Made for Each Other

October 15, 2017
An overview of the relationship between people and dogs. Filled with full-color photos of children and dogs interacting (often adorable, but lacking adequate diversity; of 47 photos that include people, only nine feature people of color), this perkily designed book attempts a broad overview of the human-dog connection. Each of the book's three parts addresses a specific topic. Part 1, "A Perfect Partnership" reiterates currently popular theories on how dogs evolved from prehistoric wolves to become domesticated by humans in prehistory as well as the development of specific dog behaviors and physical characteristics. Part 2, "The Science of Love," relays select research conclusions about dogs' intelligence and their emotional lives. Part 3, "Sharing Our Lives," touches upon the collaboration between dogs and humans, whether it is for companionship, therapy, protection, or other reasons. (A double-page spread in this section, highlighting a specific doggie day care and a specific grooming salon in Montana has tenuous relevance to the theme.) Patent's text burbles with liveliness, and the book is energetically designed with plenty of color, different-sized type, text bullets, and photographs, but the information is sometimes vague. Several sources are listed for young readers who are interested in learning more. A smorgasbord of dog facts and tidbits whose distinguishing value may be to inspire interest in readers to research further. (sources, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12)

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November 1, 2017

Gr 2-5-Beginning with the "ancient bonds" formed thousands of years ago, Patent explores the long relationship between humans and dogs in this satisfying nonfiction read. The author's compendium of intriguing information includes comparing traits of wolves and dogs to sharing research about how dogs are aware of happy faces and how they understand words and gestures. The well-researched narrative is presented in an understandable and friendly, yet authoritative, voice. Information is divided into three major parts: "A Perfect Partnership," "The Science of Love," and "Sharing Our Lives," and each of those areas are explored in briefer, more targeted sections, and all are identified in the table of contents. The welcoming layout uses a variety of design elements, including occasional font variations, paw prints on some pages' corners, colored circles containing tidbits of info, and more to make this an enjoyable, browsable book. Dog lovers will be quickly enticed to reading the entire work from cover to cover. Clear, attractive photographs by Munoz support and complement the text. VERDICT It has been said man's best friend is a dog, and this book about canines is sure to make fast friends with young readers.-Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 12, 2018
Over three chapters, Patent thoughtfully considers the enduring connection between dogs and people, which likely began as a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and wolves: “Maybe those ancient people put up with the garbage-eating wolves because they kept dangerous animals away and helped clean up their trash,” she posits. The second section looks at studies on canine cognition and behavior, including how a dog’s brain responds when thinking about food or seeing a familiar human, how they interpret human facial expressions, and whether they feel jealousy. A third section details the ways that dogs help humans as service and emotional support animals. Patent gives readers a fresh perspective on this human-animal bond in a book that’s sure to spark curiosity and discussion. Color photos, both from Muñoz and stock photo sources, appear throughout. Ages 6–9. Agent: Susan Schulman, Susan Schulman Literary.

January 1, 2018
Grades 3-5 Irresistible photos of babies, puppies, kids, and dogs (plus a few token adults) happily frolic across pages as three main sections explore the relationship between people and dogs: our perfect partnerships, the science behind these bonds, and how our canine companions share our lives. If any of this sounds like familiar territory, think again. There is an emphasis on the science aspect: evolutionary changes in DNA, specific trait breeding, brain research on dog intelligence and emotions, and communication. Accessible chunks of text mingle with compare/contrast charts, bubble picture captions, and chapter headings and subheadings, plus important points emphasized in bright, oversize fonts. And, yes, those photos: every page contains either single shots or montages, expressive, unexpected, and astutely aligned with content. Source notes, resources appropriate for young readers (books, websites, videos), and notable adult sources used as research (books, interviews with scientists) appear at the end. The engaging cover will make this a natural draw for dog lovers, but be sure to promote this as a STEM title, too.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2019
This visually loaded nonfiction book balances science and anecdote to explore how dogs and humans have evolved symbiotically. Ample source notes reveal the vast research underlying Patent's highly readable text, which is made even more accessible through its short sections, frequent tables, and many photographs (including Instagram-worthy interaction shots introducing each part). Reading list, websites. Ind.

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