Please Take Me for a Walk

Gal, Susan. 2010. PLEASE TAKE ME FOR A WALK. New York: Knopf. ISBN 9780375858635 [Suggested Grade Level PreK-2]

REVIEW
Dogs will beg for just about anything and this little white terrier certainly holds true to its species. Being polite and saying please, this little dog begs the reader to please take him for a walk. Wanting desperately to see the neighborhood happenings that lie just outside, this little dog continually offers up his red gingham leash as images of the things he can do support his begging. From chasing squirrels, to greeting people, to watching the kids, and protecting birds, this little dog culminates his begging by asking, “Please take me for a walk./ so everyone can see / my best friend and me.”

Gal’s images have a child-like appeal with the vibrant colors and collage cut outs that fill each page with images of what the young reader could see if only he or she would please take this little dog for a walk. Young readers will delight in the myriad images and activities found on each page, finding none more entertaining than the ones of the little white dog who begs so adorably. The complex images are nicely supported by the simplistic text that is appealing to young readers.

CONNECTIONS
This book is an excellent support for any unit on studying household pets and their needs. While it is a work of fiction, this book shows a dog’s perspective of what is needed, created a rich forum for discussion.

RELATED BOOKS
Other picture books about dogs:
Gravett, Emily. DOGS. ISBN 9781416987031
Mehus-Roe, Kristin. DOGS FOR KIDS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DOGS. ISBN 9781931993838

By Christine J. Rayl