Independent reading level: . No awards

46 months - Simple story about a curious dog. O hasn't requested multiple reads which is unusual for a book about a dog so I'd say it wasn't a big hit. I liked the older style of illustrations. ( )

SUMMARY: Angus, a curious little dog, decides to venture out of his house to explore the world. However, he quickly realizes that outside can be a very scary place, and tries to find a way home.

REVIEW: I gave this book four stars because it has many elements that make it a great book to read with children. The message of the story itself is that, while it is fun to explore, home will always be the safest place. What makes this book a wonderful childrens' book is the author's use of text formatting; she completely capitalizes words that she wants to emphasize, and very often the text will literally flow from one page to the other. The words are emphasized beginning in the first paragraph, which reads: "When WINTER came Angus grew tired of the SAME YARD and the SAME HOUSE and the SAME CAT and all the SAME THINGS he knew all about." Because certain words are capitalized, the child reading can focus on the important words in the story, making it easier for the child to understand the main message of the text. I would highly recommend this book for teachers and children who love to read. ( )

Angus the dog is lost and must find his way back home. Realistic portrayal of animals and realistic illustrations.
Source: Pierce College Library
Ages: 3-5

In this third installment of his continuing adventures, Angus the Scottish terrier - whose story began in Angus and the Ducks, and continued in Angus and the Cat - finds his way onto the open road, and chasing another dog (a collie), is lead far from home. When night begins to fall, Angus discovers that he is lost, and must seek shelter in a cave, during the snowy dark. Fortunately, he encounters the familiar milkman the next morning, and manages to make his way home.

Like the previous two Angus books, Marjorie Flack makes some astute typographical and design choices here, using capitalization to indicate emphasis (and to highlight Angus' perpetual excitement and curiosity), and arranging the text in a pleasing way on the page. The artwork is just as cute as ever, alternating between black and white vistas, and full color spreads. Brief but entertaining, these are books I would recommend to young dog lovers everywhere, particularly those with a knowledge of or fondness for terriers. I'm rather sorry that the mysterious fourth Angus title, published years later, in the 1970s (the first three are from the early 1930s), is so difficult to get a hold of. I'd definitely try Angus and Wag-tail Bess, if it were ever reprinted! ( )