First Pooch: The Obamas Pick a Pet
Kindergarten-Grade 2—Weatherford makes the Bo Obama story fresh by keeping the focus on the First Family. Children see how Malia and Sasha worked hard to earn their pup by graciously tolerating the rigors of campaigning. They read about the various steps of the selection process, including the allergy dilemma. The media frenzy over which breed, then what name, is treated with good humor, as are the "duties" of the First Dog: meeting the presidential helicopter, fetching presidential slippers, negotiating treats, etc. The author completes the story by assuring readers that "pets everywhere have a voice in the White House. 'Woof! Woof!'" Bates's realistic illustrations in watercolor, pencil, and gouache pack in the fun. From the sisters' secret celebration behind the election-night podium, to a cozy dog-research session in a canopied bed, the illustrator keeps the youngsters' points of view at the forefront. Weatherford wraps up with a page about 11 other presidents' pets.—Gay Lynn Van Vleck, Henrico County Library, Glen Allen, VACopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.