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Dr Dog #1
Dr. Dog
Dr. dog is not your usual doctor. For one thing, he makes house calls. For another, he's a pet beagle! When his entire family falls sick, only Dr. Dog can save the day, with cure for head lice, pinworms, and (yikes!) even a case of too much gas...
40 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 1994
About the author
Babette Cole
110 books76 followersBabette Cole was a British children's author and illustrator. Born on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands in 1949, she attended the Canterbury College of Art (now the University for the Creative Arts) and received first-class BA Honors. She worked on such children's programmes as Bagpuss (working with Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin) and Jackanory for BBC television.
As a children's writer, Cole created more than 150 picture books. Her best-seller Doctor Dog has been adapted as a successful children's cartoon series. Much of her work is earthy comedy, having titles like The Smelly Book, The Hairy Book, The Slimy Book and The Silly Book.
She spent her time writing, visiting schools and traveling. After a short illness she died on 15 January 2017, aged 66.
As a children's writer, Cole created more than 150 picture books. Her best-seller Doctor Dog has been adapted as a successful children's cartoon series. Much of her work is earthy comedy, having titles like The Smelly Book, The Hairy Book, The Slimy Book and The Silly Book.
She spent her time writing, visiting schools and traveling. After a short illness she died on 15 January 2017, aged 66.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 23, 2023
I did like the idea of a Dr Dog and I did feel sorry for this poor character living with such a revolting family but this did feel a bit dated and read like an idea that some health organisation came up with in the 80s.
Lots of advice about what not to do as advised by Dr Dog, sadly I think some of this medical advice is out of date/incorrect and think the message - don't smoke it's bad for you, probably isn't enough on it's own.
I hope Dr Dog found a nicer/cleaner house to live in.
Read on Open Library.
Lots of advice about what not to do as advised by Dr Dog, sadly I think some of this medical advice is out of date/incorrect and think the message - don't smoke it's bad for you, probably isn't enough on it's own.
I hope Dr Dog found a nicer/cleaner house to live in.
Read on Open Library.
May 28, 2018
I forgot all about this book, then I just saw that a band named itself Dr. Dog and it all came flooding back! My goddaughter had this book, and just thinking about it makes me itch and squirm! But it was very entertaining, and a pretty clever way to instill good hygiene habits in kids (and adults!).
October 23, 2017
Really liked this. It's a little bit gross in places, but, awfully funny if you have a kid the right age for it. My daughter loves all things gross, so she thought this book was great. I need to hunt down some more by Babette Cole. We've read a couple of them and liked them both.
February 24, 2020
*OCD/ germaphobia warning - This book deals with hygiene issues, and made me compulsively over-wash my hands as a child as a form of OCD*
Despite the warning I give, don't be put off! Although this book needs to be handled with care, especially around children who are susceptible to every day fear, it's a really good book!
It tells the story of a dog who is a doctor, stuck as the pet of a rather useless family. When he goes away on a conference on bone-marrow (lol), the family get sick so he has to return to treat them. In doing so the book depicts anatomy and bacteria.
I would recommend this book for older children, perhaps Year 4, as they can still appreciate it but (hopefully) are old enough to not get caught up in the fear of bacteria (I was in infant school when it was read to me).
This could be used in science and PSHE to discuss hygiene and illness.
Despite the warning I give, don't be put off! Although this book needs to be handled with care, especially around children who are susceptible to every day fear, it's a really good book!
It tells the story of a dog who is a doctor, stuck as the pet of a rather useless family. When he goes away on a conference on bone-marrow (lol), the family get sick so he has to return to treat them. In doing so the book depicts anatomy and bacteria.
I would recommend this book for older children, perhaps Year 4, as they can still appreciate it but (hopefully) are old enough to not get caught up in the fear of bacteria (I was in infant school when it was read to me).
This could be used in science and PSHE to discuss hygiene and illness.
March 20, 2022
Grandad is always a crowd winner
September 1, 2022
Consejos de higiene para toda la familia y acción explosiva.
Humor fino y buenos chistes.
Humor fino y buenos chistes.
September 7, 2014
Babette Cole’s children’s book ‘Dr. Dog’ is a clever and hilarious book that is guaranteed to make children laugh out loud.
The book tells the story of the Gumboyle family and their pet dog who acts as the family doctor, ‘this is their dog. He is a doctor.’ Whilst Dr. Dog was away on a medical business meeting, he is quickly summoned back because all of the Gumboyle children, and their Granddad, have fallen ill: Kurt Gumboyle has a cough because he has been smoking; Gerty caught a cold because she has not been wearing her coat; Kev has head lice; baby Gumboyle has not been washing his hands so has a tummy ache after sucking his thumb; Fiona is dizzy because of ear ache and Grandad has ‘terrible wind!’ Dr. Dog helps each individual family member with their problems, offering advice and explanations.
Babette Cole has done a wonderful job of creating a really engaging and entertaining children’s book. It would be a brilliant book to introduce into an early years or year one classroom.
The book would be brilliant to read aloud to a group of young children. Cole has chosen to use simplistic vocabulary, which helps ensure all the children would understand what is happening in the storyline. Additionally, the words are illustrated by colourful, descriptive pictures which adds to the entertainment and makes it a brilliant choice to read aloud.
What is fantastic about this book is that it actually tackles real life illnesses but explores them in an entertaining way. This makes the book a perfect choice for a school environment because it could be used in science lessons to educate children about how to look after themselves to avoid getting ill. In the story, one of the children has head lice which is obviously a problem for many young children so it would be great to have a discussion about what symptoms to look out for and who to tell about it! The book also stresses the importance of washing your hands before eating and after using the toilet; this would lead to a useful discussion with children about why it is so important they do this.
This discussion about illness could then be referred back to in literacy and art lessons. Children could be asked to make a poster raising awareness of different symptoms to look out for with common illnesses. Children could draw a picture in art of Dr. Dog on their poster and then they could write a caption for the poster in literacy.
The book tells the story of the Gumboyle family and their pet dog who acts as the family doctor, ‘this is their dog. He is a doctor.’ Whilst Dr. Dog was away on a medical business meeting, he is quickly summoned back because all of the Gumboyle children, and their Granddad, have fallen ill: Kurt Gumboyle has a cough because he has been smoking; Gerty caught a cold because she has not been wearing her coat; Kev has head lice; baby Gumboyle has not been washing his hands so has a tummy ache after sucking his thumb; Fiona is dizzy because of ear ache and Grandad has ‘terrible wind!’ Dr. Dog helps each individual family member with their problems, offering advice and explanations.
Babette Cole has done a wonderful job of creating a really engaging and entertaining children’s book. It would be a brilliant book to introduce into an early years or year one classroom.
The book would be brilliant to read aloud to a group of young children. Cole has chosen to use simplistic vocabulary, which helps ensure all the children would understand what is happening in the storyline. Additionally, the words are illustrated by colourful, descriptive pictures which adds to the entertainment and makes it a brilliant choice to read aloud.
What is fantastic about this book is that it actually tackles real life illnesses but explores them in an entertaining way. This makes the book a perfect choice for a school environment because it could be used in science lessons to educate children about how to look after themselves to avoid getting ill. In the story, one of the children has head lice which is obviously a problem for many young children so it would be great to have a discussion about what symptoms to look out for and who to tell about it! The book also stresses the importance of washing your hands before eating and after using the toilet; this would lead to a useful discussion with children about why it is so important they do this.
This discussion about illness could then be referred back to in literacy and art lessons. Children could be asked to make a poster raising awareness of different symptoms to look out for with common illnesses. Children could draw a picture in art of Dr. Dog on their poster and then they could write a caption for the poster in literacy.
January 3, 2010
"Dr. Dog" is Babette Cole's most informative and creative book yet! It's about how the family dog is actually a doctor and he tries to help take care of his family while explaining to the audience about the various diseases that each family member have.
Babette Cole's illustrations are hilarious as always and the information that she provides for each disease is so informative that I found myself being surprised at such information. "Dr. Dog" is a brilliant book about learning about diseases that many children will love for many years.
Babette Cole's illustrations are hilarious as always and the information that she provides for each disease is so informative that I found myself being surprised at such information. "Dr. Dog" is a brilliant book about learning about diseases that many children will love for many years.
October 2, 2018
Given Non-Fiction Dewey D. J613.4 in my local library. Maybe because of the cartoony, but still graphic, medical pictures, like scratching your bottom and not washing your hands will spread worms. And etc. Not for the easily disgusted. But funny! And somewhat educational!
I honestly don't know why I'm giving it four stars. Maybe because I empathize with Dr. Dog because my family doesn't listen to my advice and has to learn health lessons the hard way, much like his does.
I honestly don't know why I'm giving it four stars. Maybe because I empathize with Dr. Dog because my family doesn't listen to my advice and has to learn health lessons the hard way, much like his does.
January 28, 2010
A dog that acts as a doctor tells children what to do to avoid getting sick. Easy to understand and children can relate to it because it's all the things that they tend to do that may make them sick like putting dirty hands in their mouth etc. Funny illustrations keep kids interested.
May 14, 2017
Well, that was a heck of a ride. If you want a (more-or-less) accurate portrayal of the perils of medical conditions like pin worms, head lice, and beer-and-beans-induced flatulence, look no further. Charming illustrations and adorably juvenile humor.
November 17, 2019
This book has toilet humor which always appeals. A good book about lots of things that can make a human sick. I hope bub like my reading of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2018
I was gifted this book by my godmother maybe sixteen-seventeen? years ago. Despite having read many other children’s storybooks before receiving this book, this one left a lasting impression on me. The book, however simple that it may be, taught me how to take care of myself to avoid illness. It also scared me enough where I almost religiously washed my hands before and after using the bathroom. To this very day, I’m still paranoid about washing hands after using the toilet.
November 30, 2020
I actually quite enjoyed this book in the end, but couldn't really get on board with the idea of a pet dog being a doctor. Some of information about diseases that is presented in this book is also inaccurate, I believe.
December 28, 2020
An excellent and educational read for young children. The story is about a family that need eating, hygiene and medical education as their doctor, a dog, treats and gives them advice. Superb in all aspects and great fun.
September 26, 2022
Giggle-making, totally daft, hilarious...and has some serious messages thrown in. She has the sense not to explain how the family dog is a doctor or why he wears a white coat and the rest all the time, even in his basket. The farting sequence would make anyone laugh...
May 12, 2024
As others have said, most of this book is kind of gross and a tad outdated. But when I imagine it being read out loud by a grandparent, it's a pretty funny book. I like the ending especially, where this poor dog gets to get away from this family and take a vacation! Stress will exhaust you.
July 17, 2019
My daughter would disagree with my rating but this book actually makes me feel a bit sick! I suppose it has a positive message, though: look after your body.
May 12, 2020
Brilliant, hilarious book. Year 3+
February 2, 2021
What a fun book!
July 23, 2021
A big favourite, learning all of life's lessons through Dr Dog and the Gumboyle family!
November 7, 2021
My husband like this book. It’s education book, but it’s too difficult for children. It makes me sleepy because most of pages explain about health problems.
January 22, 2024
Rip roaring hilarious. All of my kids enjoyed this book. We all laugh at the silly accident! Nothing like some fart humor to cheer us all up.
October 19, 2024
This is an old children's book which was one of my son's favorites.
April 17, 2013
Helen for www.bigbooklittlebook.com
I have enjoyed a few of Babette Cole’s stories and when my youngest picked this up in the library I was quite happy to add it to our pile of books to borrow. However the girls decided that we had to read it in the library then and there, so we did and it attracted some comments from other library users too. This is a book that can’t fail to induce an opinion!
The story is about the Gumboyle family whose pet dog is also their doctor. This is of huge benefit to them as they are not the most hygienic or healthiest of families! Dr Dog has to treat them for such complaints as smokers cough, head lice and worms as well as tonsillitis, ear ache and tummy ache. He givens good advice and shows the family pictures (drawn in a childlike style) of what is happening in their insides as a result of their lack of cleanliness or their illnesses. It’s a great way to get a conversation going about health and hygiene. “Never scratch your bum and suck your thumb” has got us talking about lots of things, as well as raising giggles from the girls.
Dr Dog warns the family of that bad things will befall them if they don’t change their ways. I am sure none of them really thought that Grandad Gumboyle’s excessive wind would blow the roof off their house though. The illustration for this also causes much merriment as Grandad sails through the air on his toilet as the ruined roof lies beneath him. It may not be what happens to most people but it does make a point!
Unsurprisingly after all this Dr Dog has to have time off for stress – brilliant.
Verdict:This is an irreverent and amusing look at health issues that can affect children and families. It has been well loved for the three weeks it has been in the house!
I have enjoyed a few of Babette Cole’s stories and when my youngest picked this up in the library I was quite happy to add it to our pile of books to borrow. However the girls decided that we had to read it in the library then and there, so we did and it attracted some comments from other library users too. This is a book that can’t fail to induce an opinion!
The story is about the Gumboyle family whose pet dog is also their doctor. This is of huge benefit to them as they are not the most hygienic or healthiest of families! Dr Dog has to treat them for such complaints as smokers cough, head lice and worms as well as tonsillitis, ear ache and tummy ache. He givens good advice and shows the family pictures (drawn in a childlike style) of what is happening in their insides as a result of their lack of cleanliness or their illnesses. It’s a great way to get a conversation going about health and hygiene. “Never scratch your bum and suck your thumb” has got us talking about lots of things, as well as raising giggles from the girls.
Dr Dog warns the family of that bad things will befall them if they don’t change their ways. I am sure none of them really thought that Grandad Gumboyle’s excessive wind would blow the roof off their house though. The illustration for this also causes much merriment as Grandad sails through the air on his toilet as the ruined roof lies beneath him. It may not be what happens to most people but it does make a point!
Unsurprisingly after all this Dr Dog has to have time off for stress – brilliant.
Verdict:This is an irreverent and amusing look at health issues that can affect children and families. It has been well loved for the three weeks it has been in the house!
August 21, 2012
Babette Cole's Dr. Dog is an amusing story about a canine doctor who is away on holiday to Brazil, but is quickly summoned home after the Gumboyle family attain a series of different ailments. From itchy bums to Grandad's dangerous gases, this book introduces young readers to different parts of the body as well as how to not get these preventable illnesses.
Dr. Dog's wonderful illustration is something that I remember loving when I read it as a child, as well as the slightly naughty aspect of the book and the hilarity when the Grandad's dangerous gases blow off the roof after being warned by Dr. Dog not to eat any more baked beans.
This book would be great used in a reading corner as well as being read to EYFS children, particularly when trying to advise children why they shouldn't pick their noses or go out without their coats!
Dr. Dog's wonderful illustration is something that I remember loving when I read it as a child, as well as the slightly naughty aspect of the book and the hilarity when the Grandad's dangerous gases blow off the roof after being warned by Dr. Dog not to eat any more baked beans.
This book would be great used in a reading corner as well as being read to EYFS children, particularly when trying to advise children why they shouldn't pick their noses or go out without their coats!
May 14, 2008
A most excellent book that I strongly recommend NOT reading to your Children's Services class, or they'll all just stare at you like... WTF?!?
This book had me rolling on the floor laughing the first time I read it and every time since. It's chock full of potty humor and related hygiene lessons. Prime example: "Never pick your bum and suck your thumb" *turn page* Imagery of the resultant catastrophe if one does.
Note: Not something I'd read at storytime. Not something I'd read to the average adult crowd. Definitely not something I'd read (again) to a children's services class. Absolutely something I'd read to a kid (by age or at heart).
A complete riot!
This book had me rolling on the floor laughing the first time I read it and every time since. It's chock full of potty humor and related hygiene lessons. Prime example: "Never pick your bum and suck your thumb" *turn page* Imagery of the resultant catastrophe if one does.
Note: Not something I'd read at storytime. Not something I'd read to the average adult crowd. Definitely not something I'd read (again) to a children's services class. Absolutely something I'd read to a kid (by age or at heart).
A complete riot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2012
Dr. Dog was first introduced to me several years ago by my good friend Joey Payne. I must admit that on the first reading my prudish self was very shocked. Now I am less easily shocked and more easily amused plus I find quite a bit of wisdom in this quirky and often disgusting book. "Never scratch your bum and suck your thumb" is actually very sound advice as is, "It's not good to smoke." I do however, question the practice of sending a child to school with lice shampoo still in his hair as well as having a dog perform a tonsillectomy but then I am often hampered by that willing suspension of disbelief thing...I carefully recommend this book with caution to certain people.
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February 11, 2014Although this story has unrealistic characters, like the dog being a doctor, it displays real life situations in a funny way. Dr. Dog is a beagle who belongs to the Gumboyle family. He goes away to Brazil and his family gets sick so they sent him a note telling him he had to come home to cure everybody, so he did. Students can relate to some of the characters in the book which would keep students engaged in the story. One of the characters doesn't wear a raincoat or hat when it is raining outside so she gets sick. This book can be used to start persuasive writing. Students can write about why they should do or not do something.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews