"See the dog
dig a hole.
Dig a hole?
If I dig a hole, I will get
dirt on my fur.
See the dog
dig a hole NOW."
After reading See the Cat in 2020, I waited with great anticipation for this companion book. As he did in that first book of short stories about a dog who was really a cat, Mr. LaRochelle muddies the waters of observation again with three apparent dog stories when the protagonist is a cat.
The cat explains that the dog is sick, and it will be taking the dog's place. As before, each declarative sentence is in direct contrast to the abilities of the cat. When asked to dig a hole, the cat (who wants to avoid getting dirt on its fur) brings a excavator to do the work. Disappointed when asked to stop, the story moves on to the second chapter.
This one involves a stick, and a swim across the lake to retrieve it. The lake is cold, wet, and terrifying. Caterwauling for help and finding out the water is actually ankle-deep, and a puddle, results in a huge chuckle for the early readers who will find themselves reading this book independently. The third chapter introduces a sheep. The cat assumes the sheep needs the fearsome protection of a dog, then panics when told a wolf is involved. Luckily, the dog returns in quick time, leaving the cat to do what it does best.
Hilarious and satisfying, this is perfect fare for children working their way into independent reading. Full of fun, and replete with well-matched, engaging illustrations, you won't be sorry to pass this along to a child needing the right book at the perfect time.
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