Dog's New Coat. (Tadpoles). Margaret Nash. Illustrated by Lisa Williams. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2011. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $7.95 (pbk.), $18.36 (RLB.). ISBN 978-0-7787-0587-1 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-0576-5 (RLB). Subject Heading: Dogs-Juvenile fiction. Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 4-8. Review by Lisa Case. **** /4

In the early reader's book, Dog's New Coat, Margaret Nash introduces young readers to a funny, mischievous dog that does not like his new coat. Dog tries hard to get rid of this coat, but the coat has a way of coming back to him.

Dog got a new coat.

But it was too spotty.

Dog left it in the store.

But the coat came back.

     The author tells the story simply with common words that are repeated throughout. Dog's New Coat is an easy-to-read book, with approximately 5-6 words per page. The print is large, and the illustrations are vibrant and add so much to the meaning behind the words, a combination which is perfect for a younger audience. The book is also suitable for ESL students as the repetition will help to familiarize them with commonly used words.

      The illustrations by Lisa Williams are colourfully detailed and will quickly capture the attention of even the most novice reader. Very young children who can't yet read will also enjoy these illustrations as they are very captivating and assist in the telling of the story. The illustrations provide good visual clues and complement the text very well.

      Dog's New Coat is published by Crabtree Publishing as part of their "Tadpoles" series. The levelled books in this series are designed and structured to support young children as they begin their journey as independent readers.

      Tadpoles also provides strong visual support and repeat words and phrases. These books will both develop confidence and encourage reading and rereading for pleasure.

      At the beginning of the book, there is a listing of the words that are found throughout the story. It is a great way to practice the words, and it provides excitement as the child is then able to put these words to use when reading the story. "Puzzle Time," a fun interactive activity that shows four pictures contained within the story, is found at the end of the book. Children can see if they remember where each picture was found throughout the story.

      I would recommend Dog's New Coat as a great resource for any elementary school library for introducing young students to the joys of reading.

Highly Recommended.

Lisa Case is an elementary/junior high teacher-librarian from Calgary, AB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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