The Doghouse (Giggle Gang Series)

by Jan Thomas, Jan Thomas (Illustrator)

Overview

Mouse, Pig, Cow, and Duck are playing a carefree game of ball when (horror of horrors!) their ball gets kicked into . . . the doghouse. Who will risk a run-in with scary Dog to get it back? Hysterical high anxiety ensues as Mouse volunteers each animal to do the dirty-work—but you’ll never believe what’s really going on in the doghouse!
     With Jan Thomas’s fun, fresh art and priceless animal expressions, this timeless tale of fear and friendship will have readers howling, and her spare text and delightful humor is perfect for the board book set.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780544430631
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/23/2015
Series:	Giggle Gang Series
Pages:	36
Sales rank:	450,162
Product dimensions:	6.70(w) x 7.50(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	2 - 4 Years

About the Author

JAN THOMAS is the creator of many hilarious books for young readers. When she isn't working on children's books, she's painting pictures, playing the drums, backpacking, or wrangling dust bunnies.

JAN THOMAS is the creator of many hilarious books for young readers. When she isn't working on children's books, she's painting pictures, playing the drums, backpacking, or wrangling dust bunnies.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for What Will Fat Cat Sit On?:[set star]“A rollicking and highly promising debut.”—Publishers Weekly (starred) “Fat Cat’s sheepish grin is the running punch line in this cheerful, boldly designed picture book.”—The New York Times Book Review —

From the Publisher

PreS-K

The barnyard animals are playing with a red ball that accidentally rolls into the doghouse. Who's going to get it out? Mouse says Cow is big, brave, and strong, and must go first. Cow goes in but does not come out. Pig tries next, as Mouse deems him smart, wise, and stinky. Pig takes offense at the "stinky" designation, but proceeds into the doghouse. Pig does not return either. Duck, as the loudest, goes next-and disappears just like the others. The only one left outside, Mouse timidly calls out, "Can't you come out, Duck?"-upon which Dog appears in the doorway and says, "No! Because I am having duck for dinner." Mouse assumes the worst, but the last spread shows all the animals inside the dog's house sitting down to a meal. Mouse joins the party on the endpapers, just in time for dessert. The simple cartoon characters, scenery, and dialogue balloons are outlined in thick, bold lines. Colors are smooth and flat, with backgrounds done in bright blues, purple, and lime green. The pictures are large and distinct, and will work well with a group. The joke is an old one, but it's always new to kids just beginning to understand wordplay.-Ieva Bates, Ann Arbor District Library, MI

School Library Journal

The third time continues the charm for Thomas's latest offering featuring her familiar animal buddies (A Birthday for Cow, 2008). When Cow's energetic kick sends the ball out of reach of Pig, Duck and Mouse, the toy lands in unknown terrority: the doghouse. Mouse cajoles each animal in turn to venture into the daunting canine quarters to reclaim the ball; much to Mouse's dismay, however, none of them returns. When Mouse timidly asks if Duck may leave the doghouse, he meets the house's toothy resident, who refuses to grant the rodent's request. Bold cartoon illustrations provide an inside glimpse into Dog's living space, the setting for a surprising reunion for these friends and their ball. The successful use of repetition, realized through succinct sentences (rendered in speech balloons) and solid colors, maintains the material's superb pacing. Slanted lines and masterful use of the frame capture the shifting moods and actions of the characters, perfectly placed on each page. Thomas's entertaining story and spirited illustrations kick this one right out of the park. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews

"Thick black outlines, solid blocks of color, and easily read facial expressions will work well for story times. Allusions at the end to cake and turnips recall Thomas’s earlier A Birthday for Cow!, which featured these four barnyard friends being just as silly. Read both books together, and you’ll have preschoolers rolling in the aisles."—The Horn Book Magazine (November/December 2008)

The Horn Book Magazine