The Next-Door Dogs

by Colby Rodowsky, Amy June Bates (Illustrations)

Putting a fear to rest

Sara Barker is afraid of dogs. Whenever she sees even a picture of one, she feels clammy and cold all over. So what's Sara to do when she learns that her new next-door neighbor owns two of them? Two young and big dogs, to be specific. Her neighbor turns out to be an ebullient older woman who befriends Sara and promises her dogs will keep their distance. But one day a situation arises in which Sara is forced to venture into the yard next door, even as the dogs there are desperately barking.

Kids will relate to Sara, and dog-lovers will enjoy seeing her overcome her fears in this easy-to-read chapter book, with numerous cheerful pictures.  The Next-Door Dogs is a 2006 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

112 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2005

Reviews

[Vanet Jensen]

Beginning chapter book for 2-3rd graders about a girl afraid of dogs until she has to overcome her fear to help her new neighbor. I will be encouraging readers to read this book.

[Neely]

AR

[Jnase1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about a girl named Sara who is afraid of dogs because she was "attacked" by dogs when she was younger. The "attack" was by her aunt's dogs and it was more of a "licking," but she was knocked down and big animals can be scary to little children. So it is understandable that she has a fear of dogs. And she has been able to avoid dogs most of her life, until a new neighbor moves in next door with her two BIG dogs. Sara really likes her new neighbor, Ms. Harrison, but she doesn't really care to get to know her dogs, until one day when there is an accident and Sara has to go over to Ms. Harrison's house. Will Sara be brave enough to get help for Ms. Harrison and will she finally overcome her fear of dogs?

Cute story for K-3. Would make a good read aloud for younger grades.

[Sheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was a little too simple. The character development was weak.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Korynn and I read this book together and loved it. If your child has a fear of dogs this one is for them and having the courage to overcome.

Fabulous read.

[Micchon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a cute book. Not my favourite, but cute.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice book about conquering your fears. Good quick read, would probably work for Page Turners.

[Shermaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book is interesting