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GC

wonderful

Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2016

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Each week I send a letter and a book to one of my eight grandchildren (7-12). I read many children's books, which don't make the grade for structure, style, content, and interest. When I saw this one, I didn't recognize the author. Silly me. Reading this book, I felt something familiar. Later, I learned she is the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall, an all-time favorite. However, The Poet's Dog fresh and new. It is destined to be a classic which I will send to the younger of my grands (7, 8, 9) without reservation. There is nothing in this book which could be seen as objectionable to anyone. Plus, it refers to some great literature and offers up some nice bits of poetry. Well done Patricia MacLachlan.

Elizabeth P. Kinsey

Heartwarming Canine and Children

Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2016

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Patricia MacLauchlan never disappoints her readers. This brief but poignant tale will warm the hearts of those who read it. Whether you’re a poet or a child or both, “The Poet’s Dog” will speak to you. My husband Jim is a poet, so the title intrigued him. The writing is simple, but the message is fairly complex. When he asked me what age group would read “The Poet’s Tale” and I thought of first graders who are good readers, he said the content was certainly above that of a first grader. I agree. Even upper elementary school students will enjoy this tale of two children, Flora and Nickel, ‘abandoned’ in the snow and rescued by Teddy, the poet’s dog. The ending is charming; this author has a gift for stories that end as we wish they would. As always, MacLaughlan’s beautiful language proves that it’s content, not length. that makes for enduring literature.

ElizabethSennett

MacLachlan’s writing is both uncomplicated and beautiful in its simplicity

Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2016

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It was in searching for the customary Christmas gift of “something to read” that I came across The Poet’s Dog. I was hunting based on arbitrary criteria: can be read by a seven-year-old, of interest to a seven-year-old, and will be appreciated by the adult who must go along for the bedtime-story ride. Not only was the criteria met, but I think that MacLachlan’s book exceeded both the expectations of the seven-year-old and the adult.

The Poet’s Dog begins in the midst of a snowstorm when a large Irish wolfhound named Teddy finds two lost children. Teddy is also lost, as his owner’s whereabouts are unknown, but he brings the children – Nickel and Flora – to the safety of a small cabin he shares with his owner, Sylvan. Sylvan is a poet, which imparts on him the ability to speak with Teddy. Children, apparently by the nature of their innocent acceptance, also share this ability, and so Teddy tells Nickel and Flora of the life he shared with Sylvan as they all ride out the storm together, waiting to be discovered and saved.

MacLachlan’s writing is both uncomplicated and beautiful in its simplicity, which appeals to young and older readers alike. She also brings the sometimes-overlooked genre of poetry to the doorstep of the reader and invites us in to Sylvan’s humble life amongst words and nature. Within her gentle prose, she captures the special bond between children and animals that is often suspected but can never truly be confirmed. What child hasn’t sought the safety and comfort of a beloved animal to unburden his or her little soul? There are some practical details to the novel that an adult reader can get hung up with – mainly why is Teddy left to his own devices in a cabin in the middle of the woods when he has a human guardian? And why is Sylvan’s decline so sudden and yet at the same time anticipated? But the youthful reader will be unperturbed by such questions and focus intently on the slowly unraveled wintertime destiny that brings Teddy to Nickel and Flora.

Tom Frasure

Lovely story!

Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2019

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If you like poetry, dogs, and Patricia MacLachlan, you will love this little book. I taught school and taught poetry and I have loved MacLachlan’s other books so I was intrigued. After I read it I decided it would be totally appropriate next to the bed in our guest bedroom as it is just a sweet story for a guest to read before they nod off for a good night’s rest. I would recommend for late elementary & middle school children for sure.

LYHATC

Great

Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2017

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this is the best book in the world man! I love this story and how it is heartwarming and kind. I do not dead many books but this one is the best I am so going to tell this to everyone!!!!!!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌😀😁😀😁😀😁😀😁😀😀☺😉 Patricia MacLachlan is the best author ever!!!!!

D. Dwight

Small book: Powerful message. Every dog lover should read this and rediscover once again why we love our fur kids so much.

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2017

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Powerful message in a small book. Bought for my 8 year old niece. After reading it, bought a few more copies for adult friends. Wonderfully written; poignant; thought provoking. Highly recommend for all ages !!!

mmc

Such a sweet story

Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018

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I originally bought this book for my 14 year old son as an "antidote" for some darker stuff he was reading. I loved the book so much that I then bought copies as gifts for two friends. It's a sweet story to read to small kids who will enjoy the talking dog and resourceful children aspect and so beautiful for adults who have loved a dog and/or who have experienced any sort of loss.

she who loves to shop

A beautifully written book which deeply touches one’s heart

Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2020

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Extremely touching story which is beautifully written. My 9 year old read this for a school project. We both loved reading this book. I, especially, was moved to tears. Wonderful story!!!!!!

Top reviews from other countries

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L. H. Healy

A lovely story for all readers

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2018

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A lovely story that says so much about love/friendship and kindness in so few words. And the main character and narrator is a dog. Perfect.

Darlene Foster

A Timeless Tale

Reviewed in Canada on January 30, 2019

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I wish I could give this wonderful book 6 stars. Lost children, a rescue dog, a poet, all ingredients for a fine story written by an accomplished author. I especially loved that the story is told from the dog's point of view. Kids will gobble this book up and read it over and over. That is if they can get it away from the adults. like Patricia MacLachlan's Sarah Plain and Tall, this book is timeless and will be read by many generations of readers.

Rebecca Verghese Paul

Wise dog

Reviewed in India on May 6, 2019

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Such a lovely book. And the way she describes the dog is so beautiful, its like I can really see him. I really think dogs do talk to their masters, if not in words, then through their eyes. The children are perfectly adorable and strangely are not hysterical in a scary situation. A beautiful book that I will recommend to every dog lover

永島喜美子

間違えた！

Reviewed in Japan on March 13, 2020

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英語だったとは…早計でした💦

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