My Big Dog

by Janet Stevens, Susan Stevens Crummel (Illustrator)

Caldecott Medalist, Janet Stevens, along with her sister, Susan Stevens-Crummel, tell a charming tale about a cat named Merl, who sees his peaceful life turn upside down when a Golden Retreiver puppy moves into the household. First in the series, My Big Dog is perfect for storytime, bedtime, or anytime!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Animals, Dogs, Storytime, Pets

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 8, 1999

About the author

Janet Stevens began drawing as a child. Pictures decorated her walls, mirrors, furniture and school work -- including math assignments. While this didn't always sit well with her teachers, it was what she loved to do.

Janet’s father was in the Navy therefore she moved a great deal and attended many schools while growing up.

After graduating from high school in Hawaii in 1971 she landed a job creating Hawaiian designs for fabric. The printed fabric was then made into aloha shirts and muumuus. After she graduated from the University of Colorado in 1975 with a degree in Fine Arts Janet began compiling a portfolio of “characters”, bears in tutus, rhinos in sneakers, and walruses in Hawaiian shirts. In 1977, she attended “The Illustrator's Workshop” in New York City, where it was suggested that her characters might find a home in a children's book. Luckily for libraries (and children's book readers in general), publishers agreed and her first book was published in 1979.

Janet is the author and illustrator of many original stories and frequently collaborates with her sister, Susan Stevens Crummel. Her trademark humorous animals also accompany the texts by such authors as Eric Kimmel and Coleen Salley,

Janet has received numerous book awards, including a Caldecott Honor Award, Time Magazine’s Ten Best Children’s Books , the Wanda Gág Best Read-Aloud Book. Child Magazine’s Best Books of the Year.. Janet's books have been named ALA Notables and have repeatedly appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List.

She is particularly proud of her state book awards, voted on by children -- which include Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Nebraska and Washington. Janet has received the prestigious Texas Bluebonnet Award twice.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo cute

[Allison Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merl the cat is the king of the house. He owns the chair; he owns the sofa; and most importantly, he owns his owners. Everything is going great for Merl, until one day when his owners decide to bring another animal into the house. Another cat? No. Worse. Much worse. A big golden retriever puppy. And every week, he grows bigger. Merl finally decides that enough is enough--he has to run away.
In this picture book, author and illustrator Janet Stevens does a wonderful job portraying that all too relatable feeling of being replaced. And what better way to portray this emotion than through the character of sarcastic and witty kitty cat? Merl is so relatable in his inability to handle sharing attention. We've all felt this way at some point in our lives, and comparing this human emotion to the caginess of a cat is spot on. The comparison of the author's water color/ sketch drawings of the animals to the photo style black and white artwork of the humans also really focused the reader on the animals, who were the main focus of the story. It also gave the book and almost post-modern feel, with the experimental art style and word arrangement. I think the messy scrawl of the writing was also a very nice touch, really making it feel like this was Merl's story, and that he himslef might have written it out! Overall, the perfect portrayal of Merl's character, along with the gorgeous illustrations, really made this book into something worth checking out!

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this one to my dog. She liked it.

[Ann M. Noser · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my daughter's favorites. (One of mine as well.) Funny, charming, and well illustrated. Enjoy!

[Baylee Burdick]

This book shows great point of view from different characters in the book; voice of main character was strong; climax; shows unlikely friendships; sharing with others.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny story about a cat’s family getting a puppy. The cat doesn’t like it, so he runs away. Eventually he comes back and puts up with the dog. My three year old thought it was funny. And the first time seeing the cat’s face, was amusing. I, however, didn’t particularly care for the overall story. I loved how the cat and the dog looked, but I didn’t care for the rest of the artwork. Ultimately, there is nothing special here.

[Kaitlyn Kluesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a cute story about a cat who ran away from home because of the new dog the owners brought home. However, the cat gets into trouble and the dog ends up saving the cat. I think this story can show young children that maybe someone you don't always like will help you out in some way. My favorite part of this book was the illustrations.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The grump cat Merl thinks he owns the house and everything in it, and doesn’t want to be bothered by the new dog so he runs away from home. On his adventures Merl finds he needs a home because he’s not happy at all with all of his new people. Merl is happy when he’s rescued by none other than “his” dog.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merl, a very special cat (in his own mind) lives a very pampered life, but when a golden retriever puppy moves in, Merl has a difficult time adapting to this clumsy, slurping beast. So, Merl leaves, but soon discovers that starting a new life isn't as easy as he thought. A fun lovable read for animal lovers.

[Jennifer Zaragoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book, it's very fun! I love the illustrations of the puppy and cat. Also, how it highlights how the puppy grows and becomes this BIG dog. Plus, the way it describes noise is really different (ie. "PANT. PANT. SLURP."). Besides, I really like the storyline and how it is about a cat adapting to change and a new member in the family.

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this author wrote this book. It’s so creative! I love the font that the book was written in and the images in this book were so detailed. Another thing I noticed was the use of repetition in this book, Pant, Pant, Slurp. This book was also funny to read about a cat and a big dogs, relationship!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it shows kids that just because the cat and dog are different does not mean that they cannot be friends much like humans even though we are all different in our own specal way does not mean that we cannot be friends.

[Jaden]

Picture Book

My Big Dog is filled with tons of great pictures. A cat named Merl is very surprised when a new dog that keeps getting bigger and bigger moves in. He tries to find a new home but the big dog finds him and takes him back home where he belongs.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this one!

[Maeve · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the perspective of a cat, we see how life changes when a family introduces a puppy.

[Catie]

An endearing story of Merl the Cat and his trials and tribulations after his family gets a dog. Funny, cute, and an enjoyable read-aloud! Perfect for 5 and under.

[Jillian Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! I always love a good book about a dog... or cat! Great book to use to teach different perspectives.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so sweet, it brought tears to my eyes! Cat lovers, read to your little ones!

[Jessica Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 4/50 with Soph. This book had me chuckling throughout with the inner dialogue of the cat when the dog invades his space. 😂

[Hailey Licata · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book talks about uniqueness and how cats and dogs really can be friends. This is a great analogy to use in a classroom with kiddos. It also teaches a lesson that everyone belongs somewhere.

[Tori Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

"My Big Dog" by Janet Stevens is a heartwarming and humorous tale of friendship and acceptance. The story follows the adventures of a small, timid dog who finds himself overshadowed by a larger, more boisterous canine companion. Through witty text and expressive illustrations, Stevens beautifully captures the dynamic between the two dogs as they navigate their differences and forge a deep bond. As the small dog discovers his own unique strengths and talents, readers are treated to a touching exploration of self-discovery and the power of acceptance. With its engaging storyline and lovable characters, "My Big Dog" is a delightful read that celebrates the joys of friendship and the importance of embracing one's true self.

[Audrey | WellReadandUndead(ish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my husband’s favorite book growing up, with good reason! It’s a cute story about a grumpy cat and a new, boisterous family member. Funny and memorable!

[Neo · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a cute children's book :)

[Lindsey Richard]

Cute story from a cat point of view when a new dog gets brought into the home. After countless efforts, the cat leaves when it realizes the dog is staying. Eventually, the dog goes out to save the cat and bring it home. This story can be used to talk about appreciating and getting used to what you have. Great, colorful photos to attract students' eyes too.

[Sarah Sammis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harriet picked My Big Dog by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel on a recent trip to the library. She initially chose it for the cute Golden Retriever face on the cover but ended up loving it because it's the story of a cat who doesn't want to learn how to live with a dog.

As soon as we cracked the book open and saw that the narrator was a cat talking about he does not want to share his home with a dog, we were in love. We were also reminded of another favorite, Alice: the Cat Who Was Hounded by Jules Rosenthal. Both are stories of house cats content in their lives and having everything turned upside down by the introduction of a new dog. Another great example of cats and dogs learning to live together (or not) is Poor Puppy by Nick Bruel.

What sets My Big Dog apart is the point of view. The others are told from a human perspective. This one though is told from the cat's point of view. Another difference is that the cat and the dog become friends on their own. There is no human intervention as there is in Alice nor is the rivalry allowed to continue as it does in the Bad Kitty books.

If you have cats and dogs in your life, My Big Dog is a great book to read.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I myself had never read this book as a child, so it was a first for me and my son to read it together. I LOVED the story being written from the cats perspective. Although I do not really care for how most cartoon books seem to make the dogs out to the big dummies. Of course my son wouldn't see it that way, nor would any other child. But it's something I noticed. It was a bit longer length wise, than what my son is used to (we usually read 6-8 page picture books by Eric Carle) but all in all this was a cute read. I had borrowed it from my sister, who has kept all of my 14 year old nephews children's book, because of the Dog on the front. My son LOVES Dogs and I had a feeling he'd love this one. I don't think I was wrong either, since he sat in my lap patiently the whole time I read. :-)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My five-year-old son picked this book out from the library this week. We have a big dog. Her name is Sophie.

This book was a good story that wasn't quite executed as well as it could have been. The text was a bit clunky and dry. It could have flowed better. It could have had more humor. The book, however, was saved by the illustrations.

In addition to be very well done, the illustrations contained the humor that was lacking from the text. The facial expressions of the cat were wonderful. The illustrations also helped with the flow of the story. This book is greatly improved if the listeners can see as well as hear it.


Actual rating -- Text: 3 stars; illustrations: 4 stars.

[Hayle Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute picture book! I really enjoyed this children's book. I am a dog lover, so it was bound to be a good read for me! I liked how the words were suitable for younger children. The language is relatively "easy" and I really do think this will be a good book to have in my own personal library in my elementary classroom. I would use this book in my classroom by reading it to my students and then have them write their own mini story about a pet they have/had/know and use correct punctuation. I also enjoyed this book because of its creative illustrations. This is a good age for all ages!

Stevens, J., & Stevens-Crummel, S. (1999) My big dog. New York, NY: Golden Books Publishing Company Inc.

[Liliana Escamilla]

This book is excellent to teach students how much a new dog can change a family. We all think it is just fun and games and do not realize how much work it actually is.

My Big Dog teaches students that dogs are a huge responsibility. We must care for them and know what they need so that we can make them feel at home. Bringing a dog home is a life changing event, it's like adding a new family member.

Students would be able to write about a time when they have gone through a major change in their life. It can be about a new baby in the family, or someone moving away.

[Fibersian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another of my favorites. Janet Stevens tells the story of the cat Merl who feels that he owns the house where he lives. When a puppy comes into the family he can't deal with it so he runs away. He discovers that the real world is very unpleasant.His dog rescues Merl from the rain. Merl restates that everything in the house is his - including MY Big Dog.

Sequencing narrative. - fun story. The pictures are black and white photographs when showing the cat's eye view. Highlight the view point of Merl in contrast to 3rd person story telling.