Singer, M. (2012). Every day’s a dog’s day: a year in poems. Ill. by Miki Sakamoto. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9780803737150

PLOT SUMMARY

Join Buddy, Rosale, Barkley, and Fizz as they tell, in poetic form, what a year of a dog’s life is like in Every Day’s a Dog’s Day. The poems are through the dog’s point of view as they convey to the readers what their winter, spring, summer, and fall, along with a few holidays and general events/outings they come across are like for them.  

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The reading level for this book is documented at a 3.2, which is perfect level for readers of that age group. The author provides basic words for readers to understand and get the gist of her poetry. The illustrations along with the simple word choice the author uses throughout the book helps create the imagery of each poem. It is simple to picture what the author is trying to convey within her poetry.  

REVIEW EXCERPT (S)

-HORN BOOK (2013) “full-page illustrations in bright primary colors are generic but amusing”

-BOOKLIST (2012) “Sakamoto’s unframed illustrations extend the humor and feeling in the scenarios, especially the cuddles and standoffs between pets and their owners.”

-SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (2012) “Sakamoto's bright, cartoonlike depictions of Buddy, Rosalie, Barkley, and Fizz are adorable and funny, and will surely elicit long and loud aws and giggles.”

CONNECTIONS

This would be a great book to teach point of view. The following books could help with point of view.

Miller, Zietlow. BE KIND. ISBN 9781626723214

KAT’S JON. MEET THE DOGS OF BEDLM FARM. ISBN 978-0805092196