This is a sweet story that can encourage synthesizing. As the children try to make a point to save a homeless dog who needs a home. This story shows children what stray dogs deal with on a daily basis.

Mutt dog is smart and loyal but is hungry and looking for a home.

This book I would use for synthesizing and talking about how our thinking changes as the book progresses.

"In the city lived a dog...who belonged to no one. He had to be brave, and fast, and smart...just to survive." And so begins Mutt Dog!, a poignant tale that, when combined with Stephen Michael King's endearing illustrations, will have the reader sniffling, and then smiling in turn. Hungry, lonely and frightened, the stray dog searches every day for something to eat, and every night for a safe place to rest. One evening he finds his way to a shelter for homeless people, and although there is no permanent place for him there, he eventually does find a home, as a result.

A book that, if you have any love for animals at all, is guaranteed to tug at your heart-strings, Mutt Dug! plunges its readers into a very disturbing reality, depicting a cityscape in which both canine and human occupants are in need of help. I liked that Mutt Dog's story, although it ends happily, highlights the plight of homeless people, as well as stray dogs, as I think the conjunction of the two will work to build compassion in young readers, who naturally sympathize with animals, and will be led to sympathize with people too. (I was reminded, in this respect, of the fact that the first laws to protect child welfare, here in the United States, came out of animal protection laws). The artwork is immensely expressive, capturing the ups and downs of Mutt Dog's journey perfectly, and accentuating the emotional impact of his story.

All in all, a wonderful book, one I would recommend to any young reader who loves dogs, and enjoys stories in which stray animals find homes (I'm a sucker for this kind of narrative, myself). I will definitely be checking out more of this talented Australian's work! ( )