An eight-year-old girl has to give up her dream of a puppy and take in a relative's dog.

A great book for telling the message that it doesn't matter the age of a dog, they are still going to be the best pet they can be(with the proper care and training), the book really has a unique message most books about dogs don't tend to have, an old dog can still be a lovable dogs. ( )

Rodowsky, C. (1999). Not my dog. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux.

For years, Ellie Martin asked her parents if she could have a puppy. Her parents’ response was always the same. When she turns nine, she could have her own puppy. Ellie plans to name him something special; give him food; teach him to sit and stay; play with him, and love him a lot. Ellie imagines that she will either have a large dog like a German shepherd or a small dog like a miniature poodle. When her Great-aunt Margaret is forced to move into an apartment that does not allow pets, the Martins agree to let Great-aunt Margaret’s dog, Preston, live with them. Nevertheless, Ellie is disappointed when she sees Preston, because he is a “square brown dog with sticking-up ears and a skinny tail” (p. 17). He is not a puppy. When Ellie’s parents tell her to play with Preston or take him on walks, she insists that Preston is not her dog. Preston, however, would play a key role in Ellie’s life, changing how she views him.

This short chapter book is perfect for young readers. It touches upon a few issues that have universal implications, such as growing up and aging. Ellie believes that she can handle the responsibility of owning a pet. The book also briefly mentions how Great-aunt Margaret must move because she is getting older, and it is too difficult for her to live by herself. Ellie’s character is convincing. It takes a while for her to accept Preston as her own dog.

Overall, I enjoyed Not My Dog. Readers will fall in love with Preston, because of his faithfulness, bravery, and intelligence. The black and white water-colored illustrations also perfectly capture the characters’ expressions. When Preston realizes that Great-aunt Margaret is leaving, he sadly looks out of the window. That illustration is heart wrenching. The softness of the watercolors works well with this tender story.

Book Links, March 2007, page 49:

"Ellie longs to own a ppuppy, so when her parents decide to adopt a relative's dog, Preston, instead of a new puppy, disappointed Ellie insist that he is 'not my dog.' This quick-paced story unfolds as homesick preston becomes comfortable with Ellie and she forms a bond with the dog."