8th April Dog Farting Awareness Day

It is Dog Farting Awareness Day. Not something I thought I would be writing about. Passing gas is a bodily function we share with many animals, such as dogs! While farting is totally normal, it's important to be aware and monitor any trouble your pups could be encountering.

I've included it on my blog because it is a good excuse to get out all the Walter books. The library has all of the Walter books and a plush toy that makes a 'farting' noise when you squeeze it. The students think it is such fun.

If you do not have access to Walter the Farting Dog read some other books where there is a smelly dog. See:

 

 

26th August International Dog Day

Of all the animals on the planet, dogs have the widest range of roles in our daily lives. They’re protectors, helpers, lifesavers—but most of all, they’re family.

International Dog Day, celebrated annually is a day dedicated to honouring and appreciating the special bond between humans and dogs. I haven't written about it before as it is such a big topic in children's books. Every reader has their own favourite dog book. Which is yours?

At the moment the students and I are having fun with Chip (Dev Petty), but their favourite dog is probably Bluey. There are other popular dogs in the library... Spot ( Eric Hill); Clifford (Norman Bridwell); Plum (Emma Chichester Clark); Hairy Maclary ( Lynley Dodd) Kingsley (Gabriel Evans); Harry (Gene Zion); Rocket (Tad Hills); Marley (John Grogan); Magoo (Briony Stewart); Gus (Chris Chatterton) Muddypaws (Peter Bently); Walter (William Kotzwinkle); Fearless (Colin Thompson); Otto (Catherine Rayner); and Claude (Alex T. Smith)

If you are thinking about getting a dog try these:

And a short chapter book with alternating points of view.

"George loves his new puppy, Lucky, but Lucky is out of control. If George doesn't train him soon, his parents will make George take Lucky back to the pound. As for Lucky, he has a lot of work to do, too he has to train George to give him more ham. By the end of this funny story, Lucky comes to realise that he can train George by doing the right thing."

14th May International Chihuahua Appreciation Day

It is International Chihuahua Appreciation Day on 14th May. It celebrates the smallest dog breed, which was named after the state in Mexico, where it was first observed in the 19th century.

In the children's literature stratosphere when you think chihuahua, you think of Skippyjon Jones, but Skippyjon is not actually a chihuahua, but a Siamese cat who pretends he is a chihuahua. He has a group of imaginary Chihuahua friends, Los Chimichangos. The picture books about Skippyjon Jones are fun and have a loyal following in the library.

Skippyjon Jones  is a children's picture book series, written and illustrated by Judith Byron Schachner. The first book was published in 2003, but there are more than ten titles now. The books are notable for their popularity amongst children, use of mock Spanish, and controversy over their representation of Latinos. Some states of America have tried to ban these books, but like all banned books I think it is better to discuss why they are banned and address the issue with my student readers. See the web page.

There are a few nonfiction books about chihuahuas,

and a few stories to search out in the library.

I never thought of myself as a fan of these tiny dogs, but occasionally my son minds one for a mate and he comes to visit us. He is very well behaved, very personable and a big personality so I have warmed to chihuahuas somewhat.

22nd January Answer Your Cat's Questions Day 3 (Cat vs Dog)

Often when teachers borrow cat and dog books it's because they want their students to write or debate persuasively about which is the better pet. As well as giving them books that specifically address this, there are so many series of books available where there is a dog and a cat. Can they really be friends?

 

Series that feature a cat and a dog:

• Cat and Dog  by Jonathan Bentley (3 picture books)

• Mack and Cheeze by Chrissie Krebs (3)

• See the Dog; See the Cat; See the Dog; This is Ghost by David Rochelle (3)

• Pepper and Boo by Charise  Mericle Harper (3)

• Jasper and Scruff by Nicola Colton (4)

• Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans by Maureen Fergus (2)

•  Peanut Butter and Crackers by Paige Braddock (5)

• Houndsley and Catina  by James Howe (6)

• The Underdogs by Kate and Jol Temple (4)

And two stand-alone short chapter books worth reading:

• Diva and Flea by Mo Willems

• Archie and Archie by Ruth Rendell