Shaggy Dog and the Terrible Itch

by David Bedford

Shaggy Dog has a terrible itch! Find out how he gets rid of them in his adventure.

Genres: Childrens, Animals, Picture Books, Dogs, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

David Bedford has a BS and PhD in Biology. He gave up biology in 1997 to write full time.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Acting out the old adage, "You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours," Shaggy Dog barters with dogs and people to scratch his itchy back, and the only one to refuse gets a karmic comeuppance.

Fun and silly. My daughter really loved this one a lot when she was younger.

[Bhargavi Balachandran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ardorable!

[Georgina Howlett · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute short story that teaches children the value of exchanging favours.

Shaggy Dog has an itch, and nothing seems to work to get rid of it. Multiple people kindly help with scratching his back after he helps them with their own problems, but it isn't until Mary Lou bathes and brushes him that his nightmare ends and the pesky flea inflicting the itch on him finds a new target.

While demonstrating the power of kindness and helping others, the story does seem to somewhat imply that help shouldn't (or won't) be given until you've already helped someone else yourself, and doesn't speak to the idea of personal physical boundaries very much. Sure, Mimi was a bit rude, but she was within her rights to refuse to touch him if she didn't want to!

The illustrations were very cute and endearing, and I especially loved how focused and determined Shaggy Dog looked while washing the dishes with his tiny eyes. His transformation was also lovely.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was ok, the children didn't really enjoyed this book

[Oliver Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love it all :D

oliver age six :D

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how the people in this book have the dog do something for them and then they help the dog in return. I love the reciprocity and the willingness to help each other.

[Carmel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book is perfect for those kids who doesn't like to a bath. Such a funny story and beautifully illustrated too! I had fun!

[Deana Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part was his new haircut!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this story to my class and I have to say they absolutely love it!

This is about a dog who has a terrible itch and whatever he does, he cannot get rid of it. He tries everything but it's no use. He asks people along the way to help him scratch it, they agree as long as he helps them in some way. Such as washing the dishes, sweeping hair from a salon floor and rounding up sheep. Each time the itch goes for a few moments but then comes back.

Eventually he finds someone who can help him and the itch is gone.

This is a fun story with many other dog characters in it. The children could work out what was going to happen next and they enjoyed joining in with the story.

I would recommend this story for primary KS1 children.

[TwoDrinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really need to get a grip. I am so suspicious of characters' motives in children's books and sometimes it's well-founded (hello, Dr. Dan (Flat Stanley) is the creepiest doctor ever!) but probably not necessary in this book. Basically, Shaggy Dog has an itch and goes to several people to get them to scratch it. To be honest, I think he's diddled at every turn because he washes dishes and rounds sheep all to get a scratch. What's quite lovely is that clearly the itch is a flea but it's a shame that you don't see the flea earlier on in the illustrations. The story flows quite nicely and is pleasant to read aloud even if your listener is incapable of responding.

[Matt Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shaggy Dog has a terrible itch; what is he to do? Find some one to help him of course. This colourful picture book follows Shaggy Dog on his quest to get rid of his itch, in the process illustrating the importance of mutual cooperation. It is a very fun book to read with a class and can be used to illustrate the use of ellipsis ("...the itch came back!"). My only problem with this book is the snooty poodle character, who is a bit of an unfortunate stereotype.

[Jen one n · Rating 4 out of 5]

We got this book in a bundle of Little Tiger Press books (Costco? All great stories and colorful illustrations) and it's still in frequent demand, even after a drink mishap stuck some pages together. After a wash and trim, Shaggy Dog feels wonderful, and the flea causing his stubborn itching relocates to Mimi the poodle.

[EH-PI · Rating 3 out of 5]

You've guessed it -- the plot. Shaggy Dog has a terrible itch...and he finds multiple ways to scratch it or have it be scratched. There's something lovable about an obstinate itch that goes bouncing around...and serve that bitchy poodle right! (says my little one, although not so graphically..)

[Julia Jasztal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mommy's review from 12/4/08 -


This is Julia's most favorite book at the moment. The story itself is adorable and she gets the biggest kick out of the flea getting on the "Rench Poodle" (her words, not mine) in the end. I love the colorful pictures also. I'd definitely buy for any toddler.

[Dee-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was fun, but hard work on the poor dog, just to get rid of an itch.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story about getting help in return for helping others.

[Mellanie C]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14606876