Tale of Wagmore Gently

by Linda Ashman, John Bendall-Brunello (Illustrator)

Mr. Gently warns Wagmore the dog that if he cannot control his wildly long, wagging tail, he won't be permitted to go on the Trail Trekkers hike with the family, but Wagmore's miserable thoughts only last so long before the joy of the day takes hold and his excitable tail jumps to life once again.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 2002

About the author

Linda Ashman is the author of more than 40 picture books and The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books . Her books have been included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, IRA/CBC Children's Choices, the New York Public Library and others, and have been translated into many languages. Linda lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like this book. The idea was nice, and Ashman is a wonderful author, but this one just didn't do it for me.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Tale of Wagmore Gently" is about a puppy dog named Wagmore that is so happy he cannot control his tail from wagging uncontrollably. The story is told using lots of dialog from the whole family and follows a strong plot that incorporates a problem and solution. Wagmore's family helps him use his super strong tail in more useful ways to avoid any more destruction in the house. I would use this book to help students build characters in their own stories using emotions, personality, and voice.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and was surprised that it was not a Caldecott winner. It has enriching text in it and has a good story line. It's about a dog whose tail gets in everyone's way and he starts feeling ashamed of his tail. In the end, he realizes his tail is actually a good thing! I think this story can relate to children and make them feel like they should have more confidence too like the dog in the story did at the end.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wagmore (of the Gently family) is a happy dog with a problem. His tail is so big and strong that whenever he wags it when he is happy, it causes destruction. He's threatened with dire consequences if he can't control himself. He tries very hard and is able to go hiking with Jack (his boy). Along the hike, Jack ends up getting lost and Wagmore inadvertently saves him with the help of his massive tail.

Charming illustrations.

[Dan Shonka · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've had several large dogs, and most of them were extremely happy. Our dalmatian wagged so vigorously, my brother labeled it "the wag of death." All that being said, we can definitely relate to the excitement and chaos of Wagmore Gently. It's a fun story, and has a good lesson to boot.