Poetry: Kristine O'Connell George

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
George, Kristine O'Connell. 1999. LITTLE DOG POEMS. Ill. by June Otani. New York, NY: Clarion.
ISBN 0395822661

2. PLOT SUMMARY
A day in the life of Little Dog is told in a series of thirty short poems. The little terrier and his master, a young girl, begin their day in bed with Little Dog's cold nose. Little Dog then faces everyday occurrances in the day of a dog, such as barking at the vacuum cleaner, "Enemy"; going for a "Car Ride"; playing "Hide and Seek" with dog cookies, until it is "Bedtime" and Little Dog snuggles into bed with his mistress.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Each of the thirty poems is a small glimpse into the daily life of Little Dog. Most of the poems are comprised of less than twenty, carefully chosen words, which lend themselves to be read orally. Some of the poems have haiku-like qualities, and all of the poems have fun simple rhythm. The placement of text that accompanies several of the poems helps visually to express the poem, such as "Morning Nap", in which the words curve in a circle indicating the dog turning in circles before laying down for his nap. Carefully placed pauses also help to enhance the poems, such as in "Air Traffic Control",

Shhhh.

Little Dog must rest
after chasing
that airplane

away.

While the poems are sweet and satisfying, by themselves they wouldn't be too inviting. While some of the poems would stand alone for children who love dogs, others might seem rather bland, such as:
"Thief

Oh, Dog.

I bought you toys.

Why my new socks?

However, Otani's watercolors bring these poems to life. Each poem is illustrated with endearing paintings of Little Dog, his mistress, and his adventures. With broad brushstrokes and vibrant colors, Little Dog's character is revealed. Otari is able to show the many expressions of Little Dog, though his eyes barely peek through his mops of fur.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A charming glimpse of life with a small dog, and its small but satisfying pleasures."
* HORN BOOK: "Otani's pen-and-watercolor illustrations make a fine complement to the verse, characterizing the pair as curious and alert as well as affectionate."
*SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (STARRED): "Balancing simplicity with eloquence, the haiku-like verses make an inviting introduction to poetry."

5. CONNECTIONS
* Have students write Big Dog poems, then compare and contrast how Big Dog's day would be different from that of Little Dog.
* Chronicle the day in the life of another pet in poems. Have students write and illustrate poems about different pets such as a goldfish, a turtle or a guinea pig.
* Share other dog poetry including:
LITTLE DOG AND DUNCAN (companion to LITTLE DOG POEMS) by Kristine O'Connell George
ISBN 061811758X
IT'S ABOUT DOGS by Tony Johnston
ISBN 0152020225
FROM THE DOGHOUSE: POEMS TO CHEW ON by Amy E. Sklansky
ISBN 080506673X