A Dog Is a Dog

by Stephen Shaskan

Overview

A dog is a dog, right? Not so fast! From debut author-illustrator Stephen Shaskan comes this lively picture book that will keep young readers guessing (and giggling!) from beginning to end. With its wacky illustrations, bouncy text, and spot-on humor, A Dog Is a Dog is a fantastic read-aloud that kids will clamor to hear again and again.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452104829
Publisher:	Chronicle Books LLC
Publication date:	08/26/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	9 MB
Age Range:	2 - 4 Years

About the Author

Stephen Shaskan is the author and illustrator of The Three Triceratops Tuff and A Dog Is a Dog. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has created artwork for advertising agencies and poster designs for local bands, theater companies/productions, and area events. Stephen has also worked in early childhood education and has taught children’s art classes through the Minnesota Museum of American Art, St. Paul Academy, and the public schools in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he lives with his wife. Visit him at StephenShaskan.com.

Editorial Reviews

Shaskan’s debut looks simple, but it’s in fact a polished and controlled piece of work. “A dog is a dog,/ whether it’s naughty... or nice,/ Whether it suns on the beach,/ or glides on the ice.” There’s no beach; instead, the snub-nosed, spotted dog relaxes in a plastic wading pool, sunglasses turned up to a mustard-yellow sky. After more information about the essential dogness of the dog comes the punch line: “A dog is a dog, unless it’s a... cat!” Shaskan doesn’t just substitute a cat for a dog; instead, a bit disconcertingly, he shows the cat emerging from inside the spotted pup, now revealed to be an empty-eyed, zip-up costume. As the verse repeats, each new animal (“A squid is a squid, unless it’s a... moose!”) throws off the empty costume of the animal before and emerges from it until, inevitably, the original pup resurfaces. There’s a chunky, woodcut feel to Shaskan’s hip and cheery art, and he gives each of the animals abundant personality. Children attracted to Escher-like paradoxes will appreciate the endless loop of animal costumes and low-key surprises. Ages 2–6. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

" It's easy to imagine a toddler enjoying this while seated on a mom or dad's knee. " - Kirkus Reviews

" It's easy to imagine a toddler enjoying this while seated on a mom or dad's knee. " - Kirkus Reviews

" It's easy to imagine a toddler enjoying this while seated on a mom or dad's knee. " - Kirkus Reviews

"Listeners will enjoy the lively rhythm of the text, and rhyming words encourage them to anticipate which animal may appear before the page is turned. The digitally rendered art is big, bold, and playful. Imaginative portrayals of the animals include the dog ice skating, the squid getting stuck in a bottle, and the moose wearing a headlamp to find his way in the fog. Shaskan has created a fun, fanciful tale that will engage young listeners during storytime or a lap reading." School Library Journal

"Listeners will enjoy the lively rhythm of the text, and rhyming words encourage them to anticipate which animal may appear before the page is turned. The digitally rendered art is big, bold, and playful. Imaginative portrayals of the animals include the dog ice skating, the squid getting stuck in a bottle, and the moose wearing a headlamp to find his way in the fog. Shaskan has created a fun, fanciful tale that will engage young listeners during storytime or a lap reading." School Library Journal

"Listeners will enjoy the lively rhythm of the text, and rhyming words encourage them to anticipate which animal may appear before the page is turned. The digitally rendered art is big, bold, and playful. Imaginative portrayals of the animals include the dog ice skating, the squid getting stuck in a bottle, and the moose wearing a headlamp to find his way in the fog. Shaskan has created a fun, fanciful tale that will engage young listeners during storytime or a lap reading." School Library Journal

From the Publisher

PreS-Gr 1—A dog is a dog, of course-unless it is something else. This book begins with the illusion of a dog that is really a cat in disguise, or perhaps a squid, or maybe even a moose. The ruse continues throughout the story as readers learn characteristics of each animal before it sheds its skin to reveal another creature beneath. The tale travels full circle when the last animal unmasked is actually the pup that began the story, proving that a dog is really a dog. Children will be delighted and surprised at these creatures' transformations. Short, concise sentences perfectly match their accompanying illustration. Listeners will enjoy the lively rhythm of the text, and rhyming words encourage them to anticipate which animal may appear before the page is turned. The digitally rendered art is big, bold, and playful. Imaginative portrayals of the animals include the dog ice skating, the squid getting stuck in a bottle, and the moose wearing a headlamp to find his way in the fog. Shaskan has created a fun, fanciful tale that will engage young listeners during storytime or a lap reading.—Diane Antezzo, Ridgefield Library, CT

School Library Journal

A quirky quartet of amusing animals. Simple rhymed text and colorful, digitally rendered illustrations combine to present a serial assortment of animals in this playful offering by first-time author-illustrator Shaskan. A smattering of realistic and fantastic snippets on behavior, personality and appearance is provided for each animal ("A dog is a dog, / whether it's naughty… / … or nice. / Whether it suns on the beach, / or glides on the ice"), accompanied by wry illustrations that will have readers giggling. The text seamlessly segues as the illustrations show each animal humorously transforming into the next one: "A dog is a dog, if it's skinny or fat. / A dog is a dog, unless it's a… / CAT!" Appealing, retro-inspired illustrations are the focus here; gentle humor, whimsy and lively wit emanate from the skating pup, mischievous cat, jet ski–riding squid and frolicking moose. The seemingly random choice of animals will surprise and charm, and while the descriptions of the animals are a tad insubstantial, the simplicity and clarity of the text makes this a good choice for the very young; it's easy to imagine a toddler enjoying this while seated on a mom or dad's knee. Overall, an energetic debut. Young animal lovers are in for a treat. (Picture book. 2-5)

Kirkus Reviews