The World According to Dog: Poems and Teen Voices

An excellent book, but what really make the book is the most excellent photograph on the dog cover. Who is that marvelous dog and when is it holding its next book signing?

This is a book of beautiful pictures. Ms. Sidman's word pictures of our best friends are celebrations of the human animal bond. The poetry is complemented by Doug Mindell's cool photos. The short essays by teen-agers summarize (better than any "adult" could) why dogs occupy the most important of spaces in our lives. Buy this book. You're gonna love it!

What does the world look like according to a dog? It's all about noses, squirrels, stink, sleep, and love. The dogs of our worlds are not only the ones we turn to when we need love, but they are also our sources for laughter, philosophy, and for helping us feel as though our own lives have meaning. The poems and short essays in this book represent the feelings of dog lovers and dog owners of all ages; yet, it is the words of young writers in the form of reflective essays that add the unique perspective to this book. Some highlights of the book include the advice poem, "Always Take a Dog," which reminds you how to have a better morning walk and "The Usual Spots," the title of which refers to the places in the home where the dog waits in the different seasons of the year. What will strike the reader first is the beauty of the book-the cover is inviting (making it okay to judge this book by its cover), and the high gloss, cleanly designed pages make each poem appear unique unto itself. The photographs on each page--some clear, some blurred, all black and white--are beautiful representations of the emotions of the poem; they were taken by Doug Mindell in response to the writing.Non-dog lovers may have a difficult time understanding the big deal given to moments like when a puppy nibbles on your toes, but the beautiful verse and descriptive word choice will not be unappreciated by anyone. Verses like, "I want to / gather you back / midair / that handful of puppy / you once were / keep you curled / in my palm," are sweet and sentimental, and they're sure to cause the reader to let out a little, "Awww."

This book was incredibly eloquent. The poetry that Joyce Sidman wrote makes all of my fellow dog-lovers teary-eyed: the poems really capture the essence of the bond between a dog and its owner. The essays are also unique and heartfelt. They really contradict the common stereotype of shallow and immature teenagers. The photographs complement the writing in a simple and touching way. I reccommend this book to anyone!

This book was excellent. Teens offer such a unique perspective on dogs. Joyce makes me see both my dog and the world in a new light.