Animal tales of joy and wonder

“Rugby and Rosie”

By Nan Parson Rossiter

This story is about two dogs named Rugby and Rosie and a boy. Rosie is a puppy being trained as a guide dog and Rugby is the old family dog. The story is about friendship between the dogs and the boy. It is also about loss. I liked the story because I like puppies.

Reviewed by Lorenzo, third grade

De Anza Elementary

Baldwin Park

“Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing!”

By Judi Barrett

This book makes me wonder what it would be like if animals did wear clothes. It is very funny, and I laughed hard seeing the pictures of a porcupine ripping his clothes, a mouse getting lost in his clothes, a snake trying to put on pants and a camel wearing two hats on its bumps. What a laugh imagining a giraffe wearing too many ties all over his neck and looking silly!

Reviewed by Shyam, 4

George Washington Elementary

Burbank

“The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle”

By Hugh Lofting

A boy named Tommy Stubbins bumps into a wonderful naturalist named Dr. Dolittle who can talk to animals. The doctor is trying to learn shellfish language. The doctor shows Tommy his interesting job, and soon Tommy wants to join him.

Dr. Dolittle, Tommy, Chee Chee the chimp, Polynesia, a brilliant parrot, and Bumpo, a prince, travel to Spider Monkey Island, where Long Arrow, the greatest naturalist in the world, disappeared.

They meet the most extraordinary creature ever on the face of the planet. Find out what the creature is when you read the book.

Reviewed by Brendan, 10

Coolidge Elementary

San Gabriel

“Time Cat: The Remarkable Journeys of Jason and Gareth”

By Lloyd Alexander

A boy named Jason has a cat named Gareth who is no ordinary cat. He is a magical cat that can talk and travel through time and space. Gareth takes Jason on a trip through time to many ancient lands and even to America. They are held captive. There is fighting, adventure, friendship and danger. I would like to read more books by this author.

Reviewed by Ben, 10

Ivanhoe Elementary

Los Angeles

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