What do you think?
Rate this book
Wonder Dogs!
Th is tender and humorous picture book is an ode to all dogs do, from the extraordinary to the everyday.
THEY’RE WONDER DOGS!
They catch and carry,
Search and save,
Inspect and guide—
They’re smart and brave!
Next to these amazing dogs, everyday pooches like Butters might not look like much—he drools, he sheds, he hogs the bed. But he also listens close, and keeps us warm, and offers comfort in a storm. He’s a wonder dog, too, and his superpower is loving you!
THEY’RE WONDER DOGS!
They catch and carry,
Search and save,
Inspect and guide—
They’re smart and brave!
Next to these amazing dogs, everyday pooches like Butters might not look like much—he drools, he sheds, he hogs the bed. But he also listens close, and keeps us warm, and offers comfort in a storm. He’s a wonder dog, too, and his superpower is loving you!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2023
About the author
Linda Ashman
60 books144 followersLinda Ashman is the author of more than 40 picture books and
The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books
. Her books have been included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, IRA/CBC Children's Choices, the New York Public Library and others, and have been translated into many languages. Linda lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 4, 2023
Not only dog lovers will enjoy this fun celebration of pooches, which manages to tuck in a little bit of humor, too.
Dogs can do so many things, and when a little girl takes her dog out-and-about, she notices all the activities canines accomplish. Her own little dog grows a little sad as he wonders what his talents might be. But every dog is special...he just has to figure out what his 'wonder' is.
I wondered if this book might be more centered on service dogs and the wonders they do, but it's not. This is a pure celebration of all sorts of things dogs can do from catching and chasing to sniffing and even hits upon service dogs, too. All types of dogs are shown and this variety is explored without going into huge detail. The aspects are ones which young readers will have no problem recognizing and have probably noticed themselves.
The illustrations depict the scenes and animals in a sweet way, while keeping everything recognizable. The little dog's sadness is subtle and comes across with finesse. Readers will feel empathize with him before ending on a cheerful note. The text does rhyme but holds a more loose, carefree rhythm. It's short and sweet, making sure listeners with shorter attention spans won't be forgotten.
This is a fun read, which not only explores all the amazing things dogs do but also shows that each dog has its own talent, and none is worth more or less than another. Obviously, readers/listeners can carry this beyond the dog world and into their own. Not only canine fans will enjoy this one and wish they could hug the small doggy, too. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a warming and sweet read.
Dogs can do so many things, and when a little girl takes her dog out-and-about, she notices all the activities canines accomplish. Her own little dog grows a little sad as he wonders what his talents might be. But every dog is special...he just has to figure out what his 'wonder' is.
I wondered if this book might be more centered on service dogs and the wonders they do, but it's not. This is a pure celebration of all sorts of things dogs can do from catching and chasing to sniffing and even hits upon service dogs, too. All types of dogs are shown and this variety is explored without going into huge detail. The aspects are ones which young readers will have no problem recognizing and have probably noticed themselves.
The illustrations depict the scenes and animals in a sweet way, while keeping everything recognizable. The little dog's sadness is subtle and comes across with finesse. Readers will feel empathize with him before ending on a cheerful note. The text does rhyme but holds a more loose, carefree rhythm. It's short and sweet, making sure listeners with shorter attention spans won't be forgotten.
This is a fun read, which not only explores all the amazing things dogs do but also shows that each dog has its own talent, and none is worth more or less than another. Obviously, readers/listeners can carry this beyond the dog world and into their own. Not only canine fans will enjoy this one and wish they could hug the small doggy, too. I received a complimentary copy and found this to be a warming and sweet read.
October 3, 2023
Children who are already comfortable with dogs, and enjoy being around them, will delight in this book. Perhaps more importantly, children who have not yet experienced the joys of having a “wonder dog” for a companion will find this beautiful picture book a humorous, charming, wry, and whimsical introduction to the many kinds of dogs (personalities as well as breeds) that they might encounter. The story is told from the perspective of a not-so-agile dog out on a walk with his human companion. I’ve heard dog trainers advise that children and dogs meeting for the first time might be encouraged to go for a stroll to get to know each other better, and this book shows the wisdom of that approach. Another welcome feature of WONDER DOGS! is that all kinds of children will recognize themselves in these pages. Linda Ashman's upbeat, rhyming text reminds us that we all have our foibles, and our strengths.
September 7, 2023
Copyright date: 2023
Star rating: 4
Award: N/A
Genre: childrens lit
Summary w/ themes: This book tells about different types of dogs and how they are all amazing and unique in their own way. A theme of this book is that all are unique and helpful in their own ways.
Use for future classroom: this would be a good book to have on a bookshelf for those that like dogs.
Thoughts of book: As a dog lover, I enjoyed reading this book and the illustrations that go with it. It's not very informative, but it would probably be a good book for when someone is learning how to read.
Star rating: 4
Award: N/A
Genre: childrens lit
Summary w/ themes: This book tells about different types of dogs and how they are all amazing and unique in their own way. A theme of this book is that all are unique and helpful in their own ways.
Use for future classroom: this would be a good book to have on a bookshelf for those that like dogs.
Thoughts of book: As a dog lover, I enjoyed reading this book and the illustrations that go with it. It's not very informative, but it would probably be a good book for when someone is learning how to read.
August 9, 2023
WONDER DOGS is the latest by the poetic Linda Ashman. It is told from a perspective of a dog who is in awe of the wonder dogs around them. The ones who rescue people, guide people, and perform impressive athletic acts. This dog however doesn't feel particularly wonderful, but then upon reflection he realizes he does have some pretty awesome powers. This picture book is darling and perfect for the dog owners in your life.
March 9, 2023
A cute book about many of the wonderful things many dogs can do. Some dogs can't really do any of those things but what they can do is love you! And that can be truly wonderful (even if they do sometimes steal your snacks and hog the bed).
This would probably be a bit too long for most toddler and preschool groups but it would probably work well with a lower elementary group.
This would probably be a bit too long for most toddler and preschool groups but it would probably work well with a lower elementary group.
March 18, 2023
An enchanting look at our canine pals for dog lovers and soon-to-be dog lovers! Told from the viewpoint of a bed-hogging, garden-digging, drool-dripping pup, this book extols the virtues of ordinary and extraordinary dogs. Delightful illustrations and delicious rhymes make it a perfect choice for reading aloud.
Read
March 24, 2023This book was really cute! I loved how even dogs without agility course abilities are still able to shine with superpowers of their own. I think it would make a great preschool read. The rhyming was interesting how it switched from ABAB to AABB, but I wasn't put off by the rhyme except the beginning which didn't rhyme. So I was okay with it. It ends really sweet, too.
Read
March 25, 2023Bright, bold illustrations paired with metered, rhyming text make this book a treat to read aloud. Observant kiddos can follow the story of a less-than perfect yet still adorable Boston Terrier and his super-power--loving his owner. A great preschool storytime book to pair with "I Am Wolf," "Special Ed," or the numerous, heartwarming tales of good doggos.
August 7, 2023
Cute illustrations by Karen Obuhanych and love the rhyming text by author Linda Ashman. The main character dog is adorable with his one floppy ear. Talks about how many dogs are "wonder dogs" with the jobs they do and ways they help. The main character dig thinks he isn't very special or wonderful, until he reconsiders and finds out he actually is!
April 19, 2023
5 stars. Cute case cover art. Rhyming text describes all the different activities and jobs dogs can do. POV of roly poly rescue dog with a very special super power (loving you) now I know Lennie’s power. Cute pics and a few border collies.
February 28, 2023
A really great look at all the different things that dogs do
March 5, 2023
A lovely ode to dogs!
March 6, 2023
Adorable!
March 17, 2023
I realize this is my review for a lot of books, but, this one made me cry 😭
March 18, 2023
The rhyming flowed and rolled nicely. This would be a great read-aloud or storytime picture book!
April 8, 2023
Perfect for any dog lover! Filled with rhyming and all the love and joys dogs bring.
April 12, 2023
Super cute narrative and super cute pictures - a match made for dog lovers!! ♥
Read
April 18, 2023nice but none of my circles are into dogs
May 31, 2023
not amazing, not bad
June 14, 2023
So true and perfect. :)
January 20, 2024
Art 5 story 5 great for dog lovers
July 12, 2024
A warm fuzzy story about amazing dogs and how the main character's dog is amazing for loving their owner.
April 19, 2023
Sweet ode to dogs, our very best friends, and all they do for us. From working dogs to slobbery pets, dogs are the very best.
April 26, 2023
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is Wonder Dogs!, written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Karen Obuhanych, a delightful and touching ode to canine companions.
Dogs can do all sorts of amazing things! Agility athletes, super-scenters, brave rescuers, courageous guards, and faithful service pups – there are many dogs that have jobs helping people every day. They come in all shapes and sizes, with all kinds of coats, features, and talents. So when the roly-poly canine narrator questions what kind of wonder dog they might be, they have to think hard; they’re not a working or service dog, not a guard or a show dog. And yet, while our protagonist pup may not always be perfect, they are an expert at one thing: being a best pal to their young human.
Adorable! Ashman’s rhyming text is written with guileless charm, first exploring the breadth of amazing jobs that dogs can do, then deftly pivoting to an explanation of what makes each dog special: their capacity for unconditional love and loyalty. Obuhanych’s utterly sweet illustrations pair with this perfectly, exploring the diversity of breeds and canine professions while also creating a central character and relationship that will pull the heartstrings. For instance, a late scene in which the protagonist pup listens, ear perked, as their young human confides in them, and offers the comfort of a paw on their knee is one that will strike true to any child who grew up with a trusted canine confidant. The length is perfect for a storytime, and JJ and I both adored it. This one is an absolute treat for dog lovers of all ages, and we highly recommend it – Baby Bookworm approved!
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to the Baby Bookworm by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews