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Hound Won't Go

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Out for a walk on a cloudy day, Hound suddenly decides that he's gone far enough...right in the middle of a busy intersection! His owner tugs on his leash and offers treat after treat, but Hound won't go. Then those clouds open up into a thunderstorm--and Hound goes and goes. Short, bouncy text and a sweet ending make this the perfect story for all who love dogs, even at their most stubborn.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2020

60 people want to read

About the author

Lisa Jean LaBanca Rogers

8 books34 followers
Award-winning author Lisa Rogers was inspired to write for children through her career as an elementary school librarian.

JOAN MITCHELL PAINTS A SYMPHONY, about the iconic abstract artist, illustrated by Stacy Innerst, received the Eureka! Nonfiction Silver Honor Award from the California Reading Association. In a starred review, Kirkus called the book "Simply marvelous."

WOODY'S WORDS: WOODROW WILSON RAWLS AND 'WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS, illustrated by Susan Reagan, about the life of the author of the classic novel of a boy and his hounds, was called ""A poignant tribute to the power of story" by Kirkus.

BEAUTIFUL NOISE: THE MUSIC OF JOHN CAGE, illustrated by Il Sung Na (Random House Kids/Anne Schwartz Books) received 3 starred reviews, the SCBWI Golden Kite Honor Award for Nonfiction Picture Book Text, was named a Julia Ward Howe Award Notable Book by the Boston Authors Club and was a Crystal Kite Finalist.

Her debut picture book, 16 WORDS: WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS AND “THE RED WHEELBARROW,” (Random House/Schwartz & Wade), was featured in The New York Times, received 2 starred reviews, won the Julia Ward Howe Award from the Boston Authors Club & the Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award & was a Crystal Kite finalist.

HOUND WON’T GO, illustrated by Meg Ishihara (Albert Whitman). was inspired by Lisa's stubborn but lovable hound and is a Massachusetts Must-Read.

She's the author of the best-selling ELVIS PRESLEY: A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY (illus. Luke Flowers) and RONALD REAGAN: A LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK BIOGRAPHY (illus. Catherine Pape), both from Random House Kids.

Her poem is the title poem of the anthology IF I COULD CHOOSE A BEST DAY from acclaimed poets and editors Irene Latham & Charles Waters (Candlewick).

Lisa is co-author of DISCOVER HER ART: WOMEN ARTISTS AND THEIR MASTERPIECES, which looks at the lives and art of 24 women painters (Chicago Review Press).

Lisa holds a BA in English Literature from William & Mary, an MA in English from Boston College, and an MLS from Southern Connecticut State University.

A former newspaper reporter and editor, she grew up on the New Jersey shore, lives near Boston, and has run the Boston Marathon four times.

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5 stars
76 (52%)
4 stars
39 (26%)
3 stars
27 (18%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Hedlund.
Author 6 books215 followers
March 15, 2020
This book will sneak up on you. It's adorable right from the beginning, and you think you know what it's about, but then... By the end, you'll be hunting for hounds at your shelter who might need homes. Perfect combination of funny, silly, and sweet.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Volkmann.
40 reviews
April 26, 2020
This book is so much fun! First, the 'hound' in question is delightfully rendered by Ishihara. The expressions and emotions the hound displays are captivating and are the perfect pairing with the jaunty, rhyming text that Rogers has created. Readers will delight in the stubborn hound who just won't go - much to the consternation of the owner and those affected by a stay-put pup. A perfect read aloud that allows for the adult to add expression to the text for engaged enjoyment, it also prepares the young reader to take on the rhyming text on their own in short order. This is a lovely addition to the home or daycare/school library and a must have for dog lovers - especially those who have experienced the dog who won't go! The kind, loving ending reminds us all that despite those moments of push-and-pull, ending the day with a snuggle is always the way to 'go'.
Profile Image for Teresa Traver.
Author 3 books19 followers
March 15, 2020
Looking for a captivating book with sparing, rhyming text? Check out HOUND WON'T GO, which is perfect for bedtime reading. The few words on each page carry great impact. This book is both funny and --especially by the end-- touching.

The bright illustrations are perfect at capturing the expression of the goofy hound, and the illustrator also did a great job showing the changes in weather that occur over the course of this book.

Verdict: can't wait to read this to my 2 year old. He's going to love it.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,775 reviews29 followers
December 30, 2020
Picture book in rhyme. This book features a lovable hound dog who likes to stop in the middle of his walk, even if it's in the middle of the street. What is the owner to do when "Try a treat? Hound won't eat. Tug the rope? Hound says nope." Luckily a summer shower scares the hound dog into moving back home. The illustrations are so fun, giving the dog and the owner lots of facial expressions. This would be a great book for a toddler storytime.
Profile Image for Andrew.
1,976 reviews127 followers
December 13, 2019
Perhaps you know a stubborn hound? Maybe you even live with one! This floppy hound finds the perfect spot to lay about-- but it's in the middle of a crosswalk! Nothing his person tries to do seems to coax him out of the way... even a treat! What will it take to get Hound home? Find out in this adorable and relatable tale.
1 review4 followers
March 24, 2020
This funny, clever, heart-warming book is a must for any young reader, even if they are not a dog lover. Rogers' llanguage is so witty and light-hearted and her lyrical rhyming is an enjoyable read aloud for parents, teachers, or anyone who loves a great book. This gem will make you laugh out loud and tug at your heartstrings. A wonderful addition to any bookshelf!
1 review
March 25, 2020
It's cute, funny, adorable, and a book that all toddlers would enjoy! Just looking at the illustrations will bring a smile to your face because of all the expressions that the hound has throughout the entire book. It's a simple-read, but is very sweet and would definitely recommend it to any parent with little kids.
Profile Image for Maria Kruse.
2 reviews
April 3, 2020
How cute is this book?? My kid loooooves dogs and she got a kick out of going through all the pictures and seeing the different kinds of dogs featured in the book. She thinks Hound is hilarious -- probably 'cos she's just as stubborn! Lol. It's part of our nightly bedtime storybook rotation. Would recommend for anyone with a kid (or any dog lover, really).
Profile Image for Tanya Konerman.
Author 1 book12 followers
April 20, 2020
Sometimes simple is simply wonderful, and that's the case with this adorable story about a hound who stops and plops in the middle of the road, causing havoc all around him. Short rhyming text propels the story while bright, vibrant illustrations add extra heart and warmth. A fun, funny dog-lover's delight!
Profile Image for Sara Fajardo.
Author 5 books21 followers
April 26, 2020
A charming rhyming picture book about a strong-willed pooch. The lyrical language draws you in and Meg Ishihara's expressive illustrations make you fall in love with this obstinate pup. And right when you think you have the story figured out there is a sudden heart-racing twist followed by an awww moment that make this book a keeper.
Profile Image for Carol Gordon  Ekster.
Author 6 books82 followers
May 10, 2020
A relatable book for all those pet owners out there. This makes such a terrific read-aloud. Told in rhyme, this fun story will entertain with its wonderful rhythmic short stanzas and adorable illustrations. Love that what finally makes hound go is thunder. Wonderful way to discuss fears with little ones. Great picture book! Adorable illustrations.
Profile Image for Adam Blackman.
27 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2020
Spare rhymes and expressive illustrations highlight the simple, utterly relatable story of a stubborn pup who stops in the middle of the street and won't budge. Parents of recalcitrant toddlers as well as dog owners will empathize immediately with this tricky situation, and welcome the heartwarming events that follow.
Profile Image for Brittany.
2,663 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2020
Although it is very short and simple, this is by far my most favorite picture book of the year! It is absolutely hilarious and will totally touch any dog-lovers heart. The illustrations are the best ever! Kudos to the illustrator on this one! My daughter and I both LOVED it! Do yourself a favor and find this one quick!
Profile Image for Susan.
437 reviews74 followers
March 13, 2020
Hound is a lot like my dog: stubborn but also very cute and lovable. Told in simple, bouncing rhymes with lively illustrations, the story goes from silly to sweet as Hound finally moves out of the road. I think younger kids will enjoy the text and art.

NOTE: I received a digital review copy.
10 reviews
March 15, 2020
With its spare text and expressive illustrations, this book will appeal to kids and adults alike. Kids will love to "read" along (I can imagine them chanting the refrain "Hound won't go."), and parents will enjoy the easy, unforced rhythm and rhyme. Perfect for kids of all ages.
16 reviews
March 18, 2020
This book is simple but very sweet and fun. I snort laughed at the perfect expression on Hound's face when he would not go. There was fun action with great illustration and a very sweet ending. I could see this being a favorite for my kids.
Profile Image for Christy.
Author 50 books24 followers
April 6, 2020
With a great combination of spare verse and lively, kid-friendly illustrations, this book tells a rollicking story of a certain stubborn (but lovable) hound and his devoted girl. It's a heartwarming picture book.
Profile Image for Elaine.
Author 3 books69 followers
April 26, 2020
HOUND WON'T GO is a hilarious and heartwarming story that will delight children and adults alike. The text is simple yet lyrical, and the illustrations that complement the text are hilarious. This one is a winner!
Profile Image for Lindsay Leslie.
Author 7 books44 followers
May 4, 2020
After reading this book, I wanted to give that hound a big ol' snuggle. A simple rhyming text coupled with expressive artwork convey the stubbornness of this laid-back pooch amid an escalating situation. The rhythm moves the reader along to a cozy and satisfying ending. Check it out.
Profile Image for Kelly Carey.
Author 1 book47 followers
May 5, 2020
Hound Won’t Go features an adorable but stubborn dog who refuses to move! Kids will giggle and beg for this one to be read over and over and I bet they even start finishing the wonderful silly rhymes! A great read aloud to share!
Profile Image for Kirsti Call.
Author 6 books64 followers
May 29, 2020
Hilarious text combines with emotive illustrations! So MUCH fun!
Profile Image for Stefanie Foard.
1,191 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2020
I feel like I should be getting royalties for this because Darcy is obviously the dog this is based on. ;)
Profile Image for Carolyn Leiloglou.
Author 6 books167 followers
May 11, 2020
The simple, rhyming text is perfect for preschoolers, but dog lovers of all ages will love it, especially owners of recalcitrant pups who don't always behave the way their owners might prefer.
64 reviews2 followers
June 23, 2020
Adorable sweet rhyming book. Hound is loveable and the problem is one I too have encountered with my pup! Kids will love this.
Profile Image for Paula.
Author 2 books252 followers
September 22, 2020
This has the same rhythm and structure as Sheep in a Jeep - like, exactly - and I'm not sure whether I'm cool with that or not.
Profile Image for Farah Mendlesohn.
Author 34 books168 followers
June 7, 2024
for anyone who owns a basset hound.

Mine decided to sit down on a zebra crossing in the centre of Tewkesbury. People were collapsing in laughter and she didn’t care. They are ridiculous dogs and utterly adorable.
Profile Image for Carrie Finison.
Author 11 books94 followers
October 8, 2020
This a sweet book about an adorable but stubborn dog that stops in the middle of the street and won't budge...until a little thunder rolls in. The story builds through short, spare text and amusing illustrations of the dog's owner and the whole community working together to get him moving. At it's heart, the story is about the loving owner-pet relationship and acceptance of Hound, even with all his stubborn ways.
Profile Image for Cynthia June Long.
172 reviews4 followers
March 8, 2022
Misleading title. Hound won't walk, ~not~ hound won't go [to the bathroom].
Adorable bassett hound lies down in the middle of the street and refuses to move.
Simple (not simplistic) rhyme.
Bright colorful illustrations.
"Finds my bed. Rests his head. / Rain puddles, hound cuddles." And the last page, the text accompanying the big brown puppy dog eyes: "Hound, don't go."
Heartwarming.
good for read-aloud or family sharing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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