Bad to the Bone (Down Girl and Sit) - Hardcover

Author Lucy Nolan, a former journalist, is the author of the picture books The Lizard Man of Crabtree County, an ABA Kids’ Pick of the Lists, and Jack Quack as well as the Down Girl and Sit chapter books. She lives in Columbia, South Carolina.

Illustrator Mike Reed has received awards from the Society of Illustrators, Studio Arts Magazine, and the American Institute of Graphic Arts. His illustrations can be found in two recent children’s books, Chill in the Air and Shake D’em Halloween Bones. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Grade 1–3—Written in short snappy chapters from the viewpoint of Down Girl, a frisky dog, this funny tale describes how she and her friend Sit attempt to train their humans. Down Girl soon learns that this is a difficult task because her owner doesn't respond to such wonderful treats as a chewed-up old glove. Both Down Girl and Sit soon become fed up with their respective people and resolve to get their attention by being "bad to the bone," resulting in even more fun. Seeing the world through the eyes of a rowdy dog can give young readers a new perspective on animal-people relationships and on point of view. Nolan's quick wit and Reed's amusing black-and-white illustrations enliven a neighborhood full of four- and two-footed characters. Shared aloud with the first two volumes, Smarter Than Squirrels (2004) and On the Road (2006, both Marshall Cavendish), or as a stand-alone, this hilarious story will delight classroom audiences and will also tempt reluctant readers.—Carrie Rogers-Whitehead, Kearns Library, UT
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