Boomer's Big Suprise

by Constance W. McGeorge

Boomer knows something's up the day a shiny new bowl appears next to his, but imagine Boomer's surprise when he finds himself nose to nose with a new puppy! Just when Boomer thinks he's no longer top dog, he discovers there's room for two, and that the puppy is more than a new sibling—he's a new friend. Boomer's Big Surprise is filled with the same warmth and humor as the first two books in the Boomer series, and will have special appeal to any child facing the arrival of a new baby.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Animals, Family, Juvenile

24 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[Christine]

This book permantely shaped how I view owning a dog. My family only ever had one dog at a time so I could only guess what it was like to have multiple. After I read this book I felt so upset for Boomer. Even with the happy ending, it solidified my fear that an older dog would feel pushed aside if a puppy was brought into the picture. Sure, this is fictional, but as an impressionable child in a home with goldens, this gave me big time feels.

[Christine Smith]

This is a sweet story that can teach important lessons in a number of different ways. At the beginning of the book, we meet Boomer, a happy, older dog with a comfortable life and family. He suddenly encounters something unexpected - a new puppy - and everything changes! The puppy seems to be getting all his family's attention and gets to ignore all the usual rules; Baby even wants to play with Boomer's favorite toy! Boomer feels sad and dejected until Baby himself goes to Boomer with an invitation to play. Boomer embraces this new friendship and joins Baby in creating great doggy mischief and mayhem. The story concludes with Baby and Boomer settling down for bed together, having BOTH received good night snuggles from their family.

Boomer's Big Surprise is a straightforward, easy-to-understand narrative told with simple language that should be accessible to most any kids over the age of three. The illustrations compliment the text nicely, with the pictures showing the chaos caused by the dogs around the house being especially humorous. This story is also a good teaching tool on a number of levels - it can help children articulate and understand different emotions, especially loneliness, which can be helpful in navigating a multitude of social situations. It can be presented to kids anticipating the arrival of a new sibling to discuss 1) how babies and older kids have different needs and therefore different rules, 2) how the extra attention that new babies often receive is only temporary and that at the end of the day, both siblings are loved, and 3) how older siblings can find joy in receiving a younger sibling as a new playmate and friend. On the flip side, this story can also be used to prepare children for the adoption of a new pet. It can help them understand that a new puppy (or kitten, bunny, etc.) will often get into mischief around the house and cause disruptions to the existing routine, and even more importantly, parents can use this to discuss why children should be encouraged to pay extra attention to pets they already have even after the new pet's arrival, to help their existing pets still feel loved and special too.

I recommend Boomer's Big Surprise to anyone looking for a good new picture book to add to their children's collection, especially those families with fellow animal lovers like myself :)

[Chiara]

A Puppy Arrives.

Children who love dogs will enjoy this book.
The part where Boomer, the older dog, is neglected and left alone is a bit sad, but soon things change...

It's a story of friendship, but this book may also be useful to help an older child understand why everybody's attention is focused on his or her baby brother or sister.
Nothing has changed, parents still love you very much, kid. :-)

The text is verbose and presents words that a preschooler might never have encountered.
The double-page illustrations are beautiful.

It's a profound book, on the overall... One that will be remembered for its message.

[Mrs. Michael]

Boomer's Big Surprise is a lovely book about an old dog welcoming a new puppy into his home. The illustrations capture the excitement of a new puppy as well as the temporary sorrow felt be Boomer. This book can easily be used to prep children for a new puppy, as well as for entertainment with a read aloud. It might even make you want to get a new puppy for your old dog to love.

[Zachary Thompson]

I enjoyed this book but did not enjoy the neglect. I understand a puppy necessarily takes more attention from an older dog, but the fact that no one played with boomer is sad. I do like how the puppy likes boomer though. Overall I liked this book but did not like it's unfortunate implications.

[Sereen Hudaib]

The art in this book is amazing. This book would be great to read to children to teach them about pets. This book could also be read to young children if the family is expecting another child or even later on after the child is born but maybe the older child is not getting along.

[Anthony]

Boomer notices a few new changes when he enters the from playing outside. A shiny food dish, newspapers scattered over the floor, and a big empty box. When the family brings a baby pup into the house, Boomer thinks his days are numbered as being top dog, as baby makes himself right at home.

[Joy Keil]

4yo really enjoyed this one on TumbleBooks.

[Joy Rojas]

Wow. This almost made me cry!

[Shelbi]

Boomer has to face not being the only dog anymore! A new puppy arrives. Love this book !

[Shayla]

This book is about an older dog who gets replaced with a puppy. He wonders why he is being ignored. After a while the older dog is so sad, but the next thing he knows is that there is a little tongue licking his nose. The new puppy hasn’t forgotten about him! They become best friends.
I really liked this book because it showed a lot of emotion on the older dog’s part. When he was being left out, you could feel the sadness he was feeling. And when the puppy came to him to play, we could feel the joy that the puppy gave to the old dog. The pictures are really great as well.
I would read this book to my children all the time. It helps them see emotions, and then it helps them learn how to cope with those emotions. Children are learning all the time, and this is a great book to help them learn more.

[Jack]

Illustrationed by Mary Whyte, rendered in watercolor. I especially liked the double page watercolor of big and little Boomer sleeping in a doggy cuddle.
Good book for families with dogs or children getting a younger sibling. It is a natural lead into discussion on what may distress and older dog (or sibling) and how the new addition can be fun for them. Also, with older doggies, a puppy play pall provides interest and a bit of rejuvenation.
Summary: Boomer is distressed by the special treatment given to the new puppy but then finds that the recent arrival can be a friend and playmate
PreSchool-Kin

[Mason, Natalie & Oliver]

Very sweet drawings in this book - a great story of how an older dog was feeling put out of place when the new puppy showed up, but in the end, they became good friends. Would be good for an older child expecting a new sibling, without it being exactly about humans - dogs go through the same thing! ;)

[Darleen Roche]

Boomer's Big Surprise is a cute book about a dog who soon finds out that the family gets a puppy. See how Boomer reacts to his new found friend.

[Cws]

JEPIC-McG

[Heather]

37 months - O is all about dogs and cats since going through the loss of two cats and a dog recently so this one was right up her ally. Cute short story with nice illustrations.

[Angela Nelson]

I love the great illustrations that take up the entire page of the book. This book could be useful to teach children about sharing, especially with a younger sibling.

[Daryl Murphy]

Pb41 – Cute story about an old dog not having any friends to play with and somehow having a puppy.

[Dawn]

Animals seem to teach stories oh so well! A wonderful discussion starter for when one is feeling left out.

[Peacegal]

What will an older, graying Golden Retriever think when a tiny puppy shows up in his home?

[Alice]

3.5 stars The squishy cuteness of this book makes me, well and warm and squishy inside. Cute story, cute pictures, sweet and fun!

[Marilyn]

Alissa liked it that the 2 dogs finally got to be friends.

[Katie Beck]

This is a very cute book. This is a good book to read when teaching children about sharing.