The book, I Want a Dog, written by Helga Bansch is a Contemporary Realistic Fiction book about animals. In the story, a young girl named Lisa loves dogs so much and wants on of her own. She begs her parents to get her a dog, but they always tell her no, because their apartment is too small. Lisa first tries being really good and when that doesn't work she tries being really bad. When both of these strategies fail, Lisa decides she is going to post up an ad in the park. The ad says, "WANTED: Dog to Borrow...Walking, Brushing, Petting, Playing. Your Pet Needs A Pal! See Lisa - Dog's Best Friend 77 Oak Street apt 3". An elderly man named Mr. Lewis answered Lisa's ad. He brought his dog, Rollo over to Lisa's apartment and asked if she would help walk and play with Rollo because he is getting too old to keep up with him! Lisa's parents think this is a great idea because Lisa gets to experience the fun of having a dog without it actually living in their apartment! Lisa was now very happy because she finally had a dog to play with!
This book is a great example of a Contemporary Realistic Fiction book because the story of a little girl wanting a dog is something that could really happen. Even though there is not actually a little girl named Lisa who lived in a small apartment and wanted a dog, this story could be true. Also, young children can relate to Lisa. Young kids always want a pet of their own so they can relate to the feelings Lisa is going through when she tries to get her parents to say yes to a dog.
I think this book teaches a lesson in compromise. Since Lisa couldn't get a dog of her own, she thought up a new idea of taking care of someone else's dog. This way, she got to have the fun of playing with a dog without actually having it live in her small apartment. She is also helping out Mr. Lewis by taking care of Rollo since he cannot.
Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I think it teaches a great lesson and is also a great example of a Contemporary Realistic Fiction book about animals!
Bansch, Helga. I Want a Dog. New York : North South Books Inc., 2009.
Author: Helga Bansch is a published illustrator of children's books. Published credits of Helga Bansch include Chocolata/ Chocolata and Leo's Dream.
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