The Other Dog

by Madeleine L'Engle

Other authorsChristine Davenier (Illustrator)
Hardcover, 2001

Call number

E L

Publication

SeaStar (2001), Edition: Library Binding, 48 pages

Description

The family poodle protests at first when the master and mistress bring home a new "dog" to share the household.

User reviews

LibraryThing member SunnySD
Any pampered pup (or first born) who's ever had to deal with the sudden addition of another pet (or new sibling) Touché's confusion over her sudden demotion to less than center of attention will be perfectly understandable. Charmingly illustrated and cleverly told, the Other Dog is delightful.
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L'Engle's author's note, in which she describes how she met the real Touché is worth reading, as well.
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LibraryThing member bknight07
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age Appropriateness: 1-4
Review: This book is a good example of a fantasy fiction because of it's unique use of the author. Madeleine (the author) poses as the family dog while and claims to be the actual brains behind the book. The writer (dog) does not understand why the
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family has adopted a new dog (a baby).
Media: Ink & Wash
Characterization: The dog is the main character (protagonist). At the beginning of the story the dog is completely opposed to the new dog (baby) but by the end of the story understands that it is a good thing. The dog learns to love the new baby and accept it for what it is.
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LibraryThing member amyarmstrong
This book is great for dog lovers! I love it because it takes a new angle at dealing with change. The dog "writes" the book and talks about how she felt when the family brings home Baby.
LibraryThing member MandaW
A cute story that would be great for a child who was the only child but will be experiencing another baby in the house. This story can teach them how to deal a bit with that and that it may not be such a bad thing. 4 stars.
LibraryThing member bamabreezin4
I loved the "deception." The author does a great job of making sure that you use context clues (including the illustrations) to fully comprehend the story. Some humor may be lost on children, but most of it can be explained. Children may also be able to relate to this book.
LibraryThing member Kate_Schulte078
I would use this book for vocabulary strategies and context clues because there are many words that could be used for this. Students will like this book because some can relate to the dog having a new member of the family and not having the attention they are used to.
LibraryThing member biancagrhm
The message shows that dogs will be the center of attention until a baby comes along and they are pushed to the side. They feel bad and see how they are treated after a baby arrives. Its important to remain the same feelings and actions as before some other important person enters your life.
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Remember the ones from the beginning. The book could be used in any grade to focus on being generous to others and treat people like they would want to be treated.
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LibraryThing member bookworm12
The sweetest book about introducing a baby into a home with a dog. It's told from the point of view of the dog.
LibraryThing member Cheryl_in_CC_NV
Most stories about the new baby are from the perspective of the big brother or sister. But what if a dog was the only doted-upon dependent of the household? L'Engle drew on real-life (as told in a lovely long author's note) to show how a pet can grow more accustomed to, and even fond of, the
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intruder. I considered a three star rating because I don't care for the illustrations, but bumped to four because I love how Touche' develops respect for the 'new dog' by learning her name, place in the family, and habits as it learns to accept her. Subtle but significant, well-done.
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LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
Touché L'Engle-Franklin, a witty, urbane poodle, narrates this tale of finding her home invaded by "another dog" - namely, a new baby girl named Jo. At first, Touché cannot figure out why her master and mistress would want another dog: isn't she enough? But slowly, she becomes reconciled to this
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interloper, despite her obvious deficiencies as a dog, and her inferiority to Touché herself...

Written in the 1940s, and based upon the story of Madeleine L'Engle's own beloved poodle and her adjustment to a new baby in the family, The Other Dog remained unpublished for many years, until finally reaching print in 2001. It was re-released in this new edition, with new cover, earlier this year (2018). I remember reading the book back in 2001 and finding it charming, and I had the same response when picking up this reprint today. This is the original "new baby from the perspective of the family dog" story - think Poor Louie, and others of the same ilk - I feel, and is the best I have seen of the type. Well-written and engaging, it is enhanced by the expressive artwork of French illustrator Christine Davenier. Recommended to L'Engle fans, and to anyone looking for humorous new baby books with a slightly unusual perspective.
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Pages

48

ISBN

9781587170409
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