Education Books

This is a warm and touching read. It was a pleasure hearing the stories of parents of children with Down's. As a Speech Pathologist and Teacher of the Speech/Language Impaired, I would highly recommend this to both my collegues and clients.

"Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition, happening once in every 730 births. Down syndrome occurs among people of all races and all economic levels and affects more than 350,000 American families." The sixty-three women who share their stories of raising a child with Down syndrome in "Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives" breathe life into that statistic.

Kathryn Lynard Soper's son Thomas was born premature and with Down syndrome. In inviting women to share their stories in "Gifts" she wanted to "create the book I wished I could have read during the long dark winter following Thomas's birth." These stories are stories of hope and love and of children who change the lives of the families they entered. There is pain, too: the pain of difficult medical procedures, lost hopes, and adjusting to a life different from the one envisioned. However, none of these women would change their lives. They love their children and have learned much from them. As Sopor states, all of these mothers have "come to understand that life - including life with an extra chromosome - is a gift. A good gift."

"Gifts" is incredibly pro-life. Many of these women were given the option to terminate their pregnancy. For some, there was no question that they were going to carry their child through to birth. Others struggled long and hard with the decision. All chose life. As mother Catherine Finn states, "I want the world to understand that every child, whether they have a disability or not, deserves equal opportunities to grow and develop. I want to emphasize that children with Down syndrome are more similar than different when compared with other children."

"Gifts" is an amazing book with parenting lessons even for those whose children don't have disabilities. The stories will open your eyes and touch your heart. It is an invaluable resource for those facing a diagnosis of Down syndrome in their own child.

When I found out my daughter had Ds (at her birth), I was initially devestated. My fears drove me to devour anything written about Ds, and my sister ordered several books from Amazon while I was still recovering in the hospital. Most of the books detailed the medical and developmental issues many children with Ds face, and I found them disheartening. I finally had to put them aside and just focus on loving my daughter and getting to know her. I wish I had read THIS book at that time, as I would have found much comfort in it. My daughter is now 4-years-old and she truly is a rare gift. I would highly recommend this book for new (and not so new!) parents, grandparents, etc. TEN STARS!!!

I am a new(ish) mother of a beautiful little 11 month old baby girl who has down syndrome. I have never been able to finish a book on ds as I always found them upsetting and depressing but this book was quite simply THE most beautiful & moving book on the subject I have ever read. As the other reviewers said, I could only read a few stories at a time with a big box of tissues beside me as I inevitably ended up crying, but they were tears of empathy and joy and I felt so lucky & proud to have my little princess sleeping in the next room that a few times I almost went in to cuddle her while she was asleep just from reading about the other very special little children. This is an amazing book, I wish I had had it in those first few terrible, bleak, dark months of trying to adjust to her diagnosis. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

I used this book to begin the school year. I had my students listen to the story to guess each part of the pyramid of success. After the story we built our own pyramid on a bulitan board and discussed all of the elements needed to be successfull. Now I refer to the bulitan board to remind the children of what they are to be doing. This has been a great tool to teach character to my students while keeping control of my class. Inch and Miles are my new class mascots!

What a wonderful book! The illustrations are colorful and filled with interesting characters. Each block in the "pyramid of success" describes a value in an animated and fun format. A great inspirational book that teaches everyone to to be their best! A terrifically well written that should be shared with everyone you love.

I bought a batch of "Inch and Miles" and gave the book away as presents to my family and friends. "Inch and Miles" is our favorite book in our home library. We recommend this book to parents, educators, and coaches.

As a Principal of an elementary school I gave this book to each of my teachers this Fall and we read the book together round-robin style. What an experience! Their enthusiasm has carried through the whole school as our students have all had discussions of the various blocks, the value of hard work and being a person of integrity whatever your path. We so appreciate that Coach Wooden put his successful system into a kid-friendly venue to reach even our kindergarteners. A must-have book for adults as well as children to assist in returning to the basic roots of a successful society. Yes, enthusiasm is important, but staying the course, inch by inch, with confidence and poise, hard work and determination will ensure great accomplishments. So, "hootie-toot-toot" to a rival Bruin we will always be indebted to! Fight on!

At first I thought this book was too much for children to absorb. But after seeing the kids' reaction to it and the content of other books the children could be reading, I realized the title of this review.

Inch and Miles are now the central characters in our schoolwide character ed program! This beautiful book with powerful lessons from Coach Wooden has been the perfect addition to our program, and it is not the same old charater ed stuff you see everywhere! Each classroom in our school has a copy of the book, and we focus on one or two traits of the Pyramid each month. Students are selected as Students of the Month based on the trait for that month. Every student in the school keeps an on-going journal of writing related to each trait, and students perform special skits, songs, poems, etc related to the traits in the book at our weekly assemblies. Whether you use it individually or schoolwide, this book is a must have for teachers and parents!

This book is just awesome....one can read it over and over and it has such a simple , sweet ending that you're left satisfied and happy....

the characterization is just apt and there are not to many characters to confuse the readers... the best part is David himself...

this is a must read.. hope u all njoy

My mother told me about this book shortly after I began my studies to become a school teacher. It had been one of her favorite books and she had loved reading it to my older brother and sister when they were children. She tried to find a copy in local book stores but had no luck. My sister, upon hearing about Mama's search, got caught up in the nostalgia and located two copies of the book from the original printing in good condition and had them shipped right away. It turned out to be money very well spent.

David is a most unusually happy, contented, naive, talented and loving boy. Almost everyone tries to change him, but the only one to stay the same is 'Just David'. Not as famous as her great 'Pollyanna' but nothing more perfectly typifies this wonderful author's warm and tender work. Eleonar Porter writes characters that do not exist - but should.

When I was young my mother told me that I was named after the boy in the title of this book. My mother loved this book and wanted her only son to be like its title character, whom she admired greatly. It pleased me to be named after someone who was the subject of a book but, for some reason, I never bothered to ask my mother for details about either the book or its principal character, although she often spoke glowingly about the David for whom I was named. After my mother's death I regretted not having queried her for more details about Just David and its hero whom she so admired. When I found that Just David was available from Amazon.com I immediately ordered a copy and read it as soon as it arrived. To my pleasant surprise I found that I shared my mother's love both for the book and for its hero. I also understood for the first time why my mother had raised me as she had. I won't pretend to have all of the virtues possessed by the hero of this wonderful book, but I believe that I have more virtues than I would have if my mother hadn't used Just David's hero as a template for rearing me. I'm deeply grateful to my mother and to this special book which I recommend highly to others. I'm also grateful that in my career as a NASA scientist I had occasion to edit a book, Heterogeneous Atmospheric Chemistry, which is also available from Amazon.com. Although my mother was not alive when this book was published I like to think that she knows of its existence and is pleased by it.

As the other reviewers, I was given the book, by an aunt, back in the 60's when I was in seventh grade. She said she had been searching for a copy for me to read because she had loved it. I remember doing a book report on it for my 7th grade English class (I got an A)--and it was one book I never forgot. I thought it was out of print & had been looking for it for years at garage sales and used book stores. Now I will have a copy to pass on to my new grandson. It is a special treasure of a book!

Mr. Woodson: Drew, how did you like my book?
Drew: I liked it.
Mr. Woodson: Really?
Drew: I really liked it?
Mr. Woodson: Really?
Drew: I loved it?
Mr. Woodson: Really?
Drew: I really loved it?
Mr. Woodson: Really?
Drew: Yes, REALLY!!!

What an entertainly addictive read. We teachers hear so much everyday, and it's a joy to see someone share our reality.

Drew in Floresville

This book is a sort of "Sideway Stories from Wayside School" for teachers.
Keep a copy in the teacher's lounge for some needed comic relief.
It's a good 'read-a-loud' book for those stressful days.

I taught in DISD for 14 years. I left the district 3 years ago and currently teach in Anchorage, Alaska. I missed DISD so much and all that I went through there. When I found John's "Learn me Good" blog through the Dallas Morning News website I was so excited to see that I could follow DISD teachers all the way from Alaska. Well it got to the point that I couldn't wait to get my daily emails from his blog and laugh.

I finally decided to get the book LEARN ME GOOD and see what it was all about. Well, from beginning to the very end he had me cracking up. He brought me back to my days in the classroom in Dallas. I could relive some of the stuff I had to go through. If you plan on becoming a teacher at all in a urban setting, this is the book to read. Keep it also after you finish reading it so as you are dealing with the stresses of teaching you can open it up and see that someone else went and is going through some of the insanity of everyday teaching. This is a book for every teacher. I am still smiling from reading it-Great Job John!!! :)

John Pearson's quick wit and descriptive storytelling made for great reading in between grading papers. Some of his chapters/emails almost made the paste I was eating shoot out my nose. Although the semi-autobiographical Learn Me Good details John's first year as a elementary school teacher, I found that it resonated with me as a middle school teacher as well.

Good stuff...

After each email ended, I was faced with a conundrum: keep reading on or stop and save the rest for later, savoring each email like a piece of fine chocolate. I wanted to keep reading on, but didn't want this book to end!

I stumbled across this book as I searched for books with the same themes as mine (humor, education). The book preview was enough to convince me to buy the book--I liked the author's style of humor and the writing was good.

This book is hilarious! I especially like how the author uses references from previous chapters in subsequent ones, adding to the comedy by making the reader feel like a story insider.

I have so many favorite lines, but I think "Calls me Ishmaels" takes the cake! I hope this author writes more in the future!

I have not read this book nor am I a teacher, but have a question. Does this book help with other professionals and adults? For example someone who knows science and takes Calculus improves comprehension analytically? Or someone who knows spelling and now uses shapes for math may help in identifying, say, words? So, not to just teach the kids how to read but to help them with their profession (outside of just teaching) or with their everyday activity/living too? Sorta like self empowerment. Thanks! Steve
Sorry for the negative rating. I just want to be indifferent about it and I cannot put zero stars.

This book has a lot of ideas to help teachers of middle school and high school. It contains examples of many strategies for phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

If you are stuck on a particular student and can't figure out what to do to help them, read this book and find help.

This book is also good for content area teachers who need help with their struggling readers.

I am a fist-year English teacher serving in a low-performing high school (based on states tests scores)in an inner-city public school district. I struggled to teach on-level text to below grade level students. Once I found this book, I felt like I had a master teacher standing next to me as I taught me students how to use strategies to create meaning from text. The title of this book is befitting of its content because when my students lacked comprehension, I had specific strategies to aid their understanding. Direct instruction of these strategies is based in cooperative learning. Hands down, this warmly written book equipped my students with the ability to comprehensively read any text that any teacher gives them.

Main contents of the book covers reading strategies, vocabulary, fluency, phonics, literary discussions, the reading process, philosophy on direct instruction of reading strategies, and cooperative learning.

This book is an excellent resource for teachers in all grade levels. The strategies can be used for elementary students and the book has helpful charts that direct you to the information you need if a student has difficulty with comprehension, vocabulary, word recognition and fluency, or spelling. One of the best resources I have ever used in 27 years of teaching.

This book provides excellent practical advice for teachers and specific strategies to help middle and high school students who struggle with reading. Most teachers will find this book easy to understand and apply to their day work of endeavoring to get kids into literature, regardless of whether or not the students are independent readers.

A true to life and feel good book you want your children to read. A great family book. Parris Martin

I debated whether to write a review or not - as a Patriot's and Sox's fan.
Well, I think the book is pretty good. It is a simple life story that could have happened to many kids, and maybe many adults too - not knowing their purpose in life.
As the book tells us:
Be free to dream,
Have faith, and
God will answer in HIS most magical way.

I must admit that I have a great admiration for Coach Dungy's coaching style. This book translates the warm compassion and support for success into a children's book. The word and the illustrations are touching and inspire faith and the search to find one's calling. My granddaughter thoroughly enjoys this book. As does Grandpa who is a big NFL fan.

You Can Do It! YES, You Can! Tony helps guide his little brother, Linden, to determine his dream. Tony follows the example of his parents by putting faith, self-reflection, along with the love and support of family to the test. Even though Linden acts up at school (sometimes) the positive reinforcement from his devoted family helps him see God's plan for his life. As Linden discovered his dream and when he did the support of positive community leaders and his family made all the difference.

This Christian based book was written for children ages 4-8. However, this inspirational story can be enjoyed by young old alike. The remarkable illustrations will provide hours of enjoyment for the kids in any household - especially young African American boys. There are several points in the book that should have everyday occurrences in households across America - committed families, prayer at dinner, active in sports, and striving daily towards a dream. Share this fantastic story with kids and help them achieve their dreams - whatever they may be.

Deltareviewer

There is a sweetness to this illustrated storybook about a young boy whose siblings all know what their passion is, but he doesn't know his. This book is best for kids unsure of what they want to be when they grow up. That description fits almost everyone! When young Linden feels anxious that he hasn't found his niche, readers will undoubtedly relate.

Linden's older brother Tony and scientist dad gently help him search for his "it," his passion. They remind him to have patience and trust in God to reveal this special talent. "Just keep having faith," Dad tells Linden. The boy finds his "it" during a trip to the dentist.

This true story was written by the head coach of the 2006 Super Bowl champions.

Expressive watercolors fill the pages with color from edge to edge. The loving African-American family is realistically rendered. Illustrator Amy June Bates has a knack for showing movement and action, and depicting real people.

Under the dust jacket the cover has the exact same artwork on the front and photo of Tony Dungy on the back.

Something has been bothering me about this series. The book is alright... witty and my daughter liked it well enough to read the follow-up The Talented Clementine. What bothered me is that it feels almost designed to prey upon my insecurities about my scenester sensibilities and my lower-middle class no-glory adult lifestyle. Like so many Brainy Baby plastic products, reading the book I can imagine the pitch the author's agent made to the publisher, "We'll tap into the market of every Gen Y poseur who popped out a baby and had to grow up, get a job, and give up their rock-and-roll lifestyle. We need a chapter book series to sell to those buy who used to spend their disposable income on going to shows who shell out for cool. They're still living in the basement apartment and no chance of moving up, but they believe their offspring has a shot at the golden ring. Indie kids with kids."
I guess I'm a bit peeved that they wouldn't know that I already HAVE Ramona and Beezus, and although my husband would like to imagine that he still looks like Clementine's dad, you know, like he looked in his twenties? when he still had hair? before the paunch? I know better. And I'm the one buying the books around here. So you're just going to have to try a little harder next time and give me some substance.

Great book to begin the year with students as a read aloud. I teach 3rd graders which this book contains appropriate language and is great as an easy listening book.

My daughters (ages 8 and 10) and I read this together and laughed aloud. The images are lively and the main character is endearing and quirky.

This book is about a girl named Clementine. Clementine cut off Margaret's hair at art time. In bathroom at Clementine's school Clementine cut off Margaret hair in the bathroom. Margaret had glue in her hair. I like this book because Clementine cuts off Margaret's hair because it had glue in it and she was sitting under the sink because she crying and she was half bald. I would recommend this to a person who likes to get in trouble. by Audrey

This book is about a girl named Clementine. Clementine cut off Margaret's hair at art time. In bathroom at Clementine's school Clementine cut off Margaret hair in the bathroom. Margaret had glue in her hair. I like this book because Clementine cuts off Margaret's hair because it had glue in it and she was sitting under the sink because she crying and she was half bald. I would recommend this to a person who likes to get in trouble.
by Audrey

I am currently studying for the CWNA exam and I have no other resources. This book helps you understand the concepts in plain language. I started using it with the SQ3R method and I find that I can really retain the concepts offered in this book. The SQ3R method takes a little time but if you really want to learn it for the test combine it with how the information is laid out in this book and you'll get it. Good luck!

This is a great book on Wireless. Tons of detail on RF properties, troubleshooting and things to look for. Aside from being a decent study guide for the exam this book will serve as a handy reference in day to day work as well as research activities.

The book very well organize and easy to follow, however it needs more detail in order to pass the exam.

I read this book after reading the official CWNA Guide from Planet3 Wireless. I was amazed at how easy it was to read considering the depth and breadth of the material presented in the book. Some topics which weren't very clear from the other CWNA book were made much clearer. Even though I haven't taken the exam yet, I have not found a book on WLANs that I could recommend more highly for getting you up to speed as quickly as possible. The fact that the authors supply their email addresses is a HUGE bonus too. The end of chapter questions are especially useful for testing your understanding. In short BUY IT!!

After taking a class given by David Westcott I decided to buy his book. I am so glad I did. I went from working in the wireless field for three years and not being certified to reading his book and two months later becoming a CWNA. This book is just very easy to understand. They use alot of analogies to help you get the point of what they are trying to teach. If you have ever read a Cisco press book you will really appreciate the two David's writing style.

After I purchased this book a co-worker purchased "the other" CWNA book and the rest of my fellow co-workers compared the two and after all the scrutiny they all purchased this one.

If you have ever wanted to become a CWNA or just learn more about wireless technologies this book is definitely for you.

My husband and I are homeschooling our children, and have studied Russian, French, and Biblical Greek between us. When we decided to introduce Latin to our 2nd grader, we both dreaded finding a book that would be easy to learn from and interesting for our daughter. Now we are all learning Latin together - and having a great time. Our only dilemma now is to decide how to proceed when we finish this book. Anyone have a suggestion on a good follow-up text?

Professor William E. Linney has done us Latin buffs a great service. His Latin textbook, Getting Started with Latin, is excellent and easy for learn-at-home students. The text is extremely user-friendly. Combined with the computer audio downloads of the Professor's class instruction for each lesson (including audio pronunciation [Classical or Ecclesiastical] for each Latin word in each lesson), you have a complete classroom setting. And Latin is best learned in a classroom. Professor Linney is an excellent teacher because he patiently explains all for the neophyte student. The teacher brings his classroom into your own home. What a boon!

Also, Professor Linney has the same classroom computer download system for his follow-on Latin course: The First Year of Latin. The textbook is of this title is authored by Walter B. Gunnison and Walter S. Harley. It's available here on Amazon also.

I've learned a lot with Getting Started with Latin. I'm now part way through The First Year of Latin. The personal progress is very good, compared to when I tried to learn Latin on my own.

Yours,
paul mugar

Have just started reading this book, so I can't comment on it as a whole, but my first impressions have been very positive. The lessons are short, simple, and to the point. Words and concepts are introduced one or two at a time, keeping you from being overwhelmed by vocabulary and grammar right from the start. I keep this beside my bed and the last thing I do before turning out the light is to read a few lessons, and the first thing I do when I wake up is to read a few more. For a 26 year old with a full time job, very little time to study something just for fun, and absolutely no prior knowledge of Latin, I'm finding this book to be extremely helpful.

Not only is it great to use for adults, it is written specifically for use by homeschooling parents and teachers. One day, when I have kids of my own, I can definitely see myself pulling this gem out and dusting it off. (if I've ever put it away that is!)

The rare Latin textbook accurately described by it's title.
By virtue of it's simplicity it lulls the first time Latin student into learning with minimal effort. The introductory text I have been searching for as a self-taught adult with no prior Latin exposure. I would absolutely recommend it for anyone over the age of 7 or 8.
It would be too simple if one was seeking to refresh or expand on prior Latin knowledge.
The ideal appetiser.

I shall endeavour to keep this review concise, and to the point, with the absolute beginner in mind.

As an adult, who wasn't 'fortunate' enough to have gone to a private school as a child, I never had the opportunity to study the wonderful language that is Latin. There are many introductory books available to purchase, and lots of information to be had via the World Wide Web.

What makes this book stand out then?

Well, it provides a sound foundation from which to build upon; and does it in a way that is accessible, interesting, and above all effective. The author guides the student in a logical, and methodical manner; no pretentiousness nor stuffiness! This book makes learning Latin FUN, not a chore, and is certainly not boring. The layout is clear, and motivational. He has been kind enough to make available, free of charge, aural supplementary material (including invaluable pronunciation examples) that is available for download, from his website (is ~436MB enough for you?)- wow. In this day and age, how many authors would do that?

For more detailed reviews, visit Mr Linney's personal website: 'gettingstartedwithlatin' (surprisingly(!)). My review here is just to let ordinary fellow mortals know that this book is an excellent introduction to such a wonderful language.

The author replied to my email (very quickly indeed(!)) when I thanked him for the material that is available from his website- he remarked that he loves Latin, and is pleased to have been able to make it accessible.

He certainly has done...

This is one of those books I found as a child AFTER seeing the Disney movie and reading that it was based on a book. As usual, the book is so much better! If you've never read this book, but you're fond of the movie, or of dogs, you will love it. The story is truly heart-warming, and I love that certain scenes are oh-so familiar if you've seen the movie, but so much of the story is completely new! Did you know Perdita is NOT the name of the "leading lady"? That's all I'll say about the actual story, but please, read it for yourself, even if you don't have kids. It's a wonderful read-aloud book, too--the first time my husband ever heard about this book was when I made him lie down and let me read it to him. We didn't have a child then, so now we get to share it with our son, too. Truly, a wonderful book. However, just so you know--the second book is not nearly so good! I own both of them, but I probably won't read the second one more than one more time, when I read it to my son. It's just not at all the same thing--aliens in London? Anyway, read 101 Dalmations and I know you'll enjoy it!

I loved this book I read it when I was very young, I fell in love with it then, I lost the book and for years thought of getting it again. I feared that I would not like it as much, it was as I remembered, and not the Disney version. I still love the book it did not let let me down. It made me laugh, cry and now understand my dog a little more (ha ha)

I owned this book by Dodie Smith when I was a boy. I loved it and from this story I developed an even stronger love for dogs and animals in general. Written in a most loving way, the story takes us beyond the later Disney film's watered down presentation of the story and dives deep into the realm of dogs. We discover the magic of "dogdom" and how dogs of every kind communicate with each other and with their humans (as Dodie states, and I am certainly paraphrasing, dogs own their humans, but let them think they own the dogs because it is so sweet!)

I have only one complaint about this publication of the book. the illustrations are just short of atrocious. I had an earlier edition of the book that had wonderful drawings that clearly were created with a real understanding of the story and what Dodie was trying to say. The illustrations in this edition look like they were pulled from someone's generic dog clip art. They are technically fine in their own right (I could NEVER draw like that), but they just don't capture the magic of the book.

If you can look past the illustrations, this is a wonderful story and a well written book.

101 Dalmations has appeal to dog lovers of all ages, breeds and sizes.

Dodie Smith - Thanks for leaving this gem for all to share.

This is a charming and delightful book that is deserving of its status as a classic of children's literature.

It takes a dog's eye view of the world, and features as its heroes Pongo and Missis, a pair of Dalmatians whose litter of puppies disappears one day.

As they set off to reunite their family, they find themselves in a struggle against the illegal coat-making operation of one Cruella Deville, an iconic villainess whose name and passion for high temperatures hint that she may be the devil incarnate.

The book becomes a fantastic quest book that takes place in the heart of England. The adult dalmatians find friends and foes along their path, and end up liberating nearly a hundred little puppies.

Smith has fun with the details and logistics of feeding, disguising, and transporting the refugee puppies, and young readers will enjoy learning the particulars of the secret lives of dogs.

The original animated movie adaptation is a good and fairly faithful movie in its own right, but the book is better by far.

Some parents might shy away from the book because of the gruesome idea that Cruella literally skins her young charges, but I think that the darker elements are an integral part of the winning tone, which refrains from talking down to children.

Highly recommended!

I won my tattered, dog eared, Disyned-fied copy of "100 Dalmatians" in a school auction when I was 7 years old. I learned to read late because I'm dyslexic (hence any bad spelling you may notice) so this was the first real chapter book that I ever owned and the very first I read.

It was great. This is a fabulous novel for all ages but especially for kids. I'm not going to re-hash the plot because I think the whole world knows it by now. The themes of good parenting, loyalty, and of course, good, intelligent, kind dogs are things that every child should learn. It is true that this book contains some talk of puppy killing, which didn't disturb me, and I'm guessing that today's 7 year olds wouldn't be scared by it either.

Another reason to read, or let your child read this book is that it will encourage a love of dogs, and having grown up with dogs every minute of my life, I can tell you having one (or more) helps immensely in all kinds of situations, social and otherwise. It provides an example of love and loyalty, as well as the responsibility involved in feeding and caring for a dog. However on that note Dalmatians, contrary to the lovable Pongo, Missus and Perdita in this book, do not make good dogs for children. They don't have the temperament for it. If you read this book and decide to get a dog for your child (an excellent idea) I recommend a good old fashioned mutt (they're smarter because they're not inbred) or a border collie, which can actually be trained to be nannies for children because of their sheep herding instincts.

Anyway, five stars. Great for the whole family, and an excellent way to encourage reading in a child of any age. At 18 years old I still love reading this book. And the sequel, "The Twilight Barking" isn't half bad either.