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Rez Dog
A heart-warming story about a little rez dog and his search for a new home, and a little girl who finds a new friend and companion in Rez Dog.
- GenresPicture Books
30 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 22, 2021
A stray little dog longs for a family and a home in this sweet picture-book from Fond du Lac Anishinaabe author Heather Brink and Oglala Lakota illustrator Jordan Rodgers. Having experienced a variety of unsatisfactory homes and humans, Rez Dog is looking for just the right person, and he finds her in Sammy, a little girl who has always wanted a dog of her own. Sammy's family are supportive, and soon Rez Dog, renamed , is at home with them...
Published by Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing, a small Native American-owned press based in Minnesota, Rez Dog appears to be a debut for both Brink and Rodgers. It pairs an engaging story of a homeless animal finding a home - something for which I have a distinct soft spot - with expressive cartoon-style illustrations. Much like the friend who recommended this one to me - thank you, Kathryn! - I appreciated the depiction of a Native family in the here and now, rather than in some historical and/or mythical past. I liked the theme of dog and girl finding one another, and the role played by Sammy's extended family, in helping her to welcome Rez Dog. The artwork was cute, if sometimes a little too cartoonish for my own taste, and I particularly liked the depiction of Rez Dog and his many expressions. On the whole, I found this one appealing, and would definitely seek out other titles from both author and illustrator. Recommended to young dog lovers, and to picture-book readers looking for stories about contemporary Native American families.
Published by Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing, a small Native American-owned press based in Minnesota, Rez Dog appears to be a debut for both Brink and Rodgers. It pairs an engaging story of a homeless animal finding a home - something for which I have a distinct soft spot - with expressive cartoon-style illustrations. Much like the friend who recommended this one to me - thank you, Kathryn! - I appreciated the depiction of a Native family in the here and now, rather than in some historical and/or mythical past. I liked the theme of dog and girl finding one another, and the role played by Sammy's extended family, in helping her to welcome Rez Dog. The artwork was cute, if sometimes a little too cartoonish for my own taste, and I particularly liked the depiction of Rez Dog and his many expressions. On the whole, I found this one appealing, and would definitely seek out other titles from both author and illustrator. Recommended to young dog lovers, and to picture-book readers looking for stories about contemporary Native American families.
April 19, 2021
A darling little picture book! Tugged at my heartstrings and made me smile. Rez Dog is so endearing and the story and illustrations convey his personality with adorable and humorous skill. I so wanted him to find a home with good people! The little girl is also a delight and I wanted to hug her loving and supportive family for letting her adopt Rez Dog.
This is an #OwnVoices book. Author Heather Brink is a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Anishinaabe Ojibwe and illustrator Jordan Rodgers is Lakota and a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. The publisher is Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing is a Native owned non-profit company that publishes children’s fiction and non-fiction: http://www.blackbearsandblueberries.c...
I love finding books like this, that show contemporary Native American families -- I want to show my children that Native Americans are STILL HERE even though they are no longer able to live in the types traditional dwellings or practice all of the traditional ways of life that come to mind when most people think of "Indians" from our history books. Highly recommend to anyone looking for books about present-day Native Americans, or who love a sweet, humorous tale of a good dog finding a good home.
(Note: The book doesn't define "Rez" It is used not only as the name of the dog (until he gets his own name from the girl who gives him a home) but also in this context, "That's just a little rez dog, nobody owns him." It's my understanding Rez = Reservation, but please correct me if I am wrong.)
This is an #OwnVoices book. Author Heather Brink is a member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Anishinaabe Ojibwe and illustrator Jordan Rodgers is Lakota and a member of the Oglala Lakota Nation. The publisher is Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing is a Native owned non-profit company that publishes children’s fiction and non-fiction: http://www.blackbearsandblueberries.c...
I love finding books like this, that show contemporary Native American families -- I want to show my children that Native Americans are STILL HERE even though they are no longer able to live in the types traditional dwellings or practice all of the traditional ways of life that come to mind when most people think of "Indians" from our history books. Highly recommend to anyone looking for books about present-day Native Americans, or who love a sweet, humorous tale of a good dog finding a good home.
(Note: The book doesn't define "Rez" It is used not only as the name of the dog (until he gets his own name from the girl who gives him a home) but also in this context, "That's just a little rez dog, nobody owns him." It's my understanding Rez = Reservation, but please correct me if I am wrong.)
May 27, 2022
Almost a five star book, especially given #OwnVoices Native American. Delightful. But, I have to admit, dog adoption stories are a dime a dozen. Nice to see Native families doing the same stuff white families do, though.
Tell your library to buy this if you have any interest. Other families should see more friendly children's lit.
Tell your library to buy this if you have any interest. Other families should see more friendly children's lit.
May 3, 2023
Rez Dog is a very cute and age appropriate book for children to read. It shows the importance of friendship and companionship between a girl and a dog. Children who especially enjoy reading books with animals in it will most likely enjoy this book!
February 4, 2025
A story about adopting a stray dog. The dog is referred to as "rez dog" though it is not directly explained that it is because he lives on a reservation. The text is mainly in past tense, though occasionally randomly slips into present tense.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews