Love poetry, about Dogs? If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You
Written: Mar 18 '01 (Updated May 18 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Dog lovers will be thrilled by the photos and verse.
Cons: None.
The Bottom Line: Dog lovers will like this book. Great for exposing kids to poetry with a topic they understand. Read some of the essays out loud for the full effect.
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| nwinston's Full Review: Valerie Shaff et al - If Only You Knew How Much I ... |
Seriously, who ever heard of a book of poetry
celebrating our canine friends? Ridiculous, right?
Well, there are millions of pet dogs around the
world and their owners can be fanatical.
Hope I don't sound disparaging. After all, I'm
one of the aforementioned pet owners. We just
welcomed Dog #2 into our home last weekend. One 90
pounder wasn't enough. Now I have a pound hound
that's German Shepherd/Black Lab and a rescued
Golden Retriever. Only serious dog lovers apply
for that much dog food, vet care and fun!
When I saw this book on the shelf of Pottery Barn
around the holidays, I had to have it. What home
library wouldn't be more complete with a title
called, If Only You Knew How Much I Smell You?" Of
course, I went across the street to the Powells, the
largest western bookstore to buy it in the used
section. Gotta save for those 40 lb. bags of food!
Fun Poetry written by Roy Blount Jr. and gorgeous,
compelling photographs by Valerie Shaff complement
each other wonderfully in this coffee table book.
But don't just let it sit on your coffee table. The
poetry is best when read aloud. I have read it to
first graders and they love it! So much poetry is
written about subjects that they don't understand or
find "icky". Take this opportunity to expose them to
verse that will tickle their fancies.
That said, obviously the poems aren't from Sylvia
Plath's or Walt Whitman's section of the bookshelves.
They are fun though. And touching. Be sad with the
dog whose friend is "gone to college" which means
"dead" to the canine. Celebrate with the terrier going
"Boing" into the air. Fluffy? "We are quite fluffy,
And you are not.", say 2 furballs. And don't miss
my son's favorite poem, "Good stick." The pictured
bull dog has found a really good stick. And the prose
lets you know how you'd feel if you had such a good
stick.
There are many elegant and dignified dogs profiled
also. There is a beautiful hound who must go into the
woods. Don't you understand the need? A dobie who
has a steely gaze lets us know about being fixed. A
white poodle is uncommon. There is a beautiful photo
of a weimeraner in the mist. A staffordshire laments
not being pretty. I personally love the 3 regal
goldens barking at the sea.
If you have dog lovers on your gift list, keep
this book in mind. After all, how many chances are
you going to have to give someone poetry named, If
Only You Knew How Much I Smell You?"
Recommended:
Yes
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nwinston
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Loving my boys and the summer weather in Oregon!
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