Hardworking Puppies, by Lynn Reiser

Ten puppies count down as each finds a job guarding, rescuing, performing, herding, and helping. While this is a fun introduction to counting backwards, it is more a book introducing a variety of careers and the canines involved with them. The bright illustrations add to the appeal.

Once I Ate a Pie, by Patricia MacLachlan & Emily MacLachlan Charest

Illus. by Katy Schneider

"13 Dogs Tell All!" in humorous poems accompanied by doggie paintings. The use of different font sizes and text placement are part of the visual delight of these poetic offerings. With names like "Mr. Beefy" and "Wupsie", the dogs have distinct personalities captured in text and illustration.

Grades 1-4