First Pooch: The Obamas Pick a Pet

by Carole Boston Weatherford, Amy June Bates (Illustrator)

The story of the "first dog" that will become part of the Obama family at the White House. For ages 4 - 8.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens, Dogs

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Carole Boston Weatherford is a children's book author and poet who mines the past for family stories, traditions, and struggles. A number of CAROLE's books tell the stories of African-American historical figures such as Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, and Billie Holiday. Other books recount historical events such as the Greensboro Sit-ins and the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham. CAROLE's books have received a wide variety of awards, including a Caldecott Honour for “Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People To Freedom”.

Reviews

[wildct2003 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good; just not great. Hard not to love Bo. Sounds weird, but it struck me as being just a little too "fluff," though. Like, I'd like just a little more about the dog or something. It felt shallow/empty.

[Terry]

Read our review at the Reading Tub.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book about Bo, the pet dog Malia and Sasha Obama got after their father became President. I really loved the illustrations - so cute.

[Pam Cipkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Describes Barack Obama's promise to his daughters to get a dog, and Sasha and Malia's patient wait while their parents were on the campaign trail. Told in a simple, straightforward way that weaves the facts into a lighthearted story that kids will enjoy, particularly preschoolers through first or second graders. Touches on the issue of the family's consideration of a shelter dog. Additional material at end talks about other presidential pets, but I wish further information had been given regarding the responsibilities of pet ownership and perhaps a note regarding the millions of pets waiting for homes in shelters and why adoption can be the best option.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Barack Obama decided to run for president, he promised his two daughters that they would get a dog after the election. This story traces the election and the sacrifices that the entire family made before Obama was elected. How do they choose a dog and how does it get its name? This child-friendly book gives some basic answers about the presidential dog.

I do wish that Carole Boston Weatherford had included an author's note. How much is true and how much is made up? It would be nice to know where the author got her information too!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though not a story of significant historical value, this book is about the Obama daughters' dog, a story that captivated the news for a while when Barack Obama became president. I remember the new reports about it. This story also manages to capture more than just the decision also including references to the presidential family pets of the rest of U.S. history. It's a nice, fun story that I'm sure people will really enjoy, particularly if they are pet lovers. A nice book, well presented.

[babyhippoface · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amy Bates' spirited and fun watercolor, pencil, and gouache cartoons are the stars of this picture book about the Obama family's big decision on what breed of dog to get as a White House pet. Snippets of information on the pets of other presidents adds a historical frame of reference for the true story that captured the nation's attention.

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children’s first interest in the White House usually begins with the First Pets. First Pooch is an entertaining look not only into the tale of Malia and Sasha Obama’s Portuguese water dog Bo, but also information on numerous other pets that have been presidential pals.

[Elaine Bearden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. The light-hearted artwork and story from the perspective of a child in the midst of presidential frenzy. Note: the title is actually "First Pooch"

[N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked all the extra info on past Presidential pets.

[Bethe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice look at Bo, the First Dog, and how he came to live at the White House. Back matter includes info on past First Canines. Think it will make a good read aloud as part of Presidents Day lesson.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about the Presidential Family.