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Please Don't Tell Cooper He's a Dog

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****** GOLD Award Recipient of Mom's Choice Awards

****** 2021 Readers' Favorite BRONZE MEDAL WINNER

******Readers' Favorite Five Star Review

****** Story Monsters Approved 2020 Winner in 3 categories

****** National Indie Excellence Awards, Finalist

Dogs are people too! At least, that is what Cooper the rescue dog believes! This hilarious, delightful dog adventure helps to teach young readers about kindness to animals and pet adoption. For children ages 2-8, and their families.

30 pages, Hardcover

First published November 3, 2020

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About the author

Michelle Lander Feinberg

3 books107 followers
Children’s book author Michelle Lander Feinberg believes that a great children’s story is one that is entertaining and humorous but that also has a subtle lesson. She hopes her young readers come away from her second book, Please Don’t Tell Cooper That Jack is a Rabbit, learning the importance of friendship and that friends should celebrate their differences.

As a lifelong animal advocate, Michelle is a strong supporter of animal welfare organizations and does her best to spread the word about the importance of adopting pets from animal shelters and rescue groups.

When she isn’t writing funny and heartwarming stories with positive messages for children, Michelle enjoys spending quality time with her husband and five children, traveling, reading, and painting. She lives outside of Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband, Andrew, their children, and their rescue dog Cooper. Her abstract paintings can be purchased on her website www.micheidistudio.com






#adoptdontshop
#cooperthedog
#dogsarepeopletoo
#funny
#doggo
#childrensbooks
#picturebooks
#rescuedogs
#diversity
#friendship



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5 stars
52 (69%)
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16 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Miranda Reads.
1,589 reviews157k followers
January 12, 2021
description

Just finished my 2020 Book-Year in Review BookTube Video - Click the link to see my recs!
The Written Review
description

He's kind, and he's gentle, loyal, and brave,
but simply confused about how dogs behave."
This gorgeous little picture book follows an adorable giant of a dog...who thinks he's people!

He wasn't always like that though! Cooper was adopted from a shelter by a loving family.

Annnd, almost immediately, the five children begin treating him like he's human.
He couldn't be bothered with dog food or kibble
until we add steak sauce he won't even nibble.
And now Cooper is convinced that he's the 6th child of this wild and rambunctious family!

This book was absolutely adorable.

I have my own dog (Squamish), and I swear, he thinks he's an only child. So many human gestures in the way he asks for belly rubbins or begs for human food (surprisingly, he loves peas!).

So, of course, I really enjoyed reading a book all about how a dog fits in with his human siblings.

I loved, loved, loved the little rhyming couplets - so few words but it completely conveyed the essence of Cooper.

The illustrations are absolutely make-or-break for most (if not all) picture books and the artist for this one was fantastic.

The family members were really entertaining to watch and the little gestures from Cooper really cinched it for me.

All in all, I would highly recommend this book!

With thanks to Michelle Lander Feinberg for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for TL .
1,878 reviews53 followers
December 27, 2020
*Read for free with Kindle Unlimited *

Cute book 📖 :)
Profile Image for Steve Callahan.
Author 4 books3 followers
November 29, 2020
This is a cute story about Cooper the rescue pooch that immediately becomes part of the family. Cooper takes "dog smarts" to a new level. While some dogs may be content with playing chase or fetch, Cooper would rather ski, travel, or even get on the yoga mat. The author's love for dogs shines through and the illustrations depict Cooper interacting with the whole family. And that's the point. Dogs are members of the family and this is perfectly illustrated in this tale. I think young readers will enjoy reading all about Cooper and the story can be used as a great teaching tool for rescue pet adoption.
Profile Image for Nilay Erdem.
Author 5 books6 followers
November 20, 2020
This is a lovely book with colorful illustrations. When I read the story, I really appreciated that the family picked him up from a rescue center. If you are a dog owner, it will make a lot of sense to you how Cooper thinks he is a person. The author pictures different situations where Cooper becomes part of the activities, some of them are unexpected, fun to read!
Profile Image for Marcia Young.
Author 1 book
November 30, 2020
This is the sweet story of Cooper and his adoptive family. You will laugh along with your kids at the the silly things Cooper does and the whimsical adventures he has. The lovely illustrations add texture and interest to each page. It's a book that will leave you smiling, and you won't mind reading it over and over again.
November 19, 2020
Cooper reminds me of my own dog. He is a member of the family and doesn't enjoy dog activities. Cooper is wild and fun. This is a great story for any early reader who wants to rescue a dog. This is an interesting page-turner.
Profile Image for Michelle Feinberg.
Author 3 books107 followers
February 17, 2021
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite (added by author as Reader's Favorite cannot post directly onto Good Reads)

Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog is a children’s animal picture
book written by Michelle Lander Feinberg and illustrated by Anna
Mosca. Cooper was definitely their dog; from the moment they set
eyes upon him at the animal shelter, they knew he was going to be
a part of their family. Or maybe he decided that they were his
family? In any event, out the door the family flew, following their
newest member. Cooper wasn’t big on doing doggie tricks,
however, or being in any way a dog. He enjoyed sitting on the
couch with his family and eating at the dinner table, just like any
other member of the family. And he was as gentle, loving, and
cheerful as anyone could ever ask for -- just don’t call him a dog.
Michelle Lander Feinberg’s Please Don't Tell Cooper He's A Dog
eloquently states what I’ve long believed -- dogs are angelic
companions who grace us with their presence, their unconditional
love, and steadfast optimism. Calling them dogs somehow just
doesn’t cover what having a canine companion in one’s family truly
means. I was enchanted by this story of Cooper, whose lovely smile,
kind eyes, and exuberance shine through on every page of this
marvelous story. Anna Mosca’s amazing watercolors capture
Cooper’s spirit in every panel, and each one made me smile.
I can’t think of a better book to share with children who have canine
companions in their family or will be visiting a shelter in the near
future to adopt a new family member. It captures the fact that each
dog is unique and special, and not to be labeled or expected to
perform in a set or predictable way, just like their human
companions. A grand selection for storytime, Please Don't Tell
Cooper He's A Dog is also written at a level that will enable young
readers to enjoy reading it on their own. It’s most highly
recommended.




"An engaging, lighthearted tale of a beloved canine." - Kirkus Reviews
Profile Image for AvidBibliophile.
188 reviews5 followers
March 8, 2021
A Canine that Promotes Compassionate Acceptance! 🌟

After being adopted from a local animal shelter, a lovable and quirky canine named Cooper finds a family of his very own in this book! As he begins to live life alongside his new siblings, he starts to imitate their mannerisms and decidedly humanistic behaviors. This dog quickly begins to exhibit several anthropomorphic qualities 🪑 like sitting in a chair to read and sitting at the dinner table while holding a fork. The depictions visually support the intended meaning of the book’s title, and they give the canine character a sense of confident independence.

Since most dogs would never get the chance to travel to Spain, Paris, Switzerland, or Milan, it was nice to see this pup visit the Eiffel Tower and some European museums. When he took off on his solo expedition around the world, it was unclear where he might eventually end up. His sense of passionate wanderlust was intoxicating, but the love he felt for his family easily brought him back home! 🏡

I loved the playful color scheme, the font choices, and all of the whimsical illustrations by Anna Mosca that were depicted throughout this book. The human characters exuded a sense of playful and carefree naïveté, and one child even wore glasses while another appeared in overalls and pigtails. All of the passages felt lighthearted and sentimental, the tale was succinct and concise, and I loved the whimsical simplicity of the rhyming rhetoric. All of the illustrations convincingly matched the paired text, and I think this book would visually attract the intended target audience of young children in pet-friendly homes.

Kids will love reading about belly rubs, bubble baths, and water slides. I would gladly recommend this sweet children's story to my immediate friends and family. It features the benefits of pet adoption and weaves in a presence of compassionate acceptance. It’s dedicated to all of the rescue groups that give stray animals a second chance at life. Super Cooper is an inspiring pooch!
Profile Image for Kathryn (Dragon Bite Books).
485 reviews30 followers
February 2, 2021
Review originally post on my blog, Dragon Bite Books .

The illustrations are wonderfully whimsical and watercolor-like, and the story is so sweet. I’ve cats and a pony rather than any dog, but I know I talk to them as though they’re human too (especially the cats). This is a delightful little book, and I’d love to hear more about Cooper’s exploits in Europe.

Cooper, a large dog (Bernese Mountain dog?), is adopted by a large, white family (five kids, mother, father), is treated as a family member, given a seat at the table, taken on skiing trips where he skis beside his humans, et al, and this encourages him to believe himself more human than dog. Once called a dog, Cooper takes off to Europe on his own grand tour, buying himself a plane ticket or several. He misses his family and returns home despite the slight to be treated again as a human member of the family.

I think far too few pages were dedicated to Cooper’s adventures in Europe, and I sincerely hope that there might be and think that there is room for sequels of Cooper’s adventures abroad. The book focuses more on the message that this dog Cooper—all dogs—should be treated as family than on international hijinks that I think would be a laugh as Cooper convinces European nationals to treat him as much as human as his family in America does do. This would be a sweet book, a funny book for any dog-loving family.
Profile Image for Carla.
6,131 reviews134 followers
December 11, 2021
This is the second book in the Cooper the Dog series, written by Michelle Lander Feinberg to promote animal adoption. In the first book, Cooper is adopted by a family and is treated more like a human than a dog. Cooper is now ready to make a new friend and Jack, the rabbit hops by at just the right time. Once Jack realizes that Cooper just wants to be friends, they become inseparable. Luckily mom lets Jack become part of the family. You would never know that they were two different species as they enjoy the same things. This is a cute book that promotes positive pet ownership as well as accepting differences. Even though Cooper and Jack are very different, they are still best of friends, a positive message to kids. I did find that my grandchildren didn't get the message on their own, but we had a great discussion after finishing the story. The illustrations are large, colourful, amusing and detailed, adding much to the story. The rhyming cadence makes it fun to read and listen to, but there were a few spots that I stumbled over when reading. A fun book for schools, classrooms and families.
79 reviews3 followers
December 8, 2020
A superb youngsters' story that catches the adoration and bliss that a saved canine can bring to a family.

This is an adorable tale about Cooper the salvage pooch that quickly turns out to be important for the family.

While a few canines might be substance with playing pursue or bring, Cooper would prefer to ski, travel, or even jump on the yoga tangle.

The creator's adoration for canines radiates through and the representations portray Cooper communicating with the entire family. Also, that is the point.

Canines are individuals from the family and this is impeccably outlined in this story.

This is a flawless book with brilliant representations. The story is elegantly composed and very much delineated.

The story can be utilised as an extraordinary showing instrument for salvage pet selection.

I love the representations, they are satisfying and simple to peruse and comprehend.

This book has upgraded stunning pictures and gives an uncommon message, that canines are important for the family and should consistently be treated with generosity and regard.
Profile Image for LitPick Book Reviews.
703 reviews24 followers
February 16, 2021
Please Don’t Tell Cooper He’s a Dog is a heartwarming and humorous story of a family dog named Cooper, but he does not think he is a dog. No, Cooper is anything but a normal dog. He acts like a human! This book takes readers through a fun-filled life with Cooper. His unique personality shines in everything he does, and that is just the beginning. Readers, get ready to giggle and gasp at Cooper who does not know he is a dog.

Opinion:
Please Don’t Tell Cooper He’s a Dog is a perfect story for new readers. Not only do the illustrations bring the story to life, but they also span across each page to allow readers to fully experience life with Cooper. Readers will chuckle at the humor in the story, and the simple and quippy rhymes make this book perfect for reading aloud. Overall, this picture book is a great way for new readers to dive into the exciting life of Cooper with life-like illustrations and amusing rhymes.
Profile Image for Kelly Wilson.
65 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2021
Please Don't Tell Cooper He's a Dog
(children's book, fiction, animal stories, pets, dogs, family, reality vs. fantasy)

Please Don't Tell Cooper He's a Dog by Michelle Lander Feinberg is a funny story about Cooper the dog who thinks he's a person. Cooper isn't an ordinary dog. He likes to water ski, go to the ballet, go shopping, and eat with a knife and fork at the dinner table. One day when someone told Cooper heIS a dog, Cooper got bent out of shape about it, hopped a plane, and traveled the world!

If you are an elementary school teacher, you can use Please Don't Tell Cooper He's a Dog with your language arts lessons about reality vs. fantasy and personification/anthropomorphism.

Best for elementary school students. Whole group, small group, and independent reading.

Kelly Wilson
Teacher/Children's Book Blogger
Kelly's Classroom Online
www.kellysclassroomonline.com
Profile Image for Erin.
545 reviews6 followers
March 12, 2021
I LOVED this book SO DARN MUCH!

1st - I loved that there are redheads. As a ginger I always love to see characters that are like me. :)

2nd - The rhyming in this book was perfectly done!

3rd - Cooper is so ADORABLE! He is a big giant loveable goof who reminded me of my fur baby. (Please don't tell him he isn't a dog either! He won't believe it!)

In short - if you love dogs and treat them like family, you will adore this one. I highly recommend it for those with younger kids, but even as a adult I loved it!

THANK YOU to the author and booktasters for my free ebook copy of this book in exchange for my HONEST review.
Profile Image for Clarence Coggins.
Author 10 books57 followers
December 18, 2020
From A Sheltered Life To Hijinks A Doggone Good Story

I admire rhyming stories. They seem like they take so much more concentration to produce. This book successfully covers several areas. It’s informative, humorous and has a great cause.

Children will love Cooper’s attitude. Shelters will appreciate the push for more pet adoption. Parents will be prepared in a gentle way to set proper expectations for adopted pets.

I also like that this book was two stories in one. This is a fun read for a wonderful mission. The love beams throughout the tale.
December 12, 2020
This is such a fun and creative story about a rescue dog that's in denial and wants to be human. This book reminds me so much of my two spoiled Papillions. Cooper joins in on family yoga sessions and only eats his dog food if it's topped with steak sauce. The illustrations are so vibrant and descriptive and Cooper's antics had me laughing out loud! I like that's it's entertaining and educational, as it teaches kids about animal shelters. I would definitely recommend this book for kids, dog lovers, and early childhood education teachers.
Profile Image for Heather.
6 reviews
January 5, 2021
A wonderful reminder that through diligence, patience, and kindness a pet is really truly family. It’s a fun little children’s book with adorable illustrations that highlights the importance of pet adoptions, as well as the beauty, joy, and enrichment that they add to our life.
But most importantly, pets are family through and through.

*I received a signed copy of this book as a Goodreads giveaway.*
1 review
January 31, 2021
Michelle Lander Feinberg did a good job of bringing this book. It's a cool book kid would like for sure. First, it's colorful and light in volume. The illustrations by Anna Mosca are marvelous to grasps the scenes in no minute. Also, junior readers would get to know how to be kind to pets and animals. Yes, Cooper befriended all kids and young ones in the family. Yes, the family members see him, not a dog but a friend.
116 reviews
April 27, 2021
This book was so close to our paw family member in personality. I loved it! Of course, our paw family member cannot take the action Cooper did, but I bet he would if he could.

I think this would be a fantastic bedtime story for a young person.

Based on a five-star rating, I give it five stars!
1) Buy from the author in the future? Yes
2) Did it keep me intrigued? Yes
3) Storyline adventurous, mysterious, and believable? Yes, because I believe in Cooper.
4) Would I recommend it to a family member/friend? Yes.
5) Did my idea of the book based on the cover remain the same after I read the book? Yes. One can tell Cooper has a larger-than-life personality.
Profile Image for Marina Elias.
73 reviews35 followers
December 26, 2020
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for sending me this copy!

I absolutely fell in love with this book! It's a perfect blend of a simple, easy to follow plot, and rhymes, and beautiful illustrations. The perfect blend for a children's book. The story is beautiful and I think when a child reads this, they would want to adopt a rescue dog.

Also, the illustrations are so pretty, they will surely grab the child's attention and they are expressive as well. And the rhyming adds to the
68 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2021
Adorable book about the crazy, goofy antics of a Rescue Pup named Cooper who thinks he's just another family member. For those of us who love our dogs, we can see ourselves and our dogs in this book. It made me laugh. This is the perfect book to read to or give a child who loves dogs. A fun book for adults who love children's books.
67 reviews5 followers
January 19, 2021
Funny imaginative story of a rescue dog who takes over a family. I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway and believe my granddaughter will love the big goofy dog story.
The illustrations are great and will be fun to share with children. Cooper is the heart of this family and is truly the parents 6th child as he becomes more human than dog.
Profile Image for ReensReads.
402 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2021
Very sweet, fun, hilarious and heartwarming story

This is a really lovely story about a pet dog who doesn't seem to think he's a dog! He tries to act like his human owners which can turn out to be quite hilarious and funny! I really enjoyed the story which is written in rhyme and with gorgeous illustrations that bring Cooper to life. Wonderful book
Profile Image for EmioÑa Hammam.
49 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2021
The way the story is written and how it sounds is very cozy and lovely. The drawings in the book are catchy as well. I really like it and see how can it be a cozy bedtime story for our kids.
Thanks, Booktasters!
460 reviews28 followers
January 24, 2021
This was a cute fantasy story about a big dog on the order of a Clifford-type tale. This adopted dog is so much a part of the family that he sits in a seat at the ballet like a human and poops on the toilet...Kids will like the silliness.

(I received this in a goodreads giveaway.)
Profile Image for Marylou Wickizer.
29 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2021
I entered the giveaway for this book so I could give it to my granddaughter.It’s an adorable story about finding a family pet by going to the shelter and rescuing a stray dog. It’s such a happy little story .I can’t wait to give it to my granddaughter.
Profile Image for Patricia.
Author 22 books44 followers
January 4, 2021
This is a cute picture book that most dog owners will relate to. I read with my 6-year-old,who giggled all the way through.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 49 reviews

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