Black Dog, Brown Dog

Reader reviewed by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, The Original H.I.R. (Historical Investigative Reporter)

Dreaming of adopting the perfect pet? Better consult authors Nina and Derek Zaragoza, who can tell you from personal experience that every pet has its own personality...and its own way of doing things.

The Zaragoza's book, Black Dog, Brown Dog, is the cute story of just how different--and independent--some pets can be. Tasha, the black dog, is obedient, quiet and clean. Add thrifty, honest and trustworthy and she could be a girl scout! On the other hand, Lady, the brown dog, is rude, loud, messy, and a bit on the thoughtless side. It's obvious from early on that these two furry family members are as different as night and day. Yet the Zaragoza's love them both.

Black Dog, Brown Dog is full of sweet pictures of Tasha and Lady doing all sorts of hilarious things. Artist Tominda Adkins uses calming pastels in her illustrations, and the authors wisely keep the word-count to a minimum--a necessity for pre-k and elementary readers/listeners. My one regret is, there is no dialogue in this book. It would be nice to "hear" how the Zaragoza's interact with their dogs; in fact, such dialogue might lend young children coping skills for dealing with their own pets. In any event, this omission does not diminish the "cuteness" of the book.

For a warm and furry story about love, acceptance and living with differences, be sure to pick up a copy of Black Dog, Brown Dog.