The Children’s Book Review | October 28, 2014
Why Dogs Are …
By Tana Thompson; Illustrated by Marita Gentry
Hardcover: 32 pages
Age Range: 3-7
Publisher: Kendall Neff Publishing (November 1, 2014)
ISBN: 978-0989162401
What to expect: Dogs, Guide Dogs, God, Blind and Deaf Children
In an act of love, God seeks a companion for a blind and deaf child, Brian.
Using the fictional story of how dogs came to be on Earth, author Tana Thompson weaves a delicate and soothing story that highlights God’s ability to show his love to all, including the blind and deaf. The obvious signs of rainbows, blue skies, and singing birds that many of us take for granted will not be enough for Brian. God calls a meeting in Heaven and selects an unnamed animal to come to Earth to be Brian’s companion and a symbol of God’s love.
“Go to Brian and just love him. Stay by his side. Let him lean on you. Help him walk with confidence. Let him hug your neck. … From now on I will call you DOG—that’s God spelled backwards!”
Thompson’s tale is well written and the language is smooth. The pictures from Marita Gentry are a seamless complement to the story. With her use of whimsical watercolor illustrations in mostly pastel colors, each page offers a satisfying visual contentment. There are pages where no text is needed at all and the illustrations speak directly to the reader.
Diversity comes in many forms and having picture books that showcase compassion toward the blind and deaf are important additions to home and school libraries.
Add this book to your collection: Why Dogs Are …
About the Author
Tana Thompson taught information technology in universities for 30 years. Her last career position at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind allowed her to experience the exceptional love and devotion of parents, family and teachers who worked with very special children who inspired her writing. Now retired, Tana lives on a beautiful Alabama lake, with numerous rescued dogs and cats.
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