Why Do I Have to Eat Off the Floor?
PreSchool-Grade 2—A curious dog asks his young owner a series of typical toddler questions, which are followed by one-line, adult-sounding answers. "Why can't I drive the car?" "Because you are too small to drive." "Why can't we play ALL the time?" "Because there are other things we have to do." "Why do I have to be good when we have company?" "Because we want them to see how well-behaved you are." The illustrations are amusing and expressive, and young children will relate to Murphy's many questions. However, the story lacks consistency, and the child's bland answers lack imagination. Some questions, answers, and corresponding illustrations seem to fit the characters, while others don't. Even the title may be confusing for young readers, as Murphy eats from a dish and not straight from the floor.—Amanda Moss, Maywood Elementary School, Monona, WICopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.