Why Dogs Are

Before I begin my review, I am going to say that this is probably the hardest book that I have ever had to review. Because this book had great potential, but, well, just read my review!

UPS: I will begin by saying that I love the heart of this book. The reason it was written and the inspiration behind it gives it a very special personality and a good message. The wording of this book was also truly amazing, for even though this book is geared for children around 4 or 5, I read this book aloud with my mom and we found a few parts so very well written that they touched even us. The pictures are also full of color and very bright, perfect for children who enjoy colors.

DOWNS: However, despite the heart of the story, my family and I feel that it does not totally line up with the Bible. For instance, on one of the pages the author writes, “God could not touch Brian.” I personally believe this statement to be so very false, because I have been touched by God in more ways than one. I do know what the author meant by this statement, that because God is not human, he doesn't normally touch in the same way a human can, but I am not going to tell a 4 year-old who is learning about God, possibly for the first time, that He cannot touch a child who is born blind and deaf, they simply will not understand. One of the other things that bothered us, was that the author also writes, “God needed help.” and summarized, he went to the dog for help. This is very disturbing on two accounts,one, that a dog is equal to, or even better than God, and two, that God actually needs help. If the author was not trying to illustrate this kind of picture, re-wording it to be “God wanted to touch Brian through the dog” or something like that, would have been much more ideal.

OVERALL: I know my DOWNS really overthrew my UPS, and I really hate doing that, but I felt that I needed to explain a few things. So, I am afraid that I will only be rating Why Dogs Are 2 out of 5 stars, because though it is a great story and had good potential, it is not Biblically correct and I, as a professed child of God and follower of Jesus Christ, take that very seriously.

“I received this book from the publisher/author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own (with some help from family:-) .”

This book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A lovely book about why dogs are such good companions. The story is a good one, but what really shines in this book are the pictures. I can imagine reading this to a group of young children during religion class. I wouldn't really say it's for all fourth graders, but I can think of a few who would be touched by this book. I've also been on the hunt for books (picture and chapter) that portray people with disabilities/differences. This book fits the bill!