Attention lovers of dogs, this is a picture book for you. We have a charming young boy and his best friend, his dog Oscar. Oscar is perfect in many ways, but he just won’t learn to talk. The young master keeps promising Oscar all the things they could do better, if he would just learn to talk. These adventures include going to school, playing sports, hiking in the woods, going out to eat, being on a quiz show, and talking on the phone when they are separated. As we wander through the litany of scenarios, the reader can look at the pictures and see that Oscar is communicating in his own way. Finally, our young hero admits that he really does know what Oscar is saying. Dog lovers of all ages will appreciate the boy’s desire to hear Oscar talk, and they will know, that in his own way, Oscar is communicating.
The illustrations by Bowers are charming. While Oscar is not anthropomorphic, he does wear hats, glasses and other things that are appropriate for the occasion. His facial expressions are also fun to see. Children will enjoy finding the details in the pictures. The illustrations are large enough to share with a group, making this a good storytime choice for preschoolers and early elementary school students.
As all dog lovers know, our dogs do talk to us in many ways, and they understand a lot more of what we’re saying than we think! This book should be a hit with all children who have beloved pets, and those who want them. And I bet many a child will share this book with his or her own pet!
Check the WRL catalog for Talk Oscar, Please.
