When I was a wee, young pup and first came to live at the 7 Acre Wood, there was already another dog living here. A Big Dog named Hank. Hank was not very happy to meet me in the beginning. It took a few days for him to be ok with me cuddling with him.
Then when Walker came to live with us, I was the Big Dog and I was not too happy to share things with him. But it didn’t take long to realize he wasn’t so bad after all.
I guess it’s hard to share attention with a new brother or sister or whatever. They steal your toys and get in your space and upset the family dynamics.
One of my all time favorite books is My Big Dog by Janet Stevens and her sister, Susan Stevens Crummel.
It was published in 1999 by Golden Books Publishing
It is a fiction Picture Book suitable for K and up
Themes would be animal stories and sibling rivalry
It begins — “My name is Merl and I am a cat, a very special cat. Inside my house, my PUR-R-R-R-fect house, everything is MINE!”
Merl the cat goes on to list all the things in the house that belong to him — including the people. Then he hears some strange sounds – CRASH. THUD. WOOF. His house has been invaded by a very large puppy! He tries lots of ways to get rid of the obnoxious, slobbery pup, but nothing works. And the puppy keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger. So Merl decides that he himself must leave.
Merl is picked up by a nice lady who takes him home and proceeds to bathe him and fluff him and dress him. Well, that’s no fun! He tries a farmhouse, but they shoo him out to the barn. Two kids find him, but they play tug-of-war with him. The he gets rained on. A very sad state.
The next thing he knows, he’s being picked up by that pesky big dog! The big dog takes Merl back home. And Merl decides that home is the place to be even if he has to share it with a big dog. Maybe they can be friends after all.
The illustrations in My Big Dog are funny and fabulous. Soft artwork is combined with photographs to make for a whimsical reality. I love it!
This book has quite a bit of onomatopoeia (big fun word!) that makes it a fun read aloud. It would provide for a fun lesson about that Big Word.
Some of the kids in the class we visited have little brothers and sisters and we had a good discussion about how they felt when those siblings arrived. Some of them love their little siblings like crazy but some find that they get a little jealous. I can sure understand that.
Ms Crummel has some class activities on her website HERE.
It is Perfect Picture Book Friday so you might want to venture over to Susanna Hill’s blog for more fabulous Picture Books and great resources.
And here’s a little video that I’m guessing will make you humans chuckle —
So go hug your sibling – and your dog – and your cat —
and have a JOYFUL weekend!
Rhythm
Reading With Rhythm 
That’s adorable and sounds like a great book for structure of a pb too.
I think you’re probably right on that one!
My dogs were cat chasers not cat lovers, but I’m sure Rhythm is much better behaved. This sounds like a great book.
I’ve always lived with cats, but never saw any need to chase them. Right now we have a very old cat who is the queen of the house and doesn’t let us forget that! She’s kind of like Merl. I love this book!
Rhythm, when I read your posts, I find myself forgetting there is a human Mom helping you. Your posts are so believable.
I enjoyed the book you shared. A really great way to talk about sibling rivalry and running away from home. In the end, there’s no place like home!
Thanks Ms Tilton! You are so right! No place like home!
sounds like a neat book for kids – and even pets – who might have a hard time sharing their toys with the new guy in the house.
It’s one of my favorite books and I like sharing it at library time.
A very cute book. . .and the cover illustration looks like Rhythm! Merl could be our cat. Very possessive and opinionated.
That’s quite a dog on the cover. I do know how to do that look. It’s the one that gets me most anything I want.
Rhythm, I just knew this was your choice. Super! And weren’t you cute when you were little? Just as you are now.
Thanks Ms Marple!
My niece will love this book! She is a budding animal lover. Those pictures of you with your siblings are adorable!
Is this the new baby pup niece? Is there any competition going on there? Or is this a bigger niece? Either way, I think you will all like this book. Melvin can probably relate to Merl.
Awww – this sounds like an adorable book! Thank you for sharing!
Well, that Merl is far from adorable. But it’s still a good book!
This book sounds like a winner, R. I hope this story doesnt give Mom any ideas…. One thing I know for sure – I like being the one and only dog in the house.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I know how you feel Cupcake, but sometimes it’s nice to have a buddy. Sometimes.
Love that video! And I believe I’d like the book you’re presenting today, though if I were a cat, well, I dunno, It would definitely have to be my book!
Yeah. You humans are just cruel. Finding humor in pain. And greedy like a cat. Hmmmm.
There’s certainly nothing more “awwww-worthy” than animals cuddling each other. This is a very timely recommendation too – I’ve lost count of the number of times in the last few weeks when I’ve watched helplessly from the shelf as mini-fleshing number one has pinched/poked/scratched mini-fleshling number two….
Oh my. Kids. One minute they are pinching and poking and the next they are hugging and sharing. i think you would all like this book. It’s fun to read together.
This book sounds so delightful, Rhythm! What a perfect way to help kids come to terms with those feelings surrounding a new family member! And I love that picture of little you 🙂 Thanks for sharing this one!
Delightful for sure Ms Hill!
I like that this is from Merl’s perspective. Thanks, Rhythm.
I even like that it’s from the cat’s perspective! It makes it funnier.
Great post Rhythm! I like the little you! 🙂
Thanks Erik!
🙂
Adorable…Love the book…and really love the video…
Thanks Ms Wallace!
You were simply adorable as a little one … and the more things change, the more they stay the same. It just always fills my bucket to visit your blog … and when you visit me at the Corner!
Thanks Ms Gruener!! I like being a bucket filler!
This looks like an adorable book.
That it is!
I have to get that book! It looks fabulous. When my youngest was born my oldest son was two years and and a bit. He was so annoyed with this new member of our family that he reverted back to baby talk! Loved the video too.
I have heard such tales! Even in the canine world!
Oh, I like the sound of this one! I’m adding it to my list. (And what a perfect selection from you 🙂
We need to get that book for Blitz!
Yes indeed!!! I’ll bet Blitz knows how Merl feels!