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Why Is Blue Dog Blue?
Paintings of Blue Dog in many different colors, including salmon, cherry, and moss green, explain why Blue Dog had to be blue.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 5, 2020
"Why is Blue Dog blue? ... Sometimes, I paint Blue Dog red. Other times, I paint Blue Dog yellow. .... I never paint Blue Dog purple (except for when I do.)"
Teach your child about obfuscation, I guess.
Teach your child about obfuscation, I guess.
December 30, 2018
A great story to read to elementary students and to use with an arts integrated lesson.
July 26, 2020
I think it’s important to teach children about the diversity and fun of color, and give the the courage to paint anything they think it’s right, not something the world define in some specific way.
March 23, 2019
Rodrigue is known for his paintings of blue dog. In this lovely book, he examines (in a fun, playful and humorous way) why blue dog is blue...and why sometimes he isn't. My third graders enjoyed this book and enjoyed painting their own versions of Blue Dog.
July 23, 2015
Categories/Genres for this class fulfilled by this book: Picture Book
Estimate of grade level of interest: pre-k through 3rd
Estimate of reading level: Guided Reading level H
Brief description: George Rodrigue, a famous cajun artist, has used his iconic "Blue Dog", in children's book. Using uncommon names for colors, this book entertains and keeps kids guessing about what color "Blue Dog" will be.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book: One characteristic is using relatable characters. In this book, "Blue Dog" is cute and innocent and children love her. Another characteristic is that the illustrator uses rich colors to engage and captivate readers. The illustration colors tell the story along with the minimal amount of words in the book.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience: Yes, I believe that this book is a wonderful way to teach young children about other names for common colors. Instead of green, blue dog is painted moss green. The bright colors lend themself to great group reading times.
Awards if any: None
Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any: Go to almost bottom of page for Library Journal review http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-...
Estimate of grade level of interest: pre-k through 3rd
Estimate of reading level: Guided Reading level H
Brief description: George Rodrigue, a famous cajun artist, has used his iconic "Blue Dog", in children's book. Using uncommon names for colors, this book entertains and keeps kids guessing about what color "Blue Dog" will be.
Identify at least 2 characteristics of this genre and subgenre and discuss how they appear in your book: One characteristic is using relatable characters. In this book, "Blue Dog" is cute and innocent and children love her. Another characteristic is that the illustrator uses rich colors to engage and captivate readers. The illustration colors tell the story along with the minimal amount of words in the book.
In what ways and how well does the book as a whole serve its intended audience: Yes, I believe that this book is a wonderful way to teach young children about other names for common colors. Instead of green, blue dog is painted moss green. The bright colors lend themself to great group reading times.
Awards if any: None
Links to published reviews from professional sources e.g. ALA, Booklist, Kirkus, SLJ, etc. if any: Go to almost bottom of page for Library Journal review http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-...
April 12, 2011
Artist George Rodrigue co-wrote this charming story, Why Is Blue Dog Blue?: A Tale of Colors", centered around his blue dog paintings. People always ask him why the blue dog is blue. His explanation skirts around a direct answer (at least until the end of the book!) so that he can tell kids, in a simple and engaging way, about using an imagination inspired by what he does and what he thinks about. There are bold, primary colors, geometric shapes, and fun things to look for in the various, multi-colored dog portraits. For example, the green dog in the swamp has an unusual tail, and the yellow dog is the answer to: "What color do I paint Blue Dog when I want a hot dog?" This picture book is a great read-aloud for both preschoolers and early elementary students. It's sure to get kids talking and thinking about ways they can make art their own!
(Formerly a Booklegger book)
(Formerly a Booklegger book)
September 16, 2013
While my 2d/4th grade children are too old for this wonderfully illustrated book as a read-aloud, I'm using this to show my children the connection between color and emotion. I especially love the line "Artists don't have to paint things the way they really are." I want them to understand that art is for grownups too, and George Rodrigue's personal narrative about Blue Dog shows how much he feels when he's immersed in art.
I'm working up to an art project where I ask each child to write a short color-themed book, and then paint illustrations for it, along the lines of Mouse Paint, and this is a great book for them to use as they consider their own project.
I'm working up to an art project where I ask each child to write a short color-themed book, and then paint illustrations for it, along the lines of Mouse Paint, and this is a great book for them to use as they consider their own project.
January 25, 2016
This is a concept book for children, it is about colors and concepts. For instance: Blue Dog the color of a hot dog = Mustard; Blue Dog the color of the swamp = Moss Green; Blue dog the color a pie = Cherry Red.
George did not answer why or how she became Blue, just that he likes to paint Blue Dog and sometimes she is different colors. This is good for helping to teach children colors.
For those of you who are not familiar with Blue Dog, she was George Rodrigue's faithful companion, who when she died came back as Blue Dog. She also began appearing in his paintings as Blue Dog. There is an entire art book Blue Dog, and it is beautifully haunting and will tug at your heart strings.
George did not answer why or how she became Blue, just that he likes to paint Blue Dog and sometimes she is different colors. This is good for helping to teach children colors.
For those of you who are not familiar with Blue Dog, she was George Rodrigue's faithful companion, who when she died came back as Blue Dog. She also began appearing in his paintings as Blue Dog. There is an entire art book Blue Dog, and it is beautifully haunting and will tug at your heart strings.
May 31, 2011
24 months - Olivia likes this one as we've read it many time in the past week. I like the idea of the book, talking about where an artist gets their ideas and also talking about colors... But it's just not a book I'd buy or want to re-read a hundred times. I loves that he'd paint the dog mustard when he's thinking about hot dogs... But when thinking about the beach it's tan... Why not sand... at least that's what I expected it to be. Oh well still fun.
October 29, 2009
This is a great book from an artist's point of view about how art is about imagination and that there are no limits to what imagination in art. It's easily identifiable to the preschool set since it focuses on colors. My son loves this one, which I was a little surprised by, but very happy about.
February 5, 2008
Yuck, I really don't care for the illustrations. Sadly it would be perfect for a dog or color theme story time.
July 29, 2008
The boys love this book. Something about it I don't love, but can't put a finger on it. Non-the-less, we keep reading it!
February 21, 2009
So sweet
December 1, 2011
Why is Blue Dog blue? Why not red? I did my first grade summer reading project on Why is Blue Dog Blue. I currently have a painting that I painted of Blue Dog, hanging over my bed.
April 16, 2012
Excellent book to do with a color craft, great resources on George Rodrigue's website. Some "punny" questions make this book a good read along story.
June 24, 2012
I'm a huge fan of George Rodrigue!
November 4, 2015
Beautiful illustrations. So beautiful that the baby tore a page. Sorry library.
February 11, 2008
I adore Blue Dog. He is my muse.
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December 26, 2017#readtothenibling The bright colors make it engaging even for young children, and older children can appreciate its message about how as an artist you can use your imagination to create whatever you want.
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October 15, 2018Read why we love this onee= in the review at the Reading Tub.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews