Children's Literature Reviews
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Dogs of myth : tales from around the world
Gerald and Loretta Hausman ; illustrated by Barry Moser.
Contributor biographical information
Publisher description
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 1999.
83 p. : col. ill. ; 29 cm.

Annotations:

A collection of traditional tales about dogs from around the world, arranged in such categories as "The Trickster Dog," "The Enchanted Dog," and "The Super Dog."

Best Books:

Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001 ; H.W. Wilson; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, November 1999 ; Cahners; United States

Horn Book Guide:

Spring 2000 Nonfiction-Folktales and Nursery Rhymes Rating 3, Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Reading Measurement Programs:


Accelerated Reader
Interest Level Middle Grade
Book Level 6
Accelerated Reader Points 2

Lexile, MetaMetrics, Inc.
Lexile Measure 880

Reading Counts-Scholastic
Interest Level 3-5
Reading Level 6
Title Point Value 5
Lexile Measure 880

Reviews:

Michael Cart (Booklist, November 1, 1999 (Vol. 96, No. 5))
In this picture book for older readers with illustrations by Barry Moser, the Hausmans offer a baker's dozen retellings of dog stories they've culled from far-flung sources. There's a creation myth from Africa about a basenji who steals fire for the first man and loses his bark in the bargain. From the mythology of the British Isles comes the tale of an enchanted bloodhound only two inches tall. There are trickster dogs from Japanese, Eskimo, and Native American traditions, enchanted dogs, super dogs, and even a few shaggy dogs. The 13 stories, from as many different cultures, are grouped in six categories, with each story followed by an afterword that provides historical context and commentary. Six of the stories are recycled from the Hausmans' earlier book The Mythology of Dogs (1997), and all of the tales are a bit flat. But the book is so elegantly designed, and Moser's paintings of dogs are so irresistible, that most readers probably won't care. Category: Middle Readers. 1999, Simon & Schuster, $19.95. Gr. 3-5.

Donna Freedman (Children's Literature)
A handsome book that will appeal equally to canine fanciers and lovers of folktales, Dogs of Myth tells some wonderful stories. Some are what you might expect--loyal dog tales, such as the stalwart wolfhound who made the ultimate sacrifice for his master's household, or the patient Saluki who guarded seven sleepers for 309 years. But there are also stories about how certain dogs gained their famous characteristics, such as the husky who mistakenly brings Death to the world and feels so guilty that, ever after, could make only a sorrowing woo-aroo noise. The authors write in stirring, mythological prose, but they sneak in some pretty funny writing, too. It's a great read-aloud for younger kids, and a real find for storytellers--after all, what audience would turn down a dog story? 1999, Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, $19.95. Ages 3 to 14.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2000)
From African creation lore to medieval European tales, this collection of myths and legends includes stories in which dogs steal fire for people, sacrifice their lives protecting their masters, and bring wealth and love to their owners. The rich storytelling is enhanced by Moser's stately paintings. Each tale includes an afterword, commenting on the story and providing information about the breed of dog. Sources are appended. Category: Nonfiction-Folktales and Nursery Rhymes. 1999, Simon, 84pp, $19.95. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration.

Subjects:

Dogs--Folklore.
Tales.
Dogs--Folklore.
Folklore.
LanguageCall NumberLCCNDewey DecimalISBN/ISSN
English (eng) PZ8.1.H29 Dr 1999
98015817 398.24/529772
0689806965
9780689806964
View the WorldCat Record for this item.