Leveled Guided Reading Set - Why A Dog? by A. Cat

by Robin Koontz

Fountas & Pinnell Reading Level D. In this irresistibly funny book, the author reveals a cat's secret thoughts about his canine competition. The cat Why a dog? Dogs are bad! Dogs so stuff that makes me mad...But in the end, even the cat has to admit that dogs make wonderful pets, too!

Genres: Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2000

About the author

Robin Michal Koontz has been writing and illustrating books for children since 1986. Her publications include novelty books, early readers, picture books, nonfiction, short stories for middle-grade readers, magazine articles, and classroom supplemental materials. One of her new books, LEAPS AND CREEPS, was a finalist for the 2012 Animal Behavior Society's Outstanding Children's Book Award. WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BUTTERFLY AND A MOTH? was an International Reading Association Teacher's Choice Award in 2010. She lives in western Oregon.

Reviews

[Edward Sojuwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why A Dog is written by A. Cat. Because naming oneself A. Pussy is kinda insulting to all things fe-line.
Actually it was written by Robin Michal Koontz, who I think is related to writer Dean Koontz, but the two are as different as Pace Picante sauce and "the stuff made in New York City." Robin does sweet stories like this one, where "A-Cat" questions the validity of his owners getting a dog when a cat is just purr-fect. Okay, overused pun, but you get the point! A-Cat is of the opinion that dogs smell like the sewer, chase cars, eat messily and make louder noise than the cats when they sing. A-Cat finally accepts that dogs can be enjoyed for all of the above reasons and then some. It's actually good for cats and dogs to live together. It's not written in stone that cats and dogs must be enemies forever, only that they be friends for life. Robin writes with a good heart. Dean is just...Dean, whose novels of suspense usually has a dog hero with special powers that put him/her in jeopardy. Robin is a better alternative, and I think kids might prefer her better. It's not about sexism, but about the love. End of discussion.
Four stars
Robin let's the dogs out, and it's all good!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granddaughters loved this book. The five-year-old thought it was hilarious that A. Cat "wrote" this book. The three-year-old didn't quite understand the joke but she loved the pictures and was able to retell the story on her own. This is a great beginning reader.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cat complains about the many downsides of dogs (although, to be fair, a few of these are things cats do, too), before grudgingly admitting that he could be friends with the right canine.
This is a silly easy reader for beginners.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a cute book. this is a good book for beginner readers. I would recommend this book to others.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hav liked it

[Allyn Backus]

I think this is a great early reader book that helps kids understanding rhyming patterns as well. The story is really cute, and kids always enjoy reading books about animals who are the story-tellers.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

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