No comments about McDuff's Favorite Things: Touch and Feel (McDuff Stories).

5 comments about McDuff Goes to School (Mcduff).

1. Being the owner of a Scottie, a Westie and a Cairn as well as an avid art collector of breed-related items, I am so impressed with the capturing of the expressions of the Scottie (Marie) and the Westie (McDuff) in this book. The artist really knows the breeds and the author as well. They both capture the wonderful spirit and essence of the beloved dogs. A great story that children of all ages will love - even this 39 year old kid. Bravo!



2. I have all the previous books in this series and would recommend them to everyone. I also have both scotties and westies, and Wells and Jeffers capture the spirit, expressions and body language of these dogs perfectly. The stories are very cute and have been very popular with the children I have tested them on. McDuff is an adorable character and I hope to have new volumes soon!



3. We have three of the books in this series and love them, but were very disappointed with this book. Yes the illustration are beautiful as with the other books, but about half the text is in French. I'm sure that's great if you speak French but its miserable for those of us who don't. German or Italian would have been fine but I couldn't even stumble through the French and the story was mostly lost as a result.



4. For some reason I am having problems finding a list that puts the McDuff books in order. I know that "McDuff Moves In" was the first book in the series, written by Rosemary Wells and illustrated by Susan Jeffers. I thougth that "McDuff Goes to School" might be the second book in the series because once Fred and Lucy (not Ricky and Ethel) let this cute little white-haired dog into their lives I figured that sending him to obedience school was the logical next step. But "McDuff Goes to School" was published in 2001 and that puts it after "McDuff Comes Home," "McDuff and the Baby," and "McDuff's New Friend." That involved a bit of on-line research, but the fact that there was a baby in the house was a big clue that this adventure took place after "McDuff and the Baby" at least. Where "McDuff Saves teh Day" and "McDuff's Wild Romp" fit into the chronology is not yet clear to me, but I will work on it.
   
   "McDuff Goes to School" tells what happens when a new family, the De Gaulles, moves from Barkedelphia into the house next door to McDuff at number nine Elm Road. McDuff discovers a new dog, a black Scottish Terrier named Marie-Antoinette has moved in as well, and Lucy and Fred learn that Celeste and Pierre de Gaulle speak French. So when Lucy says, "Hello," Celeste responds with "Bonjour." Inside the De Gaulle's new home when Marie sits on the sofa Celeste orders her to jump down, lay down, and stay, but she does it all in French. When Lucy and Fred discover that McDuff does not obey command (in English; they do not try French), they decide he has to go to obedience school. Celeste and Marie decide to go to the school too.
   
   What is interesting is that because Lucy is too busy with the baby and Fred is too tired from working all day, that neither of them has time to practice with McDuff. So it is Celeste who practices every day with Marie, learning how to heel, sit, stay, and come. On the other side of the fence McDuff is watching the lessons and when he starts obeying the commands, given in French, he gets a liver truffle, just like Marie. Meanwhile, Lucy and Fred are aware that McDuff is not doing well in school and when graduation day comes he does not obey their commands.
   
   I really like this illustrated children's story for two reasons. The first is that young readers will see where the story is going and anticipate the ending, which is a good thing because they will be happy they were smart enough to figure it out. The second is that Celeste speaks French throughout the book and although there is a Glossary in the back that explains that "assieds-toi" means "sit" and "viens" means "come," there are no direct translations in the main story. However, the meaning of each phrase is clear from what is being said so that kids can make the connections. Beyond that, you have the benefit that if young readers, ages 2-5, can learn the French commands to give a dog to heel, jump and lie down, then they might be interested in learning other foreign words and phrases, whether they are French or something else. The earlier you get kids interested in speaking a foreign language the easier it is for them to pick it up. It is too late for me to do so, but hopefully you can get this book to your beginning reader when it can help them on that particular path.



5. The five stars are for the book, not the illustrations in this current edition. I love all the McDuff books. I used to have a Westie and so they really captured my attention. I started buying them before my granddaughter was born and started reading them to her very early in her life. She absolutely loves them and asks me to read them to her over and over again. However, I am disappointed in the illustrations in the latest editions of the books (like this one). They are not the same as in the earlier editions yet the illustrator is the same. Why is that? The earlier editions had wonderful illustrations that looked exactly like the Westies, but the newer editions are different. They look very cartoonish. Please bring back the "old look" and please ask Rosemary Wells to write more books to be illustrated as they used to be. Thanks.

5 comments about McDuff's Wild Romp (McDuff Stories).

1. A little disappointed, as I don't think it's of the same quality as the other McDuff books. Still fun read for kids, however!



2. I have collected each book as it was published. I love the stories, and especially the illustrations, which seem to be done with real Westies as models because the expressions and body positions are so true to life.



3. Illustrations live up to other McDuff books.. as does the story. We have a cat, so the description of the cat and dog made both my boys laugh. I hope she writes more!



4. We own and love all of our McDuff books. Our only disappointment with this new book is that we miss the old McDuff. He is updated and doesn't look the same as the McDuff in the earlier editions. My children noticed right away and they prefer the original McDuff. None the less we still enjoyed the new adventure with the New McDuff.



5. I was so excited to see another title in the McDuff series, a beloved set of books in our house. Unfortunately, Rosemary Wells has not stayed with her original illustrator. One look at the pictures and I didn't even want to buy this book. It's too bad. We'll stick with the 2 sets of the rest of the McDuff books.

5 comments about A New Owner's Guide to West Highland White Terriers (JG Dog).

1. Good tips for training and knowing what to expect. Good pictures. Not always written well, and some parts are a bit hard to follow.



2. First time and old time owners alike will love this book. It gives a wonderful overview of the West Highland White Terrier. It includes good puppy selection and training tips as well as breed health care, grooming, and temperment information. We particularly like her coverage of the breed's versatile involvement in canine activities such as agility and tracking. It is also a good book for people who are trying to decide if a Westie is right for them. We recommend Ms. Martin's book to everyone who obtains a Westie from us.



3. As a breeder and exhibitor of this fine breed. I recomend this book to all perspective westie owners. What a better way to explain what a versital dog this little breed can be. From therapy dogs right on to working in the feild, Ms. Martin does a great job letting the informed buyer be aware of all the attributes this breed can bring to any home.



4. This is a very informative book. Lots of pictures.



5. For someone who know little or nothing about West Highland White Terrier but is considering one, I recommend this book. It's easy reading and the pictures are very good. The author is obviously very positive about the breed, maybe a little too much, but overall it give you a strong start at what to expect when you go looking for one.

5 comments about McDuff Saves the Day (McDuff Stories).

1. I really enjoyed reading this book to 16 preschoolers at the Festus Public Library in Festus, Missouri. As a storytime book, McDuff Saves the Day makes for a fun and entertaining read. The artwork and story are beautiful and creative. The plot is charming, simple and realistic, giving McDuff (a fluffy white Westie) a perfect opportunity to be the cute dog that he is. This is my first McDuff story and I thouroughly enjoyed it. All dog lovers should have this in their children's book collection.
   In this adventure, McDuff celebrates the Fourth of July with his family: Lucy, Fred and the baby. A perfect day for a picnic turns into a series of mishaps that leaves the family without a picnic and a cranky baby. By the end of the story, McDuff has found a way to have a picnic and make a new friend. Fred still complains though, because McDuff always gets to ride in the front.



2. McDuff, the irrepressible White Highland Terrier, joins owners Fred, Lucy, and their little baby for a traditional Fourth of July picnic in this immensely satisfying book. Susan Jeffers' beautiful rich colors, blend of comic strip panels and large-format pictures, and attention to period accuracy convincingly portray the post-war patriotism, hope, and economic prosperity of the late 1940's and early 1950's. Her drawings evoke Norman Rockwell, Boy Scout magazines, and the woodblock pictures that graced early children's books, and they are a major factor in the book's huge appeal.
   
   Rosemary Wells once again writes a McDuff series book with humor, warmth, and just a bit of mischief, qualities found in her famous "Max and Ruby" series (e.g., "Max's Dragon Shirt"). There's Lucy and Rick tomfoolery in the opening scenes as McDuff and Fred keep switching seats during the drive. Finally:
   
   "Fred had to sit in the backseat with the baby and the chicken. 'He always gets the front seat in the end,' said Fred. McDuff stretched out in the front seat and fell into a sausage-squirrel dream."
   
   Wells and Jeffers also pull off a clever perspective switch as we see McDuff's version of how the picnic disappeared. In McDuff's version, marauding ants "penetrated the picnic basket by the hundreds. In a few short minutes, the picnic was gone." We see five ants (only 5!) ferreting away a sandwich, and organized, orderly lines of ants absconding with cookies, candy, and cupcakes. Jeffers, as masterful with facial expressions as with large-scale compositions, shows McDuff conveniently looking away, trying hard to look innocent.
   
   And just how does McDuff save the day? By eating the meatballs of neighboring picnicker Mr. DiMaggio. (The authors go a little heavy on an Italian stereotype here.) After DiMaggio yells for help, the family joins him in a generously shared, copious lunch. As now expected from the ever-fortunate dog, McDuff gets a turkey-and tomato sandwich out of it! A glorious fireworks display ends this idyllic Fourth, as Fred, once again, winds up in the front seat. This is an exceptional book, with outstanding pictures, imaginative humor, and a gentle but compelling narrative.



3. As with all 'McDuff' stories, this book is very well drawn, and a child could tell it to an adult based on the pictures in the book, after the child had heard the story a few times. It is charmng, friendly telling of a fun family outing. All McDuff books would be good in daycares for story time!



4. This is another fun McDuff book with lovely illustrations and a nice story. The only thing I dislike about this book is that on many of the pages, there are four squares with different illustrations in them per page. I feel that it distracts from the story.



5. The vendor did a great job. I got the book right on time. My only disappointment was with the illustrations. I own many McDuff books and the illustrations in her later books are not as detailed and crisp...something I especially loved about her earlier books.

5 comments about Westies: From Head to Tail.

1. MUST HAVE PUBLICATION FOR ALL WESTIE OWNERS,VERY INFORMATIVE AND WELL WRITTEN BY RUTH FAHERTY ENJOYED THE HISTORY OF THE BREED SECTION,IT HAS BEEN A REAL ASSET FOR US IN GETTING OUR TWO ADDITIONS TO OUR FAMILY,NICKY-TAM AND RORY,HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE GUIDANCE THIS BOOK GAVE US.



2. Westies:From Head to Tail 2nd Edition is a most readible, comprehensive treatment of all topics of concern to both Westie breeders and neophytes to the breed. No serious Westie enthusiast should be without this attractive volume.



3. Every dog enthusiast, westie lover or not, should read this book, because even though it talks about westies, one can learn a lot about dogs in general. I have more than 15 years of experience in showing dogs and more than 12 years of professional grooming experience and I still learned a lot from this well written, very detailed and comprehensive book.



4. If you are serious about Westies, you absolutely MUST have this book. Faherty has a writing style that's humorous and informative, and she gives the nitty-gritty on the mysterious art of handstripping. No other resource out there gives this much detail. I've taken the plunge and am stripping my own Westie, and Faherty's comprehensive chapter on grooming has been a tremendous help. This book is really geared for Westie connoisseurs, who have an interest in showing their dogs. In addition to the grooming chapter, several sections are devoted to the art of showing your dog as well as breeding. This may be too dense a book for a general pet owner and the more general Westie books may be more appropriate. However, if you are looking for THE resource on Westies, buy this book!



5. This book is an excellent resource to the westie fan. You will get something out of it whether you have had westies for years, or are just deciding on getting one. A lot of detail is covered that is easy to understand. Would recommend to anyone.

3 comments about The Essential West Highland White Terrier (Howell Book House's Essential).

1. As a breeder and lover of West Highland White Terriers, I picked
   this little book to give to each of the families where I place my Westies.
   There are many books out there on Westies and they are all good
   but I wanted the new owners to have something for a quick-read,
   that would equip them with essential facts about this breed of dog for a Westie is like no other dog.
   They are in a class all to themselves.
   
   This book does just that---gives the reader lots of information about the Personality, Homecoming, Health, Nutritious feeding program, Grooming, Breed Standard, History of the Westie, Behavior and Training.

   I recommend this book highly to anyone contemplating getting a Westie. I never tire of reading it again and again and always
   glean something that helps me be a better person with my Westies.

   Someone once said that "without communication, there can be no understanding." After reading this book, your understanding of the West Highland White Terrier will increase and it will proportionately affect your communication with your pet, the little dog that is possessed with no small amount of self-esteem!!
   And you will both understand each other better.




2. This book is a "must read" for those who are new to West Highland Terriers or who are considering buying a Westie. They are a unique breed with their own pecular traits. Learning about them quickly will give you a clear picture of what to expect.
   
   The book seems to be accruate with the possible exception that the Westie's learning curve is not quite as rapid as the book implies. They are an intelligent breed and very affectionate, while headstrong at the same time. Handling them effectively requires some homework on the owner's part.
   
   This book is a good start!



3. What a cute book! How can anyone resist the beautiful and winsome Westie? Well, I suppose someone who hates animals might, but anyhow, aside from crazy people like that, I'd like to say that this book is really good, and the photos are very nice.

5 comments about McDuff Comes Home (McDuff Stories).

1. I am a 2nd grader at Anna Merritt Elementary School. My name is Ashley. I have been reading books by Rosemary Wells. My favorite book is McDUFF COMES HOME. I loved the part in the book when McDuff went over the fence and saw a rabbit. It was cute!



2. I am a 2nd grader...I have been reading books by RosemaryWells. My favorite book is McDUFF COMES HOME. I loved the part in the book when McDuff went over the fence and saw a rabbit.



3. My name is Ashley. My class has been reading a lot of books by Rosemary Wells and McDUFF COMES HOME is my favorite book. I loved the part in the book when McDuff went over the fence and saw a rabbit. It was so cute!



4. I just wanted to point out that the synopsis of this book says that McDuff is a Yorkshire. He is clearly a West Highland White Terrier ("Westie"). Whatever you call him, though, McDuff's stories are wonderful.



5. I frequently buy books for my granddaughters, ages two and four, and the McDuff books are real favorites of theirs. The illustrations are wonderful in all the McDuff books. These books are always picked by the girls for me to read. They love them.

5 comments about The West Highland White Terrier (Terra Nova Series).

1. If you are a Westie owner or perspective owner, this book contains valuable information for you. This included information that I've never read before in any book devoted to Westies, such as why their claws grow so fast. I highly recommend it - plus the photos are wonderful.



2. Jill Arnel is definitely an expert when it comes to terriers, especially Westies and Cairns. So happy that this book is out there.



3. One of the best dog breed books I've read. It's original. Really appreciated author's smart style and wit. Much more informative than others. Very contemporary with some interesting trivia.



4. I love this book, is a quick guide about the most adorable dog breed.



5. I was totally unfamiliar with the West Highland Terrier breed and I wanted to find a book that could educate me on numerous aspects, including training tips. I was very pleased with the content of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about West Highland Terriers.

5 comments about McDuff Moves In (McDuff Stories).

1. I am a 2nd grader at Anna Merritt Elementary School. My name is Ashleigh. I have been reading books by Rosemary Wells. My favorite book is McDUFF MOVES IN because it makes me feel happy when McDuff finds a home.



2. I am a 2nd grader. My name is Ashleigh. I have been reading books by Rosemary Wells. My favorite book is McDUFF MOVES IN. I like this book because it makes me feel happy when McDuff finds a home.



3. I own this book, as well as others in the series. They are just great! My mom owns a Westie, perfectly named Duffy(he got the name before we new about the books), and the illustrator captures the essence of the Westie. Every picture is perfectly drawn to show the character of a Westie. I love the author as well. I have been a teacher and have always read Ms. Wells' books to my students and the McDuff series is loved by all. McDuff moves in is just a fun book to read and I recommend it to all ages.



4. Dear old Rosemary Wells. If you've ever read her books about that famous bunny Max or classic titles like, "Morris' Disappearing Bag" then you know that her stories, while disjointed, can often be truly charming works of preschool art. So when I discovered the McDuff books (written by her but illustrated by someone else entirely) I was ill at ease. I mean, Wells draws such cute little bunnies. How could anyone else adapt to her words? On reading the first book of the McDuff series, "McDuff Moves In", I was amazed to find myself suddenly on the oposte side of the fence. The pictures in this book are really quite charming. From the cute little Scottie named McDuff to the 1950s setting, visually this story's a charmer. But strange as it may seem, Wells's words are out-of-place here. Though a brief tale with little in the way of plot, somehow this book is not as direct or understandable as it might be. A pity.
   
   On our first view of little white McDuff, he's sitting in the back of a city pound truck. After a providential bump in the road and a quick escape, the solitary doggy goes down a nice suburban street in search of food and shelter. Door number one at the first house growls at him. Door number two at the second house hisses at him. But door number three at the third house is just right. There, a friendly couple take him in, feed him, give him a bath, then decide they haven't room for a doggy. Fortunately an attempted car ride to the pound proves that maybe this couple has grown a bit attached to their shaggy new friend. Happy ending and shortbread biscuits for all.
   
   The book bears a striking resemblance to Lyn Rossiter McFarland's subsequent similarly plotted picture book, "Widget". The difference, however, is that "Widget" is the stronger story. Though I was with "McDuff" through the beginning, about the time he stumbles on the kindly couple I found my eyebrows slowly beginning to lift. For example, when McDuff appears outside the third home, the book says the following: "Somebody opened the door and asked him to come in. It was Lucy. 'This is Fred', said Lucy". Looking at the picture of both Fred and Lucy staring at the pup on their porch, I naturally assumed that now the dog was named Fred. Not so much. The text and the pictures don't mesh particularly well either. When the book says that Fred checks McDuff's collar, the picture shows Fred sitting on a chair with McDuff hiding underneath. Plus the language is oddly stilted. It ends with the words, " 'How happy we are!', they said in their dreams", which is half an inch shy of hokey and a sneeze away from outright saccharine. I don't think I'm conveying the book's inability to tell its story convincingly to you. Nevertheless, I strongly urge you to flip through this story long before you decide to buy it. Long before.
   
   Which is not to say that the pictures don't almost make up for its narrative flaws. Illustrator Susan Jeffers has a Caldecott Honor Award under her belt and it shows. From Lucy's painted toenails and felt hat spotted bathrobe to the image of the three new friends happily munching on McDuff's shortbread biscuits at the tale's end, this book seeks to enchant. Seeks and, were it not for the words, would succeed. I loved the fabulous 40s-50s decor. I liked the scared little McDuff turning into a confident happy pup in a loving home. I liked how realistic these images were and how original the setting became. Obviously if Rosemary Wells had illustrated this tale herself she would've done it in an entirely different way. It's just her own bloody good luck that she found herself paired with such a supremely talented artist.
   
   So it's entirely up to you. "McDuff Moves In" has much in its favor and much against it as well. Personally, I suggest that if you are looking for a tale of a cute little white Scottie finding a home then you should seek out "Widget" by Lyn Rossiter McFarland forthwith. If, however, you're a fan of the period picture book genre and you like Susan Jeffers's work, "McDuff" may be a great choice for you and yours. It is not Rosemary Wells's best writing and the story is pretty touch n' go. Still, there are things to recommend it. Definitely give it a trial run.



5. When I was a working librarian, I read this books (and the others)to my storytimes. When I retired I started to volunteer in an inner city school. I was not certain how the children would react to the book. I am now in my sixth year reading to Preschool, Kindergarten and First Grade. They hear the first four books each year and they always ask me to repeat the books. The line about "no one had ever asked him to come in" always gets a great response. I think everyone should read these McDuff books. So many classes can't be wrong!