Book One: Harry the Dirty Dog

Zion, G., & Graham, M. B. (1956). Harry, the dirty dog, . New York: Harper.


Harry the Dirty Dog: Written by Gene Zion and Illustrated by Margaret Graham

Grade Level: K-2


Ages: 5-7


This is a story about a dog named Harry (who was white with black spots) who did not like receiving baths (which is understandable because who does?). Harry decides to hide the scrub brush and run away from home. He starts a day long adventure of activities around the city (most of which involved him getting dirty). 


To start I have to say I did not read this book. The reason I did not read this book was because I had it read to me by the lovely Betty White on http://www.storylineonline.net/.  This was a very interesting book that I enjoyed very much. I actually had to listen to it twice! This is a story that not only 5-7 year olds can enjoy, but a story that truly anyone can enjoy. With that being said, I do think the story is a little unbelievable, but I also think that kids could relate to this family and Harry. The plot seemed a little simple, but it also was a pretty interesting and satisfying. It was very entertaining when Harry was wondering around town getting into dirty activities. The conflict starts to build when Harry questions if his family actually thinks that he has run away. The characterization in the story is a little lacking because you only really get to know harry and we never really see harry grow through out the story. It would have been better if there was more development with the family because children can relate to the children in the family. The characters fit well into setting of the story, and the setting seemed to fit well because it was Harry's house/ bathtub and then the city. This story is definitely lacking a multicultural aspect from it, but back when it was written in 1956 I suppose there was not a large emphasis on it. I thought the theme was lacking a little bit because it didn't seem like there was a distinguished theme that the author wanted us to get from reading the story. Overall I think it's a good story for children to read because its entertaining, but I don't think I would use it in a read aloud because there are parts of the story not reached (multicultural, theme, etc...).


I thought the illustrations fit very nicely with the text. It gives you a very nice visual for you and the children. I don't know if I would use this for a mini-lesson, but if I did I think I would focus on the colors "black and white" because it is emphasized four or five times throughout the book, and I think it could be a good transition into talking about colors (specifically black and white).


I think anyone can enjoy this book (especially when read by Betty White!), but I would say from a teaching standpoint probably either kindergarten or first grade. Those are the students that will enjoy the book the most, and it leads easily into things they learn at that level. 




Thanks for reading!




Gorms