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Science Comics: Dogs: From Predator to Protector
(Science Comics)
by
How well do you know our favorite furry companion? Did they really descend from wolves? What's the difference between a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard? And just how smart are they? Join one friendly mutt on a journey to discover the secret origin of dogs, how genetics and evolution shape species, and where in the world his favorite ball bounced off to.
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Hardcover, 128 pages
Published
October 31st 2017
by First Second
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Start your review of Science Comics: Dogs: From Predator to Protector

Oct 31, 2017
First Second Books
marked it as first-second-publications
In this volume we follow an adorable Cocker Jack named Rudy on a exciting trip to the dog park. There he introduces us to to his friends and works through key scientific principles from Gregory Mendel, Charles Darwin, and Dmitir Belyaev to explain dog taxonomy, origin, genetic makeup, and much more!

I do like this series.
I learned so much from this, despite the fact that I've read one of the books they list for further reading, The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter than You Think.
I like that the introduction makes it clear how important it is to use science to gain a better understanding of dogs, rather than relying just on love to try to provide them with 'healthy, happy lives.' It's amazing how much we thought we understood turns out to be incomplete, and sometimes even completely wron ...more
I learned so much from this, despite the fact that I've read one of the books they list for further reading, The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter than You Think.
I like that the introduction makes it clear how important it is to use science to gain a better understanding of dogs, rather than relying just on love to try to provide them with 'healthy, happy lives.' It's amazing how much we thought we understood turns out to be incomplete, and sometimes even completely wron ...more

I was expecting this to be more friendly for my younger students, but now I’m not sure if I would suggest it to anyone under fourth grade. Lots of great information about the history of dogs, but also tons of scientific information that will be beyond many of my early readers. Would love to hand this one to adults who claim graphic novels don’t have enough substance!

Besides the Dinosaur book, I also read the book as well. Again, this won't be the last of these I get. I'm in love with them. For a kid comic book about science, they are pack with information for adult readers as well. Plus, the art in this one particular is super cute. Kind of makes me want a dog. While this one has some ways to care for your dog, this is more about evolution and DNA. Parts of this book felt a little over my head, but like the Dinosaur book, I learned a lot too. Didn't realize
...more

Great nonfiction graphic! It had a ton of information, and if you love dogs, it's a fun and interesting read. Genetics, evolution of breeds, and why things happen. Fantastic stuff and adorable illustrations!
...more

This is not just a graphic novel. Science comics are full of interesting information, detailed illustrations, use of topic and more. This particular one teaches about genetics, adaptations, breeding and evolution particularly with dogs.
In this book we meet Rudy, a pet dog who visits the local dog park. Once there, he tries to play with his yellow ball. This ends up taking the reader through a history of canis lupus to canis familiaris. We meet several different breeds of dogs and how they came t ...more
In this book we meet Rudy, a pet dog who visits the local dog park. Once there, he tries to play with his yellow ball. This ends up taking the reader through a history of canis lupus to canis familiaris. We meet several different breeds of dogs and how they came t ...more

Dog-lovers will enjoy this romp through a detailed scientific look at many facts and facets about dogs. In graphic novel format, one dog takes the reader along to explore whether or not dogs are descended from wolves, differences between breeds, and much more. The level of scientific detail regarding genes is thorough and accurate (as far as I could tell, although college biology was a long time ago). Because of the depth of science, this is not a book to browse; it must be read thoughtfully - o
...more

A lecture on genetics and biology thinly disguised by super-cute comic pups. Speaking for the science-averse, I feel there were not quite enough super-cute comic pups to make the genetics and biology go down easy. My favorite segment--about that amazing "Sultan of Smells, Master of Musks, the Ol' Fart Detector: The Nose!"--left me wanting to know more about the workings of their superpowered sniffer. But it was worth the read for two moments of hilarity: the pug (stubborn mystery of science) and
...more

This series is always awesome. And this particular one could be considered kid's best friend.
...more

https://openbooksociety.com/article/s...
Science Comics: Dogs: from Predator to Protector
By Andy Hirsch
ISBN: 9781626727670
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary
How well do you know our favorite furry companion? Did they really descend from wolves? What’s the difference between a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard? And just how smart are they? Join one friendly mutt on a journey to discover the secret origin of dogs, how genetics and evolution shape species, and where in the world his favorite b ...more
Science Comics: Dogs: from Predator to Protector
By Andy Hirsch
ISBN: 9781626727670
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary
How well do you know our favorite furry companion? Did they really descend from wolves? What’s the difference between a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard? And just how smart are they? Join one friendly mutt on a journey to discover the secret origin of dogs, how genetics and evolution shape species, and where in the world his favorite b ...more

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. A dog named Rudy is here to explain how and why that is.
Everyone loves dogs. Most people have known or grown up with dogs. But what do we really know about the animal we call “man’s best friend?” Science Comics has come up with the answer to that, by introducing a dog named Rudy who loves his person, chasing balls, and who can also travel through time.
Rudy greets the reader after arriving at the park. He starts out by explaining the relationship of dogs to wo ...more
Everyone loves dogs. Most people have known or grown up with dogs. But what do we really know about the animal we call “man’s best friend?” Science Comics has come up with the answer to that, by introducing a dog named Rudy who loves his person, chasing balls, and who can also travel through time.
Rudy greets the reader after arriving at the park. He starts out by explaining the relationship of dogs to wo ...more

I have a 10 year old who:
1. Loves dogs
2. Is interested in science
3. Loves graphic novels
So this was an obvious choice for her. She says "It was great. I loved it."
She's been asking lately, "How did wolves turn into dogs?" so I tried The Magic of Reality. Richard Dawkins talks to kids like he talks to women -- doesn't have a clue -- so that fell flat. (On the other hand, I think adults can get quite a lot out of Dawkins' science writing.) After his section on wolves she still had no idea about e ...more
1. Loves dogs
2. Is interested in science
3. Loves graphic novels
So this was an obvious choice for her. She says "It was great. I loved it."
She's been asking lately, "How did wolves turn into dogs?" so I tried The Magic of Reality. Richard Dawkins talks to kids like he talks to women -- doesn't have a clue -- so that fell flat. (On the other hand, I think adults can get quite a lot out of Dawkins' science writing.) After his section on wolves she still had no idea about e ...more

Rudy (a dog), is the narrator of this volume in the Science Comics series. He tells us that he is a "canardly" - you can 'ardly tell what breed. While at the local dog park, Rudy chases his favorite ball into the past. He explains to readers how dogs evolved from wild predators to tame companions and protectors (and also looks for his lost ball). His explanation covers topics like Linnaeus, Mendel, Darwin, Punnett squares, DNA, nature and nurture, the gene pool, and pretty much anything else tha
...more

Just so you know, this review was not written by the human who normally posts stuff here. This review was written by her dog.
Some of you may have enjoyed my previous review of _The Dog Master_, which made my tail wag. That’s right, humans, I’m back. I figured out the code to unlock the iPad and it has changed my life. This time I read a comic called Science Comics: Dogs. Man, I knew that was going to be a great book right when I saw the title. Because what topic could be more important than DOG ...more
Some of you may have enjoyed my previous review of _The Dog Master_, which made my tail wag. That’s right, humans, I’m back. I figured out the code to unlock the iPad and it has changed my life. This time I read a comic called Science Comics: Dogs. Man, I knew that was going to be a great book right when I saw the title. Because what topic could be more important than DOG ...more

This is a non-fiction comic book about dogs, in which the reader learns about the scientific name, the origin and evolution of dogs, facts about different genes and alleles, and even punnet squares. The reader also learns about artificial selection and the breeding of dogs and about how the environment and humans play a role in dogs' behaviors. The origins of certain breeds and genetic groups are discussed, with five major groups being presented, as well as the personality traits that fit within
...more

Hi-Lo Non-fiction
Target Audience: 4-12th Grade
Summary:
This graphic novel addresses evolution, genetics, natural selection through the story of how dogs evolved from wolf-like animals to our beloved pets.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Dogs approaches some very complicated subjects in an easy, narrative way. The scientific ideas flow naturally from one to the next, as the narrator (a dog named Rudy) explains different aspects of dogs' history and anatomy to the reader. Evolution and natural selection be ...more
Target Audience: 4-12th Grade
Summary:
This graphic novel addresses evolution, genetics, natural selection through the story of how dogs evolved from wolf-like animals to our beloved pets.
Strengths & Weaknesses:
Dogs approaches some very complicated subjects in an easy, narrative way. The scientific ideas flow naturally from one to the next, as the narrator (a dog named Rudy) explains different aspects of dogs' history and anatomy to the reader. Evolution and natural selection be ...more

Fun educational, cutting-edge scientific information!
I am very surprised with this book, scientific information about the origin of dogs is very well explained for children and adolescents. The part of genetics and evolution goes deep and touches enough detail to make clear the most important aspects. It was even educational for me, the latest research data on breeding and the discovery of behavioral traits associated with various morphological traits were unknown to me.
It also includes fun expl ...more
I am very surprised with this book, scientific information about the origin of dogs is very well explained for children and adolescents. The part of genetics and evolution goes deep and touches enough detail to make clear the most important aspects. It was even educational for me, the latest research data on breeding and the discovery of behavioral traits associated with various morphological traits were unknown to me.
It also includes fun expl ...more

These Science Comics are always fun as well as informative, and this one, focusing on canines, will be a hit with animal lovers. As a dog named Rudy heads outdoors with his human companion, he takes readers on a journey of discovery in which they learn about the bond between humans and dogs and how dogs evolved to the point they are now. It's a pretty entertaining way to learn about genetics and Punnett squares as well as evolution and natural selection. I'd often wondered about how breeders ope
...more

Hirsch, Andy Science Comics: Dogs: From Predator to Protector, 120 pages. NON-FICTION/GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second, 2017. $20. Content: G.
This books delves into the science behind how dogs evolved from predators to pets. The first part of the book explains how DNA and traits works as well as natural selection and evolution. The middle of the book describes the five different senses of dogs with interesting facts and pictures. The last part of the book explains how the world has created different ...more
This books delves into the science behind how dogs evolved from predators to pets. The first part of the book explains how DNA and traits works as well as natural selection and evolution. The middle of the book describes the five different senses of dogs with interesting facts and pictures. The last part of the book explains how the world has created different ...more

This books delves into the science behind how dogs evolved from predators to pets. The first part of the book explains how DNA and traits works as well as natural selection and evolution. The middle of the book describes the five different senses of dogs with interesting facts and pictures. The last part of the book explains how the world has created different breeds of dogs. This book is fascinating! I’m not a dog person, but I couldn’t put this book down. This book is science heavy with entert
...more

Jul 09, 2017
Anita
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
middle-grade,
nonfiction,
animals,
science,
netgalley,
reluctant-readers,
graphic-nonfiction
Don't be fooled by the word "Comics" in the title or by the host Rudy who is chasing a ball throughout the narrative: this book is straight-up science at its best. Some of the topics include genetics, evolution, color vision, olfactory processes, cognition, behavioral traits. By presenting complex scientific concepts using vivid illustrations, humor, and clear text, the author presents material that students will encounter and remember in future science classes. Dog lovers will come away from th
...more

Science Comics: Dogs is an entertaining way to learn a lot about dogs! The graphic novel style format combines with the delightful, time-travelling canine narrator Rudy. Rudy is full of dog and science facts, from classification to genetics to natural selection to domestication and more! Science Comics: Dogs is created in such a colorful and humorous way that the reader might not realize how densely packed the dog and science related facts are. You're just having too much fun learning and being
...more

Very well done, a (reasonably) accessible introduction to genetics. I felt the focus of the book was more on genetics than it was on dogs, more that it was using dogs as a specific example of genetics rather than being about dogs in general, but that might have been my own expectations of the book. It was definitely felt more intense than some of the other Science Comics series we have read. I ended up doing this one as a read-aloud to my first grader, whereas some of the others he has read on h
...more

If I have one complaint, there was more about the science of the animal and less of the why behind the actions. If you like dogs, this is a fun and fairly easy way to learn about them. There is a small story behind the facts but it is more straight on information. Rudy, the dog, takes a journey through time (while chasing an elusive yellow tennis ball) about how the "Wolf of Yesterday Became the Dog of Today." (Well, it's not *exactly* that way.) Myths debunked (there is no such thing as "dog ye
...more

wow, what a terrific entry in the Science Comics series. I love dogs, so I especially thought of my own dog as I read this. The whole beginning about genetics and how traits are passed on is very interesting (and how dogs and wolves are related) and really the whole idea of breeds was fascinating. I loved reading about the dog's senses and abilities.
highly recommended for all dog lovers, plus people who just like to read really interesting facts (with adorable illustrations of frolicking dogs.) ...more
highly recommended for all dog lovers, plus people who just like to read really interesting facts (with adorable illustrations of frolicking dogs.) ...more

Bookaday #35. I adore the Science Comics series. Of course the one about dogs is a favorite! So many topics: Genetics, evolution, inherited and behavioral traits, jobs dogs do & are bred for, breeds, communication, circadian rhythm, some of these are very scientifically dense, I skimmed over some of them, a young reader may also.
Love the time references: Walk o’clock, dinner o’clock, play o’clock. Also love the pitch for shelter adoptions.
Dallas illustrator and credits to Richardson humane soci ...more
Love the time references: Walk o’clock, dinner o’clock, play o’clock. Also love the pitch for shelter adoptions.
Dallas illustrator and credits to Richardson humane soci ...more
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Andy Hirsch is a cartoonist and illustrator living in Dallas, Texas. His current projects include several entries in the Science Comics line from First Second Books, including Dogs: Predator to Protector (2017), Trees: Kings of the Forest (2018), and Cats: Nature and Nurture (2019).
He is the co-creator of The Baker Street Peculiars, illustrator of the graphic novel The Royal Historian of Oz (a 201 ...more
He is the co-creator of The Baker Street Peculiars, illustrator of the graphic novel The Royal Historian of Oz (a 201 ...more
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