Aggie and Ben: Three Stories

by Lori Ries, Frank W. Dormer (Illustrator)

A funny and sweet early reader about a new friendship between a boy and his dog. 

In this first book of the series, Dad surprises Ben with a trip to the pet store. Ben isn’t sure what kind of pet he wants. He knows he doesn’t want a mouse, a snake, or even a cat. But when a certain puppy makes Ben laugh, a lasting friendship is formed. Three short chapters trace a day in the life of Ben and his new puppy, Aggie, as they settle into their new friendship. 

Dormer's understated illustrations mixed with Ries' easy-to-follow text tells the story of the special bond between a boy and his loyal, loveable dog. Young readers will delight in the continuing adventures of Aggie and Ben.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Dogs

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Cosette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure these are great stories, I'm just not a dog fan.

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of the Aggie and Ben books introduces the characters and gets the series arc moving. It's what you'd expect from an old-fashioned reader, but with an update. The text is simple and the energy in the illustrations is delightful. I love how the soft color palette and the page layouts invite the reader in. Gentle. Interesting to note this is the Frank Dormer's first illustration for children's books.

[Milton Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kid, after some deliberation, gets a dog. Who learns to live with the family. And who helps the kid learn that there's nothing to be afraid of at bedtime.
And the pictures are fun. Nothing to not like here.

[Sunny F Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I helped my daughter who is in kindergarten read this book. It’s a nice short book good for kindergarten reading level. Some words she didn’t know but was able to pronounce most of them. Would like to read more from this author.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aggie goes to the store and picks out a pet (a dog named Aggie!). Nice, easy themes and text (technically this book was three different stories.

[Barbara Johnson]

Being rock if cutie? put that
This post will not even bother you! Edit and your d is probably

[Jeff Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic character development and story line.

[Terry]

Even though this is a book about a boy and his dog, our daughter immediately saw herself and HER dog in the stories. Reading was sidetracked several times while she told her own doggy tales. Since that first time when we read the book together, she has picked it up herself to read.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.

[Jordan Bramblett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fun adventurous book about a boy and his dog. I remember the excitement of going to a pet store to get my first dog, as may many children. Assuming their parents let them get a dog that is. Animals are almost always the number one interest in young children, so I believe books about animals are appealing to them. This book has bright and vivid colors in the illustrations that catch your attention. Very good book.

[Debrarian]

Ben’s dad takes him to the store to pick out a pet. He picks a dog: Aggie. Ben likes to act like a dog (until he sees Aggie drink from the toilet) and hang out with Aggie. At night he helps her feel safe. Sweet, w/ good illus. A good early reader.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book of short stories that are fun to read aloud. Ben chooses Aggie at the store, they play together and they comfort one another in the scary dark. It's a good book for beginning readers as each story is relatively short and the narratives are simple.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect fit early reader with my son's sense of humor, wish I could have had more room for the rest of the series, they are fantastic! (And he read on his own and then told me how he thought Aggie got worried about silly things and how much he liked various portions of the book.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three cute, easy read stories about a boy getting and loving his dog. Simple illustrations to support this heart-warming book.

[Bethann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute beginner reader stories. There were now odd(hard) words thrown in. Mid 1st grade level

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three good stories about a boy and his dog, there is an odd angular quality to the illustrations.