By Colorado Kids Advisory Board member Marlie Fisher

Title: Me & My Dog - The Care and Keeping of a Girl's Best Friend
Author: Maxine Rock
Illustrator: Amanda Haley
Publisher: Pleasant Comany Publications
Number of Pages: 48

Calling all dog lovers! American Girl's Me and My Dog - The Care and Keeping of a Girl's Best Friend isn't just for you, but it's for your dog too. After reading this book, you'll get to know your dog better and that will make your dog's life happier.

This book is filled with fun facts and quizzes to help you learn your dog's personality. You will notice that this book is a tip book more than a put your nose in it and read for hours book. My favorite tips were the "Dog Talk" tips which teach how to listen to your dog and know what they are saying when they bark, growl, whimper, howl, or hold their tail down!

The format of the book, with it's whimsical drawings, makes it lots of fun to read. The best section of the book is the 'Memory Pages'. On these pages you can record your favorite memories of your dog and create a keepsake to remember your best friend.

I would say that this book is for kids ages 8 - 14 (boys, it's okay to sneak a peek!). Adults can use this book also if they need help with dog training. This book would make the perfect gift for a friend with a new puppy, or for a birthday girl that loves dogs! (October, 2001)