This is the Children’s Bookshelf and I’m Sue Ann Martin
I Am the Longest Dog written and illustrated by Avery Monsen is a fun-packed picture book about a very long dog who goes by the name of Lucy. Although the story speaks to children who are six and seven years of age, younger brothers and sisters who are just beginning to understand storylines will enjoy following each picture as Lucy’s incredible length is revealed.
First of all, a dog as long as Lucy has trouble doing what most dogs love to do such as going for car rides, setting on laps and perhaps taking a snooze inside a doghouse. The illustration of Lucy trying to fit her unbelievable length into a doghouse or two or three or more is jolly.
Lucy doesn’t feel one little bit bad about her body image, however. She has a healthy pride about her length, “Some people say that I am too long. But I don’t listen to that nonsense. I’m a long doggie and that’s just fine by me.” Lucy is, indeed, a sensible dog.
The illustrations, wrapped in bright blue, energize this “just for fun” tale. Readers will eagerly follow Lucy as she wraps up her story with a very surprising conclusion----one that supports the suggestion that she is the longest dog in the whole world and one that visually ends with a pop-up that is sure to delight.
I Am the Longest Dog written and illustrated by Avery Monsen is just right for a family of youngsters (Disney Hyperion/ Little Brown and Company, 2021).
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and activity questions, ideal for home use, can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for I Am the Longest Dog
Lucy says she is the longest dog----longer than a stretch limo and longer than a blue whale. What else could she be longer than? Think about it. Play with ideas. In keeping with this humorous story, make your own fun list of other things Lucy could be longer than.
The author illustrator wrote this story in first person. That means that story is told by Lucy the dog herself. Try reading this story aloud to your family but first come up with a voice for Lucy. Do you think she would talk in a loud or in a soft voice? Do you think she would speak quickly or slowly? Be sure to get the feeling of confidence that she displays in the story into your voice. Have fun!
What illustration is your favorite? Why? Were you surprised by the final pop-up illustration? How does that final illustration add to the humor? This is a real dog tail---oops! This is a real dog tale. What is the difference between a tail and a tale?