places throughout the world such as Mexico, Paris, China, and London.
The illustrations, I think, are great. I am a huge dog lover and the drawings of all of the different dogs definitely seem to bring them to life. I especially love the drawing of the main character "Dog." His black, curly fur is enough to make any person fall in love with his character.
October 27, 2018
I have become a Lewis fan but have to agree with those who think the weaknesses outweigh the strengths in this book. Dog’s sojourn around the world to find different breeds of dogs seemed a little pointless (and endless), while the illustrations had little energy to propel the narrative—the cute paw prints throughout don’t help either. Then I was just befuddled at the end—far from a “There’s no place like home” theme—as Dog lands on the White House doorstep, and not even a certain American President, just a generic one. Whaa?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2019
This book will certainly appeal to dog lovers! A homeless dog visits many countries looking for a place to call home. We learn about many different breeds of dogs around the world on this journey. The story has a happy ending when Dog finds a home in Washington D.C. I love the detailed illustrations! I would use this as a read aloud in an elementary classroom.
October 29, 2020
The illustrations are cute and there are a lot of dig breeds featured for your young dog lover. While everything about this book hints at it being about Beau, the Obama's Portuguese water dog, it's not. Instead, check out Presidential Pets by Laura Driscoll or Pets at the White House by Jennifer Boswell Pickens.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2020
I think this is a good book for 3-7 year olds. This is a fictional story about the same kind of dog that the Obama’s has when they lived in the whitehouse. It has great references to different places around the world!
December 7, 2020
Fun trip around the world and introduction to various dog breeds.
March 10, 2022
i like the dingo
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October 6, 2024Read X3
April 19, 2009
Lewis, J.P. (2009). First Dog. Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press.
1585364673
A dog in need of a home crosses oceans and searches the world until he finds the right place for him, a certain white house in Washington DC. The book even manages to cleverly incorporate the “Yes We Can” slogan. (I was wondering if because of this, Democrats would be more likely to buy the book than Republican teachers and parents. I still can’t decide. Thoughts?)
And also, since we can’t all be given a well-trained dog by a Kennedy, the book includes a note about adopting shelter dogs.
It was not by chance that this timely book was published. While Lewis had originally designed a different dog story involving an American mutt looking for its lineage, his editor volunteered him to write about the President’s family obtaining a dog.
The illustrations of young Dog, a Portuguese water dog look very similar to Bo, the actual First Dog. And no, the illustrator Tim Bowers is not psychic, as I had suspected. He began illustrating the background and putting in a general shape of a dog. When it was announced that the decision was down to a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle, he took a chance. He chose to paint a Labradoodle. He finished all of the art and had even scheduled a pick-up. There was a ‘stop the presses’ moment when a White House insider notified the publisher that the choice would be a Portuguese water dog. Bowers apparently altered all of the art in one night. (Of course, Bowers could still be psychic, but is attempting to remain on the down-low and therefore made up a the above story)
And yes, if you were wondering, autographed copies of the book are on the way to the First Family.
How do I know all this? I went to Cover to Cover, a children’s bookstore in Columbus, OH and got my own copy autographed.
Activities to do with the book:
Since Dog travels the world, meeting other dogs, First Dog lends itself to a geography lesson and a lecture on the history of different breeds of dogs. The book could also trigger a discussion of strays, adoption and proper dog care. A discussion about foster care or adoption for children, living in the White House or the job of the President could also follow. Plus, a teacher could also focus on the different modes of transportation that Dog must take to travel the world.
A teacher could encourage narratives on how students’ adopted their own pets or have students create adventures for animals. (As a side note, the first creative story I can remember writing was about a cat held prisoner by bigger cats. I was six)
Students could also create family portraits that included animals.
Favorite Quotes:
“Once upon a time there was a dog that was looking for the perfect place to live.”
“Daddy, Daddy, can we keep him?”
“Yes, we can!”
To see more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
1585364673
A dog in need of a home crosses oceans and searches the world until he finds the right place for him, a certain white house in Washington DC. The book even manages to cleverly incorporate the “Yes We Can” slogan. (I was wondering if because of this, Democrats would be more likely to buy the book than Republican teachers and parents. I still can’t decide. Thoughts?)
And also, since we can’t all be given a well-trained dog by a Kennedy, the book includes a note about adopting shelter dogs.
It was not by chance that this timely book was published. While Lewis had originally designed a different dog story involving an American mutt looking for its lineage, his editor volunteered him to write about the President’s family obtaining a dog.
The illustrations of young Dog, a Portuguese water dog look very similar to Bo, the actual First Dog. And no, the illustrator Tim Bowers is not psychic, as I had suspected. He began illustrating the background and putting in a general shape of a dog. When it was announced that the decision was down to a Portuguese water dog or a Labradoodle, he took a chance. He chose to paint a Labradoodle. He finished all of the art and had even scheduled a pick-up. There was a ‘stop the presses’ moment when a White House insider notified the publisher that the choice would be a Portuguese water dog. Bowers apparently altered all of the art in one night. (Of course, Bowers could still be psychic, but is attempting to remain on the down-low and therefore made up a the above story)
And yes, if you were wondering, autographed copies of the book are on the way to the First Family.
How do I know all this? I went to Cover to Cover, a children’s bookstore in Columbus, OH and got my own copy autographed.
Activities to do with the book:
Since Dog travels the world, meeting other dogs, First Dog lends itself to a geography lesson and a lecture on the history of different breeds of dogs. The book could also trigger a discussion of strays, adoption and proper dog care. A discussion about foster care or adoption for children, living in the White House or the job of the President could also follow. Plus, a teacher could also focus on the different modes of transportation that Dog must take to travel the world.
A teacher could encourage narratives on how students’ adopted their own pets or have students create adventures for animals. (As a side note, the first creative story I can remember writing was about a cat held prisoner by bigger cats. I was six)
Students could also create family portraits that included animals.
Favorite Quotes:
“Once upon a time there was a dog that was looking for the perfect place to live.”
“Daddy, Daddy, can we keep him?”
“Yes, we can!”
To see more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
October 13, 2013
Hard times hit America and affect dogs as well. A little dog hears this and decides to search the world for a new home. He visits many different countries and meets many different types of dogs, deciding that none of them fit him just right. That is, until he winds up back home in Washington D.C. and finds that the president and his family are looking for a dog to call their own.
"Can we keep him?!" Sasha and Malia cry.
"Yes, we can!" their father replies.
A heartwarming story of how the Obama family and their dog, Bo, found each other, this book also provides great basic information about the different dogs and places Bo comes across on his search.
I LOVE this book, and think any child would appreciate it, too!
"Can we keep him?!" Sasha and Malia cry.
"Yes, we can!" their father replies.
A heartwarming story of how the Obama family and their dog, Bo, found each other, this book also provides great basic information about the different dogs and places Bo comes across on his search.
I LOVE this book, and think any child would appreciate it, too!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2013
This has the feel of both a non-fiction story about all dogs and a fiction tale of the first dog who lives at the White House. One little pooch decides one day to find the perfect place to live. Along the way, he encounters dogs native to many countries! But nowhere that he goes feels just right for him. He returns home to find a family that was looking for him, too! And they all live happily ever after.
The non-fiction elements of the story can feel tedious at times because they weigh down the progression of the story.
This could be a great read for dog lovers!
The non-fiction elements of the story can feel tedious at times because they weigh down the progression of the story.
This could be a great read for dog lovers!
September 3, 2015
Dog is looking for a home and travels around the world meeting many different breeds of dogs before he reads a newspaper proclaiming the President and his family are seeking a dog.
I really liked the inclusion of various breeds of dogs, not just the ones most readers see in dog food commercials. I also really liked the wordless panel presentation of Dog making his way through the gates to the White House to arrive at the front door.
The artwork is realistic with a heart-warming charm that will appeal to dog lovers. Great read aloud for PreK-2.
I really liked the inclusion of various breeds of dogs, not just the ones most readers see in dog food commercials. I also really liked the wordless panel presentation of Dog making his way through the gates to the White House to arrive at the front door.
The artwork is realistic with a heart-warming charm that will appeal to dog lovers. Great read aloud for PreK-2.
August 29, 2015
This was on my son's Kindergarten summer reading list, though I cannot figure out why. The story is ridiculous and unless you are really interested in a wide variety of dog breeds there is just nothing intriguing about it at all. I did not care for the mixed fiction/non-fiction voice. I thought it was confusing and made the book a difficult read-aloud. Though the final punch line is great this is a very long setup that will go over a Kindergartner's head. I was hoping for an adventure about the actual First Dog.
April 27, 2011
This is a story of how a dog found his perfect home at the White House. Throughout the story the first dog travels the world to find the perfect home and the book teaches about all kinds of dogs from various places in the world. The dog realizes none of these places are good for him but when he learns the presidential family is looking for a dog he knows exactly where his new home will be. This would be a fun addition to a civics lessons about our current president.
September 27, 2011
This cute book tells a fun story of how a lonely dog is in search of the perfect home. The dog travels all over the world, but to no avail. Finally he sees an ad in the newspaper title "First Family Looks For Dog." Upon seeing this, the dog knew exactly where his new home was going to be...the white house!
I would use this book to read for fun during the election season or even President's day. I would also use this book for leisure reading time.
I would use this book to read for fun during the election season or even President's day. I would also use this book for leisure reading time.
September 8, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed learning about dog breeds native to different countries as one dog journeys to these countries in the hopes of finding himself a home. The pictures are clear and the story fun, but then he ends up back in the US and at the doorstep of the White House where the "unknown" girls at the door ask if they can keep him and the response is "yes we can!" Hmmmm. Curious. And he even looks like Bo too.
May 12, 2009
I am a little disappointed that I don't see more of J Patrick Lewis in this. He normally is so good at having rhyme in his books and this would have gone there but.... Still a fun book and I was happy to see it promote strays getting a home. Not my favorite about the Obama puppy but a nice read. Ages 3+
July 5, 2009
Every first family needs a first pet! In this charming picture book, a curious little dog travels the world in search of the perfect home and ends up at the White House. Filled with lots of fun dog facts, interesting illustrations, and references to current events, this book will definitely be a favorite for little dog lovers.
November 2, 2010
isabella's review: the first dog is about hiow a dog does not have a home. so he goes from place to place looking for a home. after all his travilg he ends up in the white house.
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February 17, 2011
The illustrations are adorable. I think they are my favorite part. Cute to see a dog travel, but the text seemed a little off here and there. I think my dog-loving brother would love this, even as an adult. In fact, it even sounded like his voice telling the story. And, well, it IS a scottie dog. (I think.)
October 27, 2011
Wanting to find a home of his own, this book is about a dog that sets out on an adventure around the world and eventually ends up in the White House. This book would be a great way to introduce children to the concept of adoption/pet adoption and also to make them feel like they have an inside look in the President's life.
July 28, 2009
I read this today with my 3 yo son and he loved it. He's been looking through the pages and the inside cover pointing out the breeds of all the dogs since he got it this past weekend from his Aunt.
We loved it!
We loved it!
March 30, 2011
It might not deserve 4 stars for the text but, I loved the pictures and how by traveling the world we get to learn about different types of dogs. The ending is cute too. I also liked the info on different types of the dogs.
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July 29, 2011cute book. great pictures. little dog travels the world meeting other types of dogs but goes back to his own neighborhood. sees that President is looking for a dog. The pictures were great but some pages had too much info and then the last pictures didn't have any.
October 24, 2011
This book is about a dog who is looking for a home and decides to travel the world. After searching the world over the dog finally returns home to find a new home at the White House. This is a good book to introduce young children to pet adoption.
August 9, 2012
This book is so adorable! I love how it travels around the world and shows dogs that come from different countries. It's basically the sort of book that I know if I had been fifteen years younger, I would have been completely obsessed with. If you have a small child who likes dogs, I recommend it!
February 17, 2013
This book is really cute. A little dog is looking for a home and travels the world meeting all kinds of dogs in his search. He finds his way to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Kids will love learning about the different breeds of dogs all over the world, and this story is a mini geography lesson!
April 19, 2013
Dog travels the world trying to find a new home, but nowhere suits him. Then, he sees that the first family is looking for a dog. He goes to the white house and finds his home. Inside, the front and back list dogs and information about them.
May 8, 2009
Ohio author
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews