Monkeys and Dog Days    by Kate Banks & Tomek Bogacki Order:  USA  Can Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2008 (2008) Hardcover     Reviewed by Hilary Daninhirsch If your family has a dog or is thinking about getting a dog, this early reader chapter book is a great resource. A monkey family is thinking about buying a dog, at the insistent request of Pete and especially, his younger brother Max. Buying a dog is a big decision, so Max and Pete's parents wisely buy a how-to book to share with the kids so that they will know what hard work it is to care for a dog. Max and Pete promise to do their share. At the pound, they pick out a dog whose name is Fudge. Both boys love her, but Max is the one who takes on almost all of the responsibility for her care. Once, when Pete is home with Fudge, he throws the ball, but Fudge returns it to Max. Pete learns a valuable lesson about dog care. The book is just the right length for newer readers (four short chapters), and the words readable but not too easy. A good deal of information is included about the care of dogs. The storyline will not only keep a reader interested, but it will teach him or her a little something about responsibility. This book is the first in a series; the next release is entitled Monkeys and the Universe, due out next spring. Prolific children's book artist Tomek Bogacki graces the pages with his endearing illustrations. I would recommend this book to children between first and third or fourth grades. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews