Status
Available
Genres
Collection
Publication
Scholastic (2002), Edition: 1st
Description
Alfred, a pug, is made to feel inferior by a cat, a parrot, and the other neighborhood dogs, until a new dog moves in next door and helps Alfred to realize he is fine just the way he is.
User reviews
LibraryThing member TorrieM
This is about a dog named Alfred who was always told he was unlovable. The cat, the goldfish, and the other dogs always made fun of him. Then one day a family moved in next door and they had a dog named Rex. They became bestfriends, but he didn't want Rex to ever see him. He told Rex he was a
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Golden Retriever. Rex dug his way through to the other side and they realized they were just alike. Alfred never felt unlovable again. This book shows you to not worry about what other people think. I would use this book in K-3rd grade. It has very neat illustrations. Show Less
LibraryThing member justinscott66
"Unlovable" is an endearing story about being true to yourself and valuing differences among people. The artwork is expressive and would be a sure fire hit with any early childhood classroom. The one drawback I see is Dan's choice to make Rex the exact same dog as Alfred in the end. While I love
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the themes in the book and really think this would be a good companion book with "Chrysanthemum" or "Amazing Grace," the message that Alfred can only find salvation with someone from his own kind doesn't sit well. Show Less
LibraryThing member sharlamccall
Summary:
Alfred the dog felt unlovable because the cat, the parrot, and the other neighborhood dogs told him he was unlovable and made fun of him. When a new dog moves in next door, Alfred talks to him through the fence and lies and tells him he is a golden retriever. The other dog (Rex) digs under
Personal reaction:
I felt so sad for this little dog because everyone was picking on him in the beginning of the story. I imagine some children must feel this way if the other children tease or bully them. I liked the book because it had a happy ending.
Classroom extension ideas:
I would read this book on the first day of school as a lesson of how we should treat each other, and how it makes someone feel bad when you say mean things to them.
I would read the book to the class and then have them write alternate endings to the story. How could the story end if Rex did not look the same as Alfred? How could the story have changed if Alfred never lied to Rex about being a golden retriever?
Alfred the dog felt unlovable because the cat, the parrot, and the other neighborhood dogs told him he was unlovable and made fun of him. When a new dog moves in next door, Alfred talks to him through the fence and lies and tells him he is a golden retriever. The other dog (Rex) digs under
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the fence so they can meet face to face. Alfred is surprised and relieved because Rex looks just like him, and likes him just the way he is. Alfred never felt unlovable again.Personal reaction:
I felt so sad for this little dog because everyone was picking on him in the beginning of the story. I imagine some children must feel this way if the other children tease or bully them. I liked the book because it had a happy ending.
Classroom extension ideas:
I would read this book on the first day of school as a lesson of how we should treat each other, and how it makes someone feel bad when you say mean things to them.
I would read the book to the class and then have them write alternate endings to the story. How could the story end if Rex did not look the same as Alfred? How could the story have changed if Alfred never lied to Rex about being a golden retriever?
Show Less
LibraryThing member DHouston
This book is a great story for children up to about 8 years of age. It shows the importance of needing a friend.
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Not amazing, but charming. Of course it's easy for even a very young reader/ listener to see that Alfred is actually lovable (after all, his people, though never seen, clearly love him) and the cat and other dogs are just mean. But we all know children who feel insecure and need a friend to
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feel validated, and those will probably benefit from this. Show Less
Awards
Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award (Nominee — 2003)
Language
ISBN
0439756227 / 9780439756228