The Other Dog

by Madeleine L'Engle, Christine Davenier (Illustrator)

Overview

Reissued in hardcover to coincide with the movie release of A Wrinkle in Time, here is a true tale of dog-meets-baby from Newbery Medal–winning author Madeleine L'Engle! Based on Madeleine L'Engle's own poodle's experience coping with a new baby in the house, this sprightly picture book presents a familiar domestic drama with an utterly charming new twist. Tongue-in-cheek wit, endearing illustrations, and a revealing author's note make this a publishing event to celebrate!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452171890
Publisher:	Chronicle Books LLC
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Edition description:	New
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	413,561
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD700L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 5 Years

About the Author

Madeleine L'Engle was the author of more than sixty books for children and adults, including the Newbery Medal–winning novel A Wrinkle in Time.

Christine Davenier has illustrated a number of bestselling and award-winning children's books. She lives with her husband and daughter in Paris, France.

Date of Birth:

January 12, 1918

Date of Death:

September 6, 2007

Place of Birth:

New York, NY

Place of Death:

Litchfield, CT

Education:

Smith College, 1941

Editorial Reviews

"Any family with a cosseted dog and a new baby will feel this is written just for them," PW wrote in a starred review. "The illustrations give the book an engaging retro feel, but the closing shot of dog and baby nestled together for a nap is timeless." Ages 5-8. (Apr.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

HReaders raised on L'Engle's thoughtful novels (A Wrinkle in Time) will discover a new side of the writer in this impish, tongue-in-cheek memoir. Ostensibly the L'Engle family poodle's account of the arrival of a new baby (whom she thinks an odd sort of dog), Touch L'Engle-Franklin's narrative is enlivened by genteel dismay and the generous use of italics: "From the start I noticed a great many mysterious and horrifying things. For instance, when I am taken out to get some fresh air I always have to walk even when it rains. The Jo is taken out in a carriage, and when it rains she doesn't have to go out at all." The poodle softens enough by the end of the story to admit that the family might, after all, be better off with "two dogs." Davenier (Leon and Albertine) conveys the expressions and attitudes of the exasperated poodle with calligraphic wit; the family's 1950s-era Manhattan apartment is evoked in her ink-and-wash drawings with such warmth and immediacy that readers can almost hear the radiators hissing. In concert with the sprightly typeface, Davenier's illustrations give the book an engaging retro feel, but the closing shot of dog and baby nestled together for a nap is timeless. Any family with a cosseted dog and a new baby will feel this is written just for them. Ages 5-8. (Mar.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

PreS-Gr 3-A whimsical look at sibling rivalry from a canine point of view. When her mistress brings home a new baby girl, the resident dog, a stylish and articulate poodle, experiences several stages of adjustment (disbelief, disdain, acceptance, and finally affection). Children will revel in the distaste Touch expresses over the obvious inferiority of the newcomer while extolling her own virtues. Her observations are pointed, but because they are comparisons between dog and human, and humorously colored by her canine perspective, they are witty but never mean-spirited. Likewise, her eventual conclusion that "in every home there should be at least two dogs" is genuinely satisfying. The high-spirited, lolloping text is perfectly complemented by the illustrations and overall design. Watercolors reminiscent of the work of Ludwig Bemelmans or Marjorie Priceman follow the dog as she sulks, scowls, and snuggles her way across the pages of rich cream stock. Color, tone, and composition are used to evoke the mood and period. Effective use of font size and design underscores the conversational tone of the tale while enhancing the visual appeal. The extensive author's note relating the facts of Touch 's eccentric and fascinating life adds appeal and rich background to the narrative. Colored-pencil drawings by the author, contemporary to the story, provide a fitting final flair.-Starr LaTronica, Four County Library System, Vestal, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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