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So You Want a Puppy?
Getting a new puppy or dog can be a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work, especially when the pup tracks muddy paw prints in the kitchen and chews on shoes!
So You Want a Puppy? tells the story of a family welcoming a new dog into their home. The family learns how to train, care for, and share love with new dog Murray as they explore daily life adventures. This picture book for early and young readers is an introduction to pet care, and its responsibilities and joys.
So You Want a Puppy? tells the story of a family welcoming a new dog into their home. The family learns how to train, care for, and share love with new dog Murray as they explore daily life adventures. This picture book for early and young readers is an introduction to pet care, and its responsibilities and joys.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2019
About the author
Raven Howell
41 books284 followersRaven is an award winning author and poet of picture books. She's a journalist for Story Monsters Ink magazine and Voice. She writes for children's magazines such as Highlights for Children, Ladybug, Cricket, and Hello. Raven is the Creative & Publishing Advisor for RedClover Reader, and writes educational storybooks for various children's publishers. She's a contributing author for Reading is Fundamental (SOCAL) and I Am A Promise Books.
Her work is published in anthologies, in DVD and CD format, in both public and home schooling programs. Raven has won several awards including Excellence in Children's Literature, A Golden Box Books, NABE's Pinnacle, SCBWI Magazine Merit, and Global Impact Award. She remains active with charity work, and presenting children's workshops for elementary classes and in libraries. Raven is a member of the SCBWI and ILA and IBPA.
Strolling the beach, music, reading, spring flowers, a warm wood stove, and straight-out-of-the-oven butterscotch chocolate chip cookies inspire many of her poems and stories.
Her work is published in anthologies, in DVD and CD format, in both public and home schooling programs. Raven has won several awards including Excellence in Children's Literature, A Golden Box Books, NABE's Pinnacle, SCBWI Magazine Merit, and Global Impact Award. She remains active with charity work, and presenting children's workshops for elementary classes and in libraries. Raven is a member of the SCBWI and ILA and IBPA.
Strolling the beach, music, reading, spring flowers, a warm wood stove, and straight-out-of-the-oven butterscotch chocolate chip cookies inspire many of her poems and stories.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 29, 2020
"So You Want a Puppy?" just makes me smile, from the joyful, bright cover and all through to the end. Such colors and happiness in Ann Pilicer's illustrations! And I make no bones about it (haha - pun intended)- I am a great fan of Raven Howell's rhymes. She's always fresh and original and a delight to the heart and ear of adults as well as kids. The book does a great job depicting what it's like to live with a puppy, and honestly shows what some people might consider challenges, like the very wet bath time and scampering muddy paw prints. But the ultimate message is that having a puppy is having a bundle of love, that fills and opens your heart to even more love than you knew you had.
October 11, 2019
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
6th October 2019
TITLE: So You Want A Puppy
AUTHOR: Raven Howell
ILLUSTRATOR: Ann Pilicer
Star Rating: 5
‘A wonderfully fun, rhyming story, perfect for younger children, particularly if they want a puppy. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
This is the story of a boy who gets a puppy and how the love between them grows. And, I must, say, it’s amazingly sweet. There was so much to enjoy in this picture book from Raven Howell, whether it be the wonderfully playful language – a shaggy, waggy pet - or the sweetly drawn characters. The style of the language is also perfect for a story of this nature and for this readership age. It is simple, and the rhyming – and the rhythm - is spot on. And, I’m delighted to report, I didn’t spot a single grammatical error. What joy!
Now to the illustrations. For my daughter (who also read the book), they were the best part of the story. Yes, she enjoyed the story and the playful language, but it was the colourful, even delightful drawings that had her enthralled. I always feel sad when I’m asked to comment on children books that look like a Disney film. Or that look so computer generated, they lack any heart and soul. Not so here. Charming, wonderfully colorful with characters that simply jump off the page. I must say, Ann Pilicer, the illustrator, is a very talented lady. There are plenty of them too, and they, along with the lightly written story, kept her enthralled all evening.
I would think any parent who is looking for a lightly written, fun-filled, story for children aged 3 – 6 would find this book fits the bill perfectly. Also, there’s a lovely theme of ‘responsibility’ to it, as the boy’s job is not only to play with the puppy, but also to walk it and feed it too.
Colorfully illustrated and with plenty happening to keep a child amused, it might prove very popular at bedtime. The only problem is, the child will want a puppy after reading it. I know I did!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
6th October 2019
TITLE: So You Want A Puppy
AUTHOR: Raven Howell
ILLUSTRATOR: Ann Pilicer
Star Rating: 5
‘A wonderfully fun, rhyming story, perfect for younger children, particularly if they want a puppy. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
This is the story of a boy who gets a puppy and how the love between them grows. And, I must, say, it’s amazingly sweet. There was so much to enjoy in this picture book from Raven Howell, whether it be the wonderfully playful language – a shaggy, waggy pet - or the sweetly drawn characters. The style of the language is also perfect for a story of this nature and for this readership age. It is simple, and the rhyming – and the rhythm - is spot on. And, I’m delighted to report, I didn’t spot a single grammatical error. What joy!
Now to the illustrations. For my daughter (who also read the book), they were the best part of the story. Yes, she enjoyed the story and the playful language, but it was the colourful, even delightful drawings that had her enthralled. I always feel sad when I’m asked to comment on children books that look like a Disney film. Or that look so computer generated, they lack any heart and soul. Not so here. Charming, wonderfully colorful with characters that simply jump off the page. I must say, Ann Pilicer, the illustrator, is a very talented lady. There are plenty of them too, and they, along with the lightly written story, kept her enthralled all evening.
I would think any parent who is looking for a lightly written, fun-filled, story for children aged 3 – 6 would find this book fits the bill perfectly. Also, there’s a lovely theme of ‘responsibility’ to it, as the boy’s job is not only to play with the puppy, but also to walk it and feed it too.
Colorfully illustrated and with plenty happening to keep a child amused, it might prove very popular at bedtime. The only problem is, the child will want a puppy after reading it. I know I did!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
September 18, 2019
When I received a preview copy of the new book written by Raven Howell (and illustrated by Ann Pilicer), I thought, "Well, it's about dogs - and I'm a cat person - how much can I end up liking it?" Was I ever wrong! I am so happy I've had the opportunity to read So You Want a Puppy? and am ordering a hard copy. The story is balanced delicately and thoughtfully between real-life advice and teachings about owning a new pet, and a light-hearted and funny plot of puppy prowess and the family trying to keep up with Murray's (the pup's) shenanigans. The rhyming text moves along seamlessly and phrases such as "Dashing through the puddles, he doesn't care to rinse. Indoor kitchen tiles leave us patterned muddy prints" give a delightful poetic lilt! As an adult, it reminded me so much of my own experiences when I was a young kid with our dog in the household. As my third grader cousin read it, he kept grinning, cracking up, and became inquisitive and was engaged. One of the cutest moments from the book? When Murray's chasing his tail, trying in vain to catch "his rump"! I recognize illustrator Ann Pilicer's work from the picture book, Greetings! and found her style here just as endearing - full of light, color and images that pull the reader from page to page. Her twilight skies, picnics, bedtime, children's expressions, night stars and squirrels are favorites. Five stars. Love it!
January 13, 2020
It’s impossible to read this book without wanting a puppy of your own. It’s all about puppies and having a new dog, a great book to read with kids leading up to getting the family dog. It clearly depicts all the wonderful things about owning a puppy but also the responsibilities that come with it too. There’s even tips for owners in the back of the book.
March 15, 2023
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Sweet story about bringing home a rescue dog and seeing what is involved in caring for a puppy. Readers follow this young boy as he and the puppy get used to each other. The family is welcoming and nurturing. At the end, Howell includes pet care tips for young owners. The illustrations capture the joy and challenges of pet ownership.
Sweet story about bringing home a rescue dog and seeing what is involved in caring for a puppy. Readers follow this young boy as he and the puppy get used to each other. The family is welcoming and nurturing. At the end, Howell includes pet care tips for young owners. The illustrations capture the joy and challenges of pet ownership.
February 29, 2020
What a great book for any family considering a pet, or one that already has one!
I liked the bright illustrations and sweet rhyming verse. The extra bonus pet tips were perfect for encouraging young readers in their pet ownership journey!
I liked the bright illustrations and sweet rhyming verse. The extra bonus pet tips were perfect for encouraging young readers in their pet ownership journey!
January 5, 2021
Lots of Love & Care
Getting a new pup is loads of fun but also lots of care. In this playful rhyming "tail", it's a terrific way to Show the kiddos what it takes to add this canine cutie to the family. Bonus pet care tips at the end of the story. Enjoy your furry pal with love.
Getting a new pup is loads of fun but also lots of care. In this playful rhyming "tail", it's a terrific way to Show the kiddos what it takes to add this canine cutie to the family. Bonus pet care tips at the end of the story. Enjoy your furry pal with love.
October 13, 2024
I won a free copy of the book from Goodreads Giveaway
This book is adorable!!!! I love the poetry in the book and whimsical art trough out the book! This book is so perfect for when it is time to get a puppy! I think this book really explain the pros and cons of getting a new puppy!
This book is adorable!!!! I love the poetry in the book and whimsical art trough out the book! This book is so perfect for when it is time to get a puppy! I think this book really explain the pros and cons of getting a new puppy!
April 3, 2026
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway. The author was kind enough to sign and personalize it!
This is the cutest story about bringing home a rescued dog. The illustrations are bright and engaging. I'm sure young readers will love it!
This is the cutest story about bringing home a rescued dog. The illustrations are bright and engaging. I'm sure young readers will love it!
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December 30, 2019I don't know how to
December 31, 2019
Excellent book for the grandchildkren. The illustrations are great.
January 8, 2020
My Granddaughter just loves this book. She is two, but she loves the little puppy. Cute book. And the images were done right. I even enjoyed it.
Thank you Raven for making this book.
Thank you Raven for making this book.
May 7, 2020
FYI: I won this book on goodreads.com.
Adorable. 2 1/2 year old grandson approved! Love the rhyming and illustrations. Great intro. to puppy ownership.
Adorable. 2 1/2 year old grandson approved! Love the rhyming and illustrations. Great intro. to puppy ownership.
August 13, 2022
Note: I received a paperback copy of this book from the author.
December 23, 2019
A new puppy in the house! Follow the adorable children as they play, train, and love up an adorable new puppy named Murray!
This children's book is a delight! I love the rhyming prose and the feel of the words bouncing off my tongue. Not only are the illustrations adorable and colorful, but they pull you into the story and anyone who has ever been around a puppy, will feel the excitement and emotions of the children as they experience the rambunctious little fur ball.
Raven Howell has a done a wonderful job of capturing the joy of pet ownership and even gives some new pet advice at the end of the story.
This is for any child to enjoy, and even more so for those new pet owners!
This children's book is a delight! I love the rhyming prose and the feel of the words bouncing off my tongue. Not only are the illustrations adorable and colorful, but they pull you into the story and anyone who has ever been around a puppy, will feel the excitement and emotions of the children as they experience the rambunctious little fur ball.
Raven Howell has a done a wonderful job of capturing the joy of pet ownership and even gives some new pet advice at the end of the story.
This is for any child to enjoy, and even more so for those new pet owners!
December 17, 2019
Great introduction to children about the idea that having a pet means having responsibilities. I love the poetry and the expressive illustrations!
December 11, 2019
I loved it and so did my grandchildren.
November 18, 2019
Excellent book!!!
Read
January 30, 2025This was such a cute book about a family who gets a new dog named Murray. This would be such a good book to read with a young child who has the desire to get a new dog and take care of it. The end even has some extra tips for caring for a new puppy. I also enjoyed the illustrations that reminded me of some of my favorite childhood books style-wise. Thank you for the opportunity to read this lovely book, recommend!
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#GoodreadsGiveaway
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews