The Dog Who Walked with God

by Michael J. Rosen, Stanley Fellows (Illustrator)

A retelling of a Kato creation story finds the Great Traveler accompanied by his faithful canine companion when he journeys to Earth and creates the land and its creaturs.

Genres: Native American

40 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 1998

About the author

Rosen's Website should provide all this and more. It's http://www.fidosopher.com.
Nonetheless: Michael J. Rosen is an American author and illustrator with over 120 books of fiction, nonfiction, humor, picture books, poetry, and more. With a strong interest in nature and animals, reflecting his animal behavior degree from Ohio State University, Rosen resides within a peaceful crease of Central Ohio with his pack of animal companions that include 2 small koi ponds he helped build on the 100 acres he shares in the foothills of the Ohio Appalachians. An avid dog lover, he was inspired by Chant, his newest Australian stumpy-tail cattle dog, which led to the creation of his newest book of fiction, The Tale of Rescue, which will be released in October 2015. With an MFA in poetry from Columbia University, Rosen also showcases his skills and talents in other projects such as The Maine Coon’s Haiku: And Other Poems for Cat Lovers (2015).

Reviews

[Jazzmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Illustrations are beautiful and have have an other-worldly peace about them, and I greatly enjoyed the detailed and labeled depictions of the flora and fauna. The story itself is mysterious and interesting, and it is told with a distinctive voice. It had a bit of a slow start for me and seemed to have sort of a strange rhythm to it, however I also grew in appreciation for the writing style because it appears that this was an element of its authenticity and homage to the Kato culture. Make sure and read the author's note at the back of the book, perhaps best if even read before the story itself- it evokes fascination for the stories and culture of this people and gives a background for reading.

[Emily Sammartino · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Earth was first created, it was dark cold and lonley. God along with Dog as his companion walks Earth fixing and creating to make Earth better. Seasons, landforms, people, animals, weather, and all the other things that are apart fo our world today are created by God with the help of Dog. This folktale not only tells how Earth was created but emphasizes the importance of relationships and compnaionship in life in whatever way makes you "better", as said in the book. My dog makes my life so much better, taking away stress and anxiety that I feel everyday in my life. I loved this book and the illustrations and message it sends. The author wrote it in a form of poetry that allows th reader to take what message speaks to them.

[Sarah - Blessed Mom of Two · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent book but I wish it had more to do with a dog who walked with God then it did. It was more the creation story instead of a story about a dog who really walked with God. Basically, the title is misleading!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the story of creation as told through a native american folktale. This story is from a man of the now extinct Kato tribe. This tribe once inhabited Southern California. The reason for the title is because this tribe cherished dogs and treated them just as well as they did each other. This story told in the form of a poem with beautiful watercolor illustrations, is the story of creation from a Native American Perspective.

This story is very deep and very whimsical. I especially enjoyed the "they say" after several lines. It's as if the story is being passed down many generations. The story also has a lot of similes and metaphors which give the reader a very detailed description of the story. The story jumps off the pages with it's watercolor design and unique word format. While I still get sketchy with stories of creation in public school, I think this is a book for everyone. Just to see the imagery the author writes, is worth the read.

[Catherine Casey]

A Lovely Creation story from Ancient times. Enjoyed.