Michael K. Frith

A boy talks about all the words he'll teach his dog. He wants to teach his dog 100 words, to be exact. As the story goes on, the boy provides the reader with the number of words that have been mentioned so far. The reader never sees his face--only his arms and legs. He wants his dog to be the smartest one and wants the adults to praise them. He wants to be proud and do something exciting with his furry companion. The ending of the book reveals that the boy plans to wait until next year to teach his dog 100 words, and he says all of this while relaxing by a tree with his pup.

I liked this story, even though it is simple. Sometimes it is nice to read a simple book, especially in times of anxiety or stress. I also liked the element of mystery in the book where the reader cannot see what the boy looks like. Maybe this element is a good one because then, the reader cannot be biased based on physical traits of the protagonist. I also thought it is funny that the boy says he will do all of these things next year. At the end where he is relaxing, the reader can understand that some things can wait and that the little things around you are to be cherished in the moment.… (meer)