The children's book, The First Pup: The Real Story of How Bo got to the White House, written by Bob Staake is a colorful and detailed story about the early day after the Obama family moved into the white house after Barack Obama was elected president of the United States. I enjoyed the story of Bo and the Obamas as the story was well written for children as it included common government vocabulary such as senator, east gate, and inauguration. Staake did not stray away from using this higher-level vocabulary, and instead included them for children to become familiar with. Additionally, the illustrations were colorful and almost abstract which made the books somewhat unique in comparison. The language within the book also included exclamations and questions for children to ponder themselves. Overall, I thought Staake's story of the first pup has the possibility to be a great resource for young learners exploring the basic foundations and vocabulary of the American government. ( )

The First Pup is a Non-Fiction Picture Book for grades K-3. The book is about Bo, the White House's first puppy. The book takes the reader through the start of Obama's presidency and how they got Bo, specifically.

I enjoyed the book as it explained the process in simple terms perfect for younger elementary age students. In addition, the book focuses on the children, Malia and Sasha, rather than focusing on the presidency or the parental influence beyond fulfilling most typical parental roles. Besides focusing on the girls, the book also shows the differences within the White House itself as the girls arrived. At the end of the day, It is a simple and cheery book about kids getting a dog with a side factor of being the First Family. ( )

The story, The First Pup, takes place in the White House with the new first family of the United States, the Obama’s. It begins with the inauguration of President Obama and his promise to get his daughters a puppy. The families new hectic life begins and there is still no sign of a puppy until Easter. The arrives and President Barack Obama explains the responsibilities that come a puppy but the girls are not phased. The central message of the story is that no matter how or where you grow up, responsibility is a valuable lesson. ( )

I liked this book because shows that someone helped someone in need of help. Also, I think this book would be good for all ages because it is important to learn about helping others.

Staake, Bob

The First Pup: The Real Story of How Bo Got to the White House
2010. 40pp. $16.99 hc. Feiwel & Friends. 978-0-3126-1346-4. Grades K-3.

When President Obama is elected, the first thing he tells his daughters is that they can get a new puppy. The girls are excited, and on the day they arrive at the White House, they search everywhere for their new dog, even though their family has not gotten the dog yet. The dog they choose, Bo, is a Portuguese water dog, the litter-mate of a senator's pup and hypoallergenic so that the girls' pet allergies will not be aggravated. The puppy is brought to the White House and is deeply excited, nearly running away with the president. The geometric illustrated depictions of people stand in contrast to the more naturalistic style of illustration depicting the dog, and the vibrancy and kinetic energy of the illustrations echo the energy of Bo the dog himself. Recommended for dog lovers and those interested in famous pets. ( )