Lost Dog
Michael Garland, Author and Illustrator
Holiday House, Fiction, Aug. 10, 2015
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: Dogs, Animals, Road trip, Lost, Grandma
Opening: “Pete went to see Grandma. She lived on Mutt Street.”
Synopsis: A big dog Pete sets off to visit his grandmother on her birthday. He carefully wraps a present, signs a birthday card and picks some flowers and heads to his little yellow car. As he drives to Mutt Street there are too many cars stuck in traffic, so he gets off at an exit and drives and drives. He finds himself at the top of a mountain and is lost. Along the way he meets a bear, a bird, a big cat, a walrus and a whale who point the way. Will Pete ever find Mutt Street and visit Grandma?
What I like about Lost Dog:
Lost Dog is an “Easy Reader” and Garland uses spare text, repetition and an engaging plot for children learning to read on their own. Garland’s signature double page-spreads feature lively, expressive and colorful illustrations that will appeal to children. Each spread highlights a host of friendly animals in their natural environment. In Pete’s journey to find his grandma on Mutt Street, Garland takes readers on a journey around the world. Lost Dog also indirectly encourages children who may become lost to ask for directions or help. It is also a great discussion book about learning to follow directions. This delightful story will engage children who will have fun pouring over the details on each page. Visit Michael Garland’s website to view all of his books.
Compliments of Michael Garland
Resources: One of the things I like about this story is that it indirectly addresses spatial issues for young children. I know my daughter had a hard time with directions and I made up games when we went to visit grandparents, a friend, or a favorite store. I would play games that helped her distinguish between right and left turns and encouraged her to memorize landmarks. Spatial training needs to begin with young children. There are many resources on the internet. Visit Laura Leticia‘s Pinterest page on Following Directions. She shares activities, games and resources to help children learn directions.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
I love your thoughtful reviews, and especially the “resources” on this one. Kids with receptive language/sequencing issues would really benefit from a title like this. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLike
Thank you Nancy. It is such a fun book for young readers. Michael Garland’s books showcase such beautiful artwork. Yes, I immediately saw how this book would help kids in many different issues.
LikeLike
I look forward to reading this. My older kids had such fun being navigators on a road trip recently, and I realized what they have been missing because they had been googling directions instead of using maps!
LikeLike
It is such a bold and colorful book. You’ll love Garland’s illustrations. Map — what’s that? LOL. I always carry a book of maps, because the GPS doesn’t always work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Patricia for another thoughtful review of a helpful book with delightful illustrations for young children.
LikeLike
Thank you Barbara. It is a perfect book for young readers. And, they will enjoy the illustrations and Dog’s journey.
LikeLike
Thanks for reviewing this one, Pat, and for highlighting how it could help with spatial awareness!
LikeLike
After I read the book I saw this great underlying theme about spatial awareness. And the illustrations are gorgeous!
LikeLike
Wow…the art is spectacular! While this book has a great message/lesson, I’m going to read this because of a shallow reason: penguins on the cover. 😉
LikeLike
You will love the illustrations. And, this is a story about Dog’s journey and how he gets lost but finds his way with the help of others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pat, you always know exactly how to describe a book’s uniqueness.
LikeLike
Thank you. This is such a great book for young readers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful book Pat. A lovely review and what amazing artwork. Love the messages is brings with it too.
LikeLike
Garland is so good with spare text and spectacular detailed illustrations that are so appealing to children.
LikeLike
And kids just love dogs!
LikeLike
Yes, another added appeal to his book — dogs.
LikeLike
I am collecting ideas for Christmas gifts and this book will be perfect for the 5 year old in my life!
LikeLike
The text is so simple that he will be able to read it to himself and enjoy the illustrations.
LikeLike
Looks lovely Patricia. I love the illustrations.
LikeLike
It is a lovely book for reluctant readers and kids wanting to read on their own.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I could use this book. Without a GPS I am hopeless. 🙂 But I do know to ask for directions.
LikeLike
Dog asks directions and so do I. It’s a cute dog story for kids.
LikeLike
cute. funny. this dog needs a map!
LikeLike
Yes he could use a map, but he has friends who help him on his journey. It is a cute book!
LikeLike
Pete needs GPS in his yellow car. Mom always does what the GPS lady says. Once in a while we still get lost, but the GPS lady always helps us get back on track.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
LikeLike
Cupcake, you’re right! But, you know what stories are all about. Pete meets friends who guide him on his way to visit his grandma!
LikeLike
Pingback: Lost Dog by Michael Garland « Doug Johnson
‘Lost Dog’ by Michael Garland is a captivating and beautifully illustrated book that tells an emotionally resonant story. The author’s skill in weaving a heartwarming narrative is perfectly complemented by the evocative illustrations, making it a treasure for both children and adults.”
LikeLike