The Stray Dog (ISBN 0064436691)

Amazon.com Review:
"It was a great day for a picnic," begins Marc Simont's lovely, touching, happy-ending picture book, The Stray Dog. And indeed, judging from the opening spread's clear skies, sparkling water, zooming boats, and adventure-bound cars it looks to be so. The story begins as a scruffy little dog makes an appearance at a family's picnic. The children name him Willy, and by the end of the day they desperately want to take him home. The family drives away, but all week they can think of nothing but their new furry friend. They return to picnic at the same spot the very next week, much to Willy's good fortune--and that of the newly smitten family. As in all the best illustrated children's books, Simont lets his pictures tell the story. We don't have to be told how wrenching it is for the kids to leave Willy behind--we see their small outstretched arms out the car window and the puppy watching them go. Simont doesn't have to tell us that the next Saturday the family is completely preoccupied with the possibility of another Willy sighting. We see the family, silent, munching, and just to the side is a plate of meat they've put out, just in case. Young readers will adore this simple tale of puppy love, but adults will be equally charmed. Simont illustrated his first book in 1939, and since then has illustrated nearly 100 titles, including the 1949 Caldecott Honor Book The Happy Day, by Ruth Krauss and Janice May Udry's A Tree Is Nice, winner of the 1957 Caldecott Medal. This book is our favorite so far of the year! (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson

Heartwarming Hound Tale:
This heart-warming tale comes with "blast-from-the-past" illustrations is squeaky clean and super sweet. A family on a picnic spies an adorable dog. Fearing that he has a searching owner nearby, they leave without the precious pup. A week of concern leaves each family member neglecting responsibilities as they worry over the left-behind mutt. Returning to the park, they arrive just in the nick of time to rescue the pup from a chase with the dog-catcher. Predictable and precious! A tale for every dog-loving parent and child.

Go and fetch it for yourself!:
The Stray Dog by Marc Simont. A summary is a family finds a dog at a picnic. The family leaves. They wish they would have took him home. They can not stop thinking about him. The family goes on another picnic. And they see Willy again. The dog catcher came and caught Willy. But the children saw him too, so they ran after him. They grabbed their belt and hair ribbon and kept him forever. I would recommend all first graders to read this book.

Edge of the seat for kids:
Very sweet little book, and I do in fact believe that it is indeed based on true events. The story is mostly told through the awesome pictures--which has always impressed me because that is a sure sign of a good illustrator. I used this for a comprehension lesson and my kids were extremely entertained. And how could you not be? A whole existence comes to life and I found myself caring for little Willy and his new family.

Don't Let This Book be a Stray:
The Stray Dog has a simple lesson, taught through the story of a family finding a scruffy stray dog, Willy. This book is light hearted and kind. It uses colorful and witty illustrations to draw the reader into the true story. If the family would have not helped Willy out he could have ended up at the pound, due to the dog warden. It seems like so many families go through the experience of falling in love with a stray dog, this one happens to have a beautiful ending of Willy finding a home where he belongs. The right family, at the right place, at the right time makes this story beautiful and relatable.

A heartwarming tale with a special message!:
The Stray Dog is a truly special children's book in that it not only entertains with a simple tale of a lonely, stray dog looking for companionship but also sends a positive message about pet adoption. The little stray dog wanders into a park one day and finds a family of four having a picnic, and is saddened when they leave. The family itself keeps thinking of little "Willy" and return the next week, only to find Willy being chased by a dog warden. What fate awaits little Willy? Kids will love this heartwarming tale of a lonely little dog craving human companionship.