Book Review THE WORLD ACCORDING TO DOG

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Sidman, Joyce. 2003. THE WORLD ACCORDING TO DOG: POEMS AND TEEN VOICES. Photographs by Doug Mindell. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0618174974

2. PLOT SUMMARY
In The World According to Dog, Sidman mixes contemplative and sensory poems with short essays written by teens of their beloved canine friends. The poems express the playful nature of dogs and the peace and sense of calm they bring to their owners’ chaotic lives. Most importantly, the essays share the wonderful memories our canine friends leave behind.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The World According to Dog includes wonderful photographs provided by Doug Mindell. The black and white pictures blurred and earthly evoke memories of one’s own fury friends.

Sidman uses a variety of poetic forms—haiku, free verse, and poems with two voices—and even includes poems from a dog’s point of view. The poems vary from being funny, play-full, heartfelt, to pain-full. In “Dog in Bed,” Sidman accurately expresses the emotion and bond one develops with dogs. She writes “This is how it is with love. / Once invited, / it steps in gently, / circles twice, / and takes up as much space / as you will give it.” The choice of words to describe the relationship between someone and their dog cannot be forced or faked. Readers will appreciate Sidman’s poems because they express real emotional and love for her best friend, Merlin—seven year old Gordon setter.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
BOOKLIST: “Illustrated with striking, blurred, black-and-white photos, this collection muses on canine wisdom and charm--what dogs can teach us; why they are lovable.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Sidman's poetic observations of beloved pets interspersed with short essays by teens are sure to engage dog fanciers.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Other books about pets:
Franco, Betsy. A CURIOUS COLLECTION OF CATS. Ill. by Michael Wertz. ISBN 1582462488
Foster, John L.(Editor). PET POEMS. Ill. by Korky Paul. ISBN 0192761919

Teachers can read these books about pet poetry to grab teens’ interest and inspire them to write their own poetry regarding the people/pets they love.

Image Credit: houghtonmifflinbooks.com