My Big Book of Dogs, edited by Geeta Dharmarajan and published by Katha as a part of the Katha Earth-Carer Library, is a fun and informative read for 3-6 year olds who love animals.
It is a beautiful thing- this fascinating bond that children share with animals, especially dogs. Most children would have asked for a dog as a pet at one time or the other. Or maybe, at least contemplated the idea in their little minds!
The short stories and snippets in this book are all tied together with a common theme- dogs. The book begins with a short autobiographical essay of a pet dog. We then have a wonderfully illustrated story of a small puppy that runs away and has quite an adventure. Another story is about the daily routine of a pet dog. There are a couple of poems as well, all easily relatable for small children. One of the stories looks at an old painting dated to the Mughal times and gives a little snippet of information about a dog in it. Other stories deal with sensitive topics such as the child’s feeling on the death of the pet and a helping dog who works at a hospital for children.
The book ends with short and comprehensive information about the role of dogs in our society. There are also some questions to ponder on. The book is filled with wonderful illustrations that are colourful and very appealing to kids.
The book is apt for 3-6 year olds. It is great to read it with your child, and also a good read for beginning readers to read by themselves.
If your toddler likes dogs, or has a dog for a pet, you’ve gotta read this one!
