I Want a Dog 2003
Distributed by National Film Board of Canada, 1123 Broadway, Suite 307, New York, NY 10010;800-267-7710
Produced by Marcy Page
Directed by Sheldon Cohen
VHS, color, 10 min.
Pre-K to Grade 4
Children's Literature, Animation
Date Entered: 12/17/2003
Reviewed by Karen Straube, George Fox University, Newberg, ORThis is a charming animated video based on the book, I Want a Dog, by Dayal Kaur Khalsa. A little girl, May, desires to have a pet dog, and uses every opportunity to ask her parents for one. Her parents tell her to wait until she is older, and outline all of the work that a pet involves. May decides to show her parents that she can handle the responsibility, and practices with a roller skate. She takes it for walks, teaches it tricks, protects it from harm, and soon has all of her friends practicing with their own roller skates. She continues through several seasons, and after her parents see that she can handle the responsibility, they reward her with a puppy of her own.
This video shows children not just the responsibility of having a pet, but also illustrates how a goal can be achieved by taking small steps and persevering until it is met. Catchy music complements the animation, making this a delightful video to listen to as well as watch. Questions for discussion are included on the inside of the case. The technical quality is good. This would be a wonderful addition to any public or school library.