The Stray Dog (Simont book)

The Stray Dog is a 2000 children's picture book by Marc Simont.

Plot
A family of four meets a stray dog while having a picnic in the park. The two kids name the dog Willy and ask their parents if they can keep him. Unfortunately, their parents say no. During the next week, every member of the family keeps on thinking about Willy. When Saturday comes, they decide to go on another picnic to see if the stray dog will appear again. When they see a dogcatcher chase after the dog, they try to save him.  When they catch up to him, the dogcatcher says that the dog doesn't belong to anyone. The kids tell him that the dog does belong to them by saying that the boy's belt was the dog's collar and the girl's hair ribbon was his leash. The dogcatcher is satisfied and leaves.

Reception
Steve Barancik of Best Children's Books has written that the story is heartwarming and that the ending reminded him of that of Horton Hatches the Egg. The book has won several awards, including ALA Notable Children’s Book, Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and Caldecott Honor Book.

References

Category:2000 children's books
Category:American picture books
Category:Books illustrated by Marc Simont
Category:Animal tales
Category:Street dogs
Category:Books about dogs
Category:HarperCollins books