Stay!: A Top Dog Story

by Alex Latimer

Overview

Grampa is looking after Ben’s mischievous dog, Buster. Who will be top dog?
Looking after Ben’s dog, Buster, is no walk in the park. Buster is messy, he is naughty, he is EXHAUSTING! But Ben loves him more than anything. When Ben goes away, he tells Grampa exactly how to look after Buster. But has Ben remembered the most IMPORTANT thing?
Stay! is a quirky tale from Alex Latimer with strong visual storytelling and an entertaining message about the joys – and challenges – of taking care of a dog.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561458844
Publisher:	Peachtree Publishing Company
Publication date:	09/01/2015
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 10.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD580L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Alex Latimer lives in South Africa near the border of a national park. So when not writing or drawing, he spends his free time shooing baboons out of his lounge. He has written several picture books for children.

Alex Latimer lives in South Africa near the border of a national park. So when not writing or drawing, he spends his free time shooing baboons out of his lounge. He has written several picture books for children.

Editorial Reviews

07/06/2015
Before Ben leaves his rambunctious dog, Buster, with his grandfather while he’s away on vacation, the boy draws up extensive illustrated instructions for Buster’s care. The notes, integrated throughout Latimer’s story, include lists of Buster’s likes (“Sleeping on Dad’s pillow”) and dislikes (“Sad movies” like Old Yeller), and images of things (like the moon and clouds) that Buster will chase. Ben sends postcards with additional notes for Grandpa, who gives Buster some serious obedience training after an ill-fated—and hilarious—trip to the post office. It’s a funny take on loving an “exhausting” dog, and the way that training can help a dog make big strides with its behavior. Most of the time. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

2015-06-06
What if your dog just won't? Ben believes his buddy Buster is the best dog in the world—but Ben's parents aren't so sure. While he may be affectionate and enthusiastic, Buster also has a talent for making messes and getting a bit…overexcited, so he will be staying with Grampa instead of accompanying the family on vacation. How will Grampa know how to take care of Buster, though? At Mum's suggestion, Ben writes notes, draws pictures, and sends many postcards to help Grampa out. Cartoon illustrations just as energetic as Buster himself show the pup as he froths and frolics, depicting both Ben's love for his pup and Grampa's consternation, while speech bubbles, notes, diagrams, and postcards add to the fun. Unfortunately, Ben initially forgets to communicate the most important rule: "Never take Buster to the post office! He knows that's where mailmen come from." Ben's warning arrives too late, and after an unsuspecting Grampa takes Buster to pick up a package, Buster is banned from the post office forever. Can anything be done? Grampa decides to take matters into his own hands, and he just may have another way to help out. Kid-friendly and full of action and gentle suspense, this selection will be a favorite of dog lovers and reluctant readers alike—and it comes with value-added dog-training tips. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews

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