Synopses & Reviews
Ellie Martin fiercely resists her new dog's charms
It isn't Ellie's fault, really. She's always wanted a puppy, and now that she's almost nine, finally old enough to get one, Preston is foisted on her. What's more, her parents say that this fully grown mutt that Great-aunt Margaret can no longer keep will have to do. They can't very well have a dog and a puppy. Although heartbroken and resentful, Ellie does see Preston's virtues. Still, she refuses to accept him as her dog. Then Ellie's resistance almost costs her Preston, and at last she embraces him. Colby Rodowsky's story about a child's change of heart has just enough tenderness -- and just enough bite -- to satisfy young dog lovers. Captivating drawings by Thomas F. Yezerski highlight the experience.
Review
"Eight-year-old Ellie wants a puppy more than anything else in the world...So she's not happy when her parents inform her that they are adopting a full-grown dog...Gradually, however, Preston wins her over. Readers will find their interest engaged and held from beginning to end, and will close the book with great satisfaction." --Starred,
The Horn Book "Here's a really good book...for that neglected second-to-third-grade market. Eight-year-old Ellie wants a puppy more than anything else in the world...So she's not happy when her parents inform her that they are adopting a full-grown dog - a 'sort of square, boring brown dog with sticking-up ears and a skinny tail' - named Preston who belonged to a distant relative...Gradually, however, Preston wins her over. Readers will find their interest engaged and held from beginning to end, and will close the book with great satisfaction." --Starred,
The Horn Book"A neat twist on the girl-yearns-for-dog story, this begining chapter book has much to recommend it...Thomas F. Yezerski's 10 full-page drawings illustrate the characters' actions, attitudes, and emotions in a most appealing way. An excellent choice for children." --Booklist
About the Author
Colby Rodowsky's most recent books are
The Turnabout Shop and
Remembering Mog. She lives in Baltimore, Maryland.
Thomas F. Yezerski is the creator of Together in Pinecone Patch. He lives in Rutherford, New Jersey.