Dog Days of History: The Incredible Story of OUR BEST FRIENDS
by Sarah Albee
National Geographic Kids (March 27, 2018)
Nonfiction * Animals * Pets
Audience: Grades 4 to 7
Indiebound | WorldCat
Description from GoodReads:
What is it we love about dogs so much? From ancient times to the present, dogs have guarded us, worked with us, marched off to war with us, and of course, just sat on the couch with us for a cuddle. Throughout the course of human history, this partnership deepened from dogs doing a service into friendship. Dogs have been by our side through it all, and this book tracks our common story from wild wolves in ancient civilizations to modern-day breeds, highlighting famous pooches of the past and present along the way.
Quick thoughts on this books:
First, let me say that I am a cat person. I have two adorable tabbies who are high need and super affectionate. If I had the space, I probably adopt a few more cats or at least foster kittens. I will also admit that some dogs scare me. When I was in college, I babysat for a family and found myself standing on a chair in the middle of the kitchen, yelling for one of the kids to come and rescue me from their yapping poodle. Another not so great encounter with a dog happened during my morning walks in my neighborhood. After several bad runs ins with a neighbor's dog, I had to find a new route. The dog in question would jump the fence and growl and block me from getting away. During one particular morning walk, I found myself frozen in the middle of the road, wishing I had a chair to climb up on, and thankful when another neighbor happened by and had dog treats in his pockets. Yes, it seems I find myself often in need of rescuing from dogs.
Now there are a few dogs that I have met that I actually like and enjoy visiting with but I don't usually wish that I could take them home with me. However, from a distance, I can enjoy the idea of owning a dog. And I can enjoy a book about dogs.
In Dog Days of History, Sarah Albee takes readers on a trip through the history of dogs from wolf to dog, from wild to domestic and through the ages. With her witty chapter headings, engaging writing, Albee makes the history of dogs anything but boring.
Throughout the book, readers are introduced to special facts called "paws to consider" along with other special highlights. Readers who like to browse and explore will enjoy being able to read through the book in their own way. Some readers will enjoy reading from the start to the end, but others may want to start with a chapter that has a special appeal. I particularly loved contrasting how dogs were treated during the Middle Ages with the present.
At the end of the book, Albee includes a bibliography (biblidography), references (rufferences), sources and websites, and index.
Look for Dog Days of History at your local indie bookstore or community library.
About the author: Sarah Albee is the New York Times bestselling author of more than 100 books for kids, ranging from preschool through middle grade. Recent nonfiction titles have been Bank Street College of Education Best Books selections, Notable Social Studies Trade Books, and winners of Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Awards. These days she writes primarily nonfiction, and especially loves writing about topics where history and science connect. Find her here: Facebook | Twitter | website
Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017
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