Who Wants Arthur?

by Amanda Graham

Soar to Success series, level 4 week 7

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

30 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Amanda Graham is an author and illustrator of over 100 books, many for the educational market. Her debut, Arthur (1984), won the UK Children’s Federation Award and was CBCA-shortlisted. She now writes, illustrates, and teaches in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia.

Reviews

[Laura Mincey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is great story about a dog in a pet store who nobody will take because he's just a regular, plain old brown dog... as he always describes himself throughout the story. Arthur tries to change his personality, depending on what pets are popular that week. He acts like a cat, a hamster, a fish, etc. in order to find a home. Still, nobody wants Arthur. Finally, Arthur finds a home with a little girl who loves him because he's a plain old regular dog AND he does great tricks. This would be a great story to relate to culturally diversity and self-confidence in your own skin. After reading this book to young students, they can see that acting like something else will not get you far... just be yourself! Arthur ended up finding a family to love because he was a regular dog... students will find joy in being themselves, knowing they are loved!

[Almira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this at story times...… Great story about "not being wanted"

"Arthur was a very ordinary dog.
He lived in Mrs. Humber's Pet Shop...…"

Arthur practices being a rabbit, a snake, a fish,...…. still nobody wants Arthur, until...…...

[Antonia Benetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet and loving story is about a dog named Arthur who wants a home but just cant seem to find one. He learns the skills of other animals that are finding homes such as slithering like a snake, eating like a bunny and swimming like a fish. None of these tricks he learns helps him find a home and the dog eventually decides he might as well be an ordinary dog. Not long after, a young boy and his grandpa come to the shop looking for extraordinary dog with lots of amazing tricks and Arthur is just the one! This story is about finding who you are and that no matter what, there will be people who love you. It’s about self-acceptance but shows this in a funny manner for children. I enjoyed this book because of its goofy illustrations of Arthur trying to fit in. I recommend this book for children 1st-3rd grade because the first years of schooling are when children start to make friends and find where they belong. I liked the lesson of this book because it highlights how no one is exactly the same and that everyone finds love

[Benjamin Uke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ducking into a cafe at random chicago during winters break, I found they put several children's books at every table, I'm assuming it was a family place, still.
This is a book teaching about how it's okay to be yourself, and normal.
It was a charming touch.

[Carlene Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and hap hazard dog. Enjoyable children's book.

[Y.Poston]

cute

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

own

[Books Kids Like · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Arthur is such an ordinary dog that noone wants to buy him. Each day, the pet store owner puts him in the display window with other animals, and each night the other animals are gone, sold. Arthur decides that he needs to change himself so that someone will buy him. He tries to be a rabbit, a fish, a bird, a frog, a mouse, and a cat. There still doesn't seem to be anyone interested in him. Then, one evening, just before closing, a little girl comes with her grandfather looking for the dog that does tricks. That's Arthur! He goes home with them and gets his dream come true, a slipper to chew.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com

[Jennifer Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur is a dog at a pet shop. Everyone around him is being adopted except for him. He wants to find a home too. Arthur decides to pretend to be other animals to seem more appealing. He thinks that if he isn't just a normal dog someone will want him. Arthur tries to be like many of his friends. Later he discovers that if he is himself he can succeed. This applies to in people's everyday life. Many people/children try to be something they are not. This book teaches kids that it is best to simply be yourself.

[Siskiyou-Suzy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sort of cute but the premise itself sort of annoyed me. Since when do people not like dogs because they're brown?! I just didn't like the color-shaming going on! In addition, the book presents Arthur as being unwanted yet learning that he is just for being himself! Except all of his antics of pretending to be other animals is what earns him the attention -- from one person. Not a lot of people, even though a lot of people would totally pay attention to him then.

[Lisa Nagel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this one when weeding our picture book shelves. It is a cute story about a puppy in the pet store window, that is sad at the end of each day when he has not been chosen. So, he tries being like the rabbit, the snake, the fish and the cat, that have all been chosen. In the end,he realizes that someone will want him just for who he is. A nice, cute read-aloud.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun book about a dog who desperately wants a home.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arthur's antics are very funny, his facial expression are great. Nice lesson - be yourself.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book with pictures kids will love - so much to see and explore. The story is very cute.

[Kathy Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books. I love the art work. The Crazy dog is so desperate for a "home and slippers to chew" he even learns to act like a cat!! Although acting like a fish is the funniest.

[Nada Loughead · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children and grandchildren loved this book. Reinforces being true to yourself and celebrating your uniqueness.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/1...

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fave from Daddy's bookshelf. A little long and repetitive, but the onomatopoeias sprinkled about are fun to read. And of course, a happy ending about a dog is always welcome.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this as a kid and my kids love it!