We Love You, Rosie!

by Cynthia Rylant, Linda Davick (Illustrator)

Overview

Beloved author Cynthia Rylant offers a sweet story about a day in the life of a family dog as she explores the concept of opposites.

Rosie is a very busy little dog. Sometimes she’s good, and sometimes she’s bad. Sometimes she wants to go out, and other times she wants to stay in. But no matter what, Rosie’s family loves her!

With adorable illustrations and fun, snappy text, this cozy picture book is the perfect way to introduce young readers to the world of opposites.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781442465114
Publisher:	Beach Lane Books
Publication date:	02/28/2017
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	1,126,492
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 10.30(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Cynthia Rylant is the author of more than 100 books for young people, including the beloved Henry and Mudge, Annie and Snowball, Brownie & Pearl, Motor Mouse, and Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Her novel Missing May received the Newbery Medal. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Linda Davick is the illustrator of several picture books, including We Love You, Rosie! by Cynthia Rylant; What Riley Wore by Elana K. Arnold; as well as her own Say Hello! and I Love You, Nose! I Love You, Toes!. She is also the author and illustrator of the Mimi’s World chapter book series. She lives near a nature preserve in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Editorial Reviews

11/28/2016
Rylant (Little Penguins) and Davick (Say Hello!) introduce opposites in a series of chapter-like scenarios starring two good-natured siblings and their frisky, floppy-eared dachshund, Rosie. A chatty narrative emphasizes each term while sounding like actual comments children might direct toward a dog. “Hello Rosie, Are you being bad? Oops. Bad eating Rosie!” writes Rylant as Davick shows the dog snagging a bit of pepperoni from an unattended slice of pizza. Colored in a bright, sherbet palette, Davick’s crisp-edged illustrations highlight the characters’ emotions (Rosie looks quite abashed about the pizza incident), and it’s always evident how much love the two round-headed, brown-skinned, eager-eyed children have for their pet. Rosie’s ongoing interest in a wild rabbit helps introduce several opposites (“Hello, Rosie. Do you want out? Rosie wants out of the kitchen”), as does the elongated shape of Rosie’s body, which allows her to be both “in” and “out” of a doghouse at the same time. Zingy repetition and visual cues smartly tailor this story to kids who are learning to read on their own. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

Rosie is a spotted sausagey hound who belongs to a young brother and sister, and who’s the subject of six very short picture-book stories involving concepts and opposites. In each story, Rosie experiences or exemplifies the two opposites, so in “Rosie Day and Night,” “Rosie runs and plays and runs and plays ALL DAY!” and “sleeps and dreams and sleeps and dreams ALL NIGHT”; every story ends with a reminder that whether she’s in or out, good or bad, she’s loved. The streamlined text is scaffolded with repetition, and the affectionate direct address will make for a comradely lapsit readaloud; Rylant also cleverly includes some concrete references (“Have you LOST a ball? Have you LOST a bone? Have you LOST a friend?”) that add point-and-name possibilities for little listeners. Digital art in sweet popsicle colors is cut-out simple, and while its flatness makes it harder to identify details at times, there’s a visual throughline to the scenery (the bunny in the yard, the toy giraffe, etc. appear repeatedly even when they’re not textually featured) that pro- vides audiences with some motif-spotting joy. The chapter format makes this easy to break up to suit teeny toddler attention spans (and brief adult opportunities), and kids will happily return to follow the exploits of Rosie.

March 2017 - BCCB

Rosie is a very lucky dog. Her owners, two brown-skinned children, love to admire Rosie’s many talents, even when those talents tend to the naughty end of the spectrum. Her owners encourage her appreciation of both the day and the night: “Rosie runs and plays / and runs and plays / ALL DAY!” “Rosie sleeps and dreams / and sleeps and dreams / ALL NIGHT.” Though Rosie’s antics mean she doesn’t always behave, she is beloved by the children, who find humor in her wrongdoings. Davick’s bold, vibrant colors and shapes couple well with Rylant’s concise text; both highlight the obvious bond between the children andRosie and Rosie’s antics, while also offering a lesson about opposites. The rhythm of the text ensures this will be an easy read-aloud that will warm hearts and keep young readers’ attention. — Stephanie Seales

December 9, 2016 - Booklist online

02/01/2017
PreS-Gr 1—A smiley, brown-skinned brother and sister narrate this tale, which follows their beloved dachshund, Rosie, as she goes about her busy day. The story is broken into very short chapters, each highlighting a pair of opposites. For example, in "Rosie Good and Bad," Rosie is praised for her "GOOD sitting," "GOOD barking," and "GOOD eating." After snatching a slice of pepperoni pizza off the table, however, she is told, "BAD eating, Rosie!" This is followed by the children reinforcing their unconditional love for the pup. This pattern is repeated throughout the narrative. The flat cartoon illustrations display simple shapes and bold colors on a white background. The characters, with their round heads and eyes, will appeal to young readers. The basic vocabulary, repetitive text, large font size, and ample spacing make this a good choice for beginning readers. It could also serve as an introduction to opposites. VERDICT While this title is not an essential purchase, its sweet message and utility as an introduction to opposites make it a worthwhile addition.—Kimberly Tolson, Concord Free Public Library, MA

School Library Journal

2016-11-02
Two black children, who could be seen as fraternal twins, lavish love on their dachshund, Rosie.Rylant's text is written in the first person plural and uses an episodic structure that also highlights opposites. Sister and brother (unnamed in the text) affirm their love for Rosie whatever the circumstance, in brief episodes: "Day and Night…Good and Bad…In and Out…Lost and Found…Up and Down…Here and There." The playfully repetitive phrasing reads rather like the controlled text of an early reader, and clear, bold type could support new readers attempting to decode it independently. Davick's accompanying digital illustrations feature brightly colored, flat, graphically simple forms set against the clean whiteness of the pages. No other characters are present, which provides a pleasing focus on the loving dynamic between the children and their dog, as they read, play, and snuggle the days away. A cozy, Rosie read. (Picture book. 2-6)

Kirkus Reviews