George Washington and the General's Dog

by Frank Murphy, Richard Walz (Illustrator)

Children will delight at this little-known-story about our nation's first president, George Washington, that makes for perfect President's Day readers!

Boom! Bang! Guns fire! Cannons roar! This Step 3 History Reader is about George Washington fighting in the American Revolution. He sees a dog lost on the battlefield. Whose dog is it? How will it find its master? Early readers will be surprised to find out what happens in this little-known true story about America’s first president.

Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. These books are for children who are ready to read on their own.

Genres: History, Biography, American History, Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Presidents

48 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2002

Reviews

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the online reading on the George Washington's Mount Vernon website.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true story of George Washington's admirable quality as a gentleman as he returned General Howe's dog to him out of respect for the bond between a man and his dog. Well researched and effectively told, this is a great book for children learning about Washington, the person.

[Sandra Strange · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with my grandson, who is currently mad about dogs. It is a short, reading leveled book, and very well done, with the history written clearly and succinctly. I had no idea that Washington's life was so involved with dogs. His love for fox hunting and fox hunting dogs ultimately lead him to the associations that made him General and President Washington!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jackson read aloud to me. He enjoyed the story about General Washington returning British General Howe's dog to him during the Revolutionary war.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

We liked it! Bringing dogs into the story helped bring history to life in an easy reader form.

[Katelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first time to read a book about George Washington. First, Gerorge Washington lived in his own home and he loved all kinds of animals in his home. He had 36 dogs in his life. Then, American people fighted England, bacause American wanted to have their own country, and England wanted them to be part of England. George Washington left home with his favorite dog. He lead American people to fight. He found a dog who was lost, and he found the dog was William Howe’s. Willam was the general of the army from England. He gave the dog back to William Howe. People thought George Washington was so kind and honest. At last, America became its own country. People gave dogs and mules to George Washington as gifts. George Washington became the first president of America. I like this book. I learned that when you find a lost, you need to bring it back to the owner. One needs to be honest and people will give kindness to you.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to our local library looking for a few President-themed books to read with our girls during Presidents' Day weekend. I found a few picture-book biographies and I'm sure they will serve their purpose. Perhaps they'll even be great. But then I looked for a book or two about an American President that might be a fun, interesting, even whimsical read. One that didn't necessarily tell the whole story of his life (I am a bit frustrated right now that I can only use the masculine pronoun; someday, hopefully in my lifetime, that will change!), but perhaps tells a fascinating story about something that happened during his life. This book does that exceedingly well.

We live near Mount Vernon and have visited the estate. Our girls have learned much about President George Washington at school and from books we've read. So I didn't want to read a plain old biography about him. Ho hum. This story explains his love for animals and an honorable deed he did on the battlefield, when one of the enemy's dogs was inadvertently left behind. We had never heard this story before and it certainly gave us a greater insight into the man's character.

The illustrations in this book are colorful and complement the narrative nicely. The story isn't too long or overly detailed, so it's great for independent reading by elementary school-age students or with a parent. So many children are animal lovers that this book offers a way for them to feel a connection to one of the founding fathers of our nation. We really enjoyed reading this book together and I will continue to search out books like this for our future studies of important people in history.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one with a student, and she really enjoyed it! I'm so used to these early readers being fiction, cutesy books about Frog and Toad, Fly Guy, Pete the Cat, etc. I LOVE that I've found a few that are non-fiction. This isn't a history of George Washington, or the Revolutionary War- not too "non-fiction-y" for students who aren't interested or ready for deep history. Instead, it focused on a fun fact/event with George and incorporates some history along with it. My student was totally into it, and she really loved the connection to animals, as she LOVES animals. This book also has useful illustrations- she was able to use the pictures to help with comprehension, figure out words, etc. It also has a great moral that is easy to teach with for some social/behavior skills!

I recommend to use with young readers.

Next read: I also recommend Abe Lincoln's Hat. Another president featured, with another fun fact/side of him to learn.

[Sara Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins speaking of George Washington's love of animals, he especially loved his dogs. One day, when George is at war, he sees a dog without its owner. Concerned for the dog, George checks its tag and realizes it is the dog of the general of the opposing army. George quickly gets someone to write a letter to the enemy and explain the situation. They then raise white flags, signalling a ceasefire, in order to walk the dog back to its owner.
I love this story, especially because its said to be a true story. I had this book growing up and it was one of my favorites.
This story would work really well in a classroom to show how even though you may have enemies or not like certain people, you still need to treat people kindly and do whats right. I also think this would be perfect for kids who love animals and are reading by themselves.

[Krista Mcdowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about George Washington and how he loved animals. He even took his dogs into was with him. But after some of the smoke subsided after some fighting, he noticed a dog with an owner. He found out the dog belonged to the enemy. Through the kindness in his heart, He returned the dog to the right owner. Everyone respected him for this, and thus he became president. Later he received presents form may people, and these presents consisted of animals. George Washington was a great president and I believe that this book would show children that, no matter the grade or age they are.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'll start by saying that pretty much every book about G.W. will get five stars from me, for the subject matter. ;) In all honesty, though, this is an excellent book for it's intended audience. (Kindergartners) It's a (really short) nonfic text about George Washington's dogs. Did you know that he had a beloved dog named Sweetlips who even went to war with him? I didn't! And there's a really neat story about G.W. and a British general's dog too. You'll have to read it to find out more. ;)

[Jekka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cedric (8)
I liked how he loves the animals. I like how much puppies he had. I learned that Washington lived at Mount Vernon, he fought General Howe, he had a wife named Martha. My favorite story was how Washington got seven puppies from Lafayette.

Mom:
This was a fun read. There are a lot of little animal-related stories within the framework of the main plot, and, also plenty of little tidbits about Washington himself. For an animal-loving child, this was a great history lesson.

[Disha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book has excellent colourful and catchy illustration and speaks of George washing tons love for pets. The story speaks of all pets George owned in his lifetime. The later part of the book speaks of war between England and United States and how George wins people's heart through an act of kindness towards the enemy nations generals dog. Fun read with information engrained in this one

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Washington found a dog belonging to his enemy, General Howe. As a man of honor and integrity, George Washington made sure the the dog was returned safely to its master. A very inspiring story of chivalry, honesty, and kindness. A true gentleman.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

George had 36 dogs in his life.
Names of four were Mopsey, Sweetlips, Truelove and Vulcan.
General Lafayette gave him his dogs.
General Howe lost his dog and Washington called a flag of truce and gave him his dog back.
Made me think of the "Patriot", Cornwallis's dogs.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories in the "Step Into Reading" series aren't usually noteworthy, but this book has an interesting story, and subtley teaches kids about the American revolution in the process.

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a story of kindness between enemies. R.C.

[Shannon Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids loved this book. It had a very cute interesting story that a lot of the history books wouldn't mention. It is a short book and easy to read. Used during week 5 CC, George Washington.

[Barkshire Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

We purchased a copy of this book at the Mount Vernon shops. The first grader read it with assistance at least twice and will most likely continue to practice reading it over time.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of 5 picture book read-aloud options that students choose from when we learn about President's Day. It's written very simply and probably is intended for younger students, but the 4th-6th graders are attentive every time, in part because the information shared is interesting and relatable. Most of them appreciate the love that Washington had for his dogs and the kindness he showed in returning the lost dog. They really love seeing the copy of the actual note from General Washington to General Howe at the end of the book!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming little historical book with interesting stories about one of America's heros. My boys (6 & 7) and I enjoyed reading it together. Has a terrific story about doing the right thing with your enemy's dog.

[Marilyn Showalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical Fiction
1st-3rd grade reading level
I really enjoyed this book because it was cute and focused on the good. I think this book would do great for connecting kids who love animals with a history lesson. It gives lots of good facts about this period in history.

[Lara Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super story for beginning readers. It is just a snapshot of a historical figures life that does get a child interested in who he is. I have a hard time getting my son interested in biographies (how is this possible!?), but he was eager to read this.

[Lauria · Rating 5 out of 5]

INSANE. This book was very impressive. Captivating. Powerful. Must read. America for all! To freedommmmmm. You think George Washington was walking around with big effing crown on his head when he was stealing puppies and crossing the Deleware? TO FREEDOM

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that George Washington was such an animal lover? Well, now we do thanks to this great children's book that not only introduced historical events, but demonstrated the character of George Washington that helped to earn our country of rebels respect across the world.

[Brianna Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book regarding the life of George Washington and helps teach children many historical events that he was a part of in history. This book also brings up other historical figures to help introduce them to children in a fun and engaging way.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The compassion in this book stands as a start contrast to the love and respect that is often found in the world today. Reading books about good old-fashioned values helps us bring them into today's world.

Thanks so much Frank Murphy for finding this story and writing this book.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So often we find books that retell history without offering a glimpse into the actual character of its figures. Then there a books like this one. It wasn't deep by any means but it was refreshing. Kids will appreciate George Washington's fondness for animals.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A true story about a lost dog with a bit of history. I think most kids would like it.

[Alice V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've used this book for several lit circles. I love that it combines history with lots of ways to teach reading skills. Good introduction to American history for elementary readers.