My Dog's Brain

by Stephen Huneck

The author's own labrador retriever, Sally, makes her debut in a series of woodcut prints that illustrate the enduring concerns, pleasures, and existential dilemmas of dogs and their human relations.

Genres: Picture Books, Humor, Dogs

96 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 1997

About the author

Stephen Huneck was an American wood carving artist, furniture maker, painter, and author. Most of his artwork is composed of carvings of dogs. In addition to carvings, Huneck also wrote several children's books, the main character of which was his black Labrador Retriever, Sally.

Reviews

[Karen]

This is a children’s book. But…

It is more to me.

This book was given to me by library staff as one of many going away gifts for my 12 years of service and providing programs to the community.

The staff knew how much I loved my corgis. And although this isn’t the story of a corgi, it is a story of the beloved dog of this author. His black Labrador, Sally.

The illustrations showcase the predicaments, pleasures and appetites that make up a dog’s life.

And it is delightful in every way.

Including the difference between good dog v. bad dog. Of course, we as dog lovers, don’t like to emphasize the bad dog with our fur babies, right?

Every once in a while I like to open this book up, just to remind myself of the love between humans – and our special pets.

[Hope]

On the surface, this book was a short and mildly cute book. I had read it several years ago, and held this opinion, until I re-read it recently and discovered the story behind the images. The author's struggle, and the inspiration he received from and used for the wood carvings was positively inspirational. It gives the entire book a new and more profound meaning, and makes the book more endearing.
As to the content, it consists wholly of illustrations depicting these carvings, all of which picture what goes on in the brain of a dog, in particular the author's dog, Sally. Wonderful book, really enjoyed it.

[Sparrow]

Bought this for a couple bucks in a used bookstore. It just looked so cute. And it was. Humorous :) can't go wrong with dogs.

[Iris]

beautiful, emotive woodcuts.

stephen huneck died in 2010. his obit piece broke my heart.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/01/art...

[Michelle]

Thought this was a kids book at first, then I realized it was a hilarious look at what my dog is thinking everyday. It is spot-on!

[Brian]

Funny, great art, and don't skip the introduction with its beautiful backstory.

[Ashley]

Hilarious.

[Annburnett]

Wonderful book for all dog lovers out there. Short but very inspiring. It's about a Labrador named Sally. It has wonderful artwork.