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Table of Contents
About The Book
A “wholly satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) novel in verse starring a boy, a lost dog, and a lonely old man, from Newbery Honoree Marion Dane Bauer
Mark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can’t get his mom on board with his plan.
Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner already, but not one who understands what a dog really needs.
Mr. LaRue is a neighbor who needs a community. He’s alone all the time in his huge old house—and everyone needs more than that.
Over the course of a summer thunderstorm and one chaotic town council meeting, these three characters cross paths and come together in a timeless tale ripe with emotions. They’ll realize they all need the same things: love, understanding, and a sense of belonging—plus a place to play a game of fetch!
Mark is a boy who needs a dog. But he can’t get his mom on board with his plan.
Buddy is a dog who needs a boy. Buddy has an owner already, but not one who understands what a dog really needs.
Mr. LaRue is a neighbor who needs a community. He’s alone all the time in his huge old house—and everyone needs more than that.
Over the course of a summer thunderstorm and one chaotic town council meeting, these three characters cross paths and come together in a timeless tale ripe with emotions. They’ll realize they all need the same things: love, understanding, and a sense of belonging—plus a place to play a game of fetch!
About The Author
Photograph © Marion Dane Bauer
Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor book On My Honor and the Coretta Scott King Book Illustrator Award winner The Stuff of Stars. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and can be reached at MarionDaneBauer.com.
About The Illustrator
Jennifer A. Bell is an illustrator whose work can be found in greeting cards, magazines, and more than forty children’s books. She studied fine art at the Columbus College of Art and Design and spent many years designing seasonal giftware and greeting cards before becoming a children’s book illustrator. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (May 1, 2012)
- Length: 208 pages
- ISBN13: 9781442434257
- Ages: 8 - 12
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Raves and Reviews
"Here is a tale that warms the heart from top to bottom and back again. This is storytelling in all its glory."--Kathi Appelt, author of the Newbery Honor Book The Underneath
* "Wholly satisfying.... A perfect selection for pet lovers new to chapter books and anyone who just enjoys a cheerful dog story."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* “The rapid, immediate free verse will grab readers with first the longing and loneliness and then, on contrast, the boy and dog in bliss. Great for sharing with pet lovers.”--Booklist, starred review
“Marion Dane Bauer delicately showcases yearning in so many hearts, human and animal. Buddy, a female dog so named by her first owner because she was his buddy, loses one home and moves through another before emerging as a much-loved Ruby at the end. Telling the story in short poems, which highlight central characters, allows Bauer to make the story accessible to many different readers. The lines can dwell on Buddy's cute ears or the “eyes as blue as a Caribbean sea” of a lonely older man, or the wonderful dog-dominating skills of a cat named Fido. A great read-aloud.”
—Mary Harris Russell, Chicago Tribune
"Newbery Honor–author Bauer (On My Honor) crafts distinct voices for each character and develops a strong sense of place in the close-knit town of Erthly. . . . Any child who has ever longed for a pet or tried to convince a parent to give in to a dear wish will identify with Mark."--Publishers Weekly
"Written in poetry form, this title is a wonderful story for dog lovers and those who like a little mystery—the reader does not find out until the end of the book how each character’s story relates others. This is perfect for a read-aloud or to read alone."
---Library Media Connection, October 2012
American Kennel Club Responsible Dog Ownership Month
American Kennel Club; http://www.akc.org/
Little Dog, Lost (Atheneum, 2012) by Newbery Honor winner Marion Dane Bauer is the heartwarming story of a boy who needs a dog, and a dog who needs a boy—a match made in heaven if only the two can meet! This touching novel in verse will captivate readers. A guide for the novel including discussion questions, simile and persuasive letter writing activities, and more is available free (http://www.mariondanebauer.com/bkpages/bk_littledog.html). Grades 3-7.
SLM, September 2012
Awards and Honors
- Maine Student Book Award Reading List
- Children's Sequoyah Book Award Master List (OK)
- Volunteer State Book Award Nominee (TN)
- Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Award Master List (VT)
- Massachusetts Children's Book Award Nominee
- Nene Award (HI)
- Bluestem Book Award Master List (IL)
- TX Triple Crown Nominee
- Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Noteworthy Title
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Little Dog, Lost eBook 9781442434257
- Author Photo (jpg): Marion Dane Bauer Photograph © Marion Dane Bauer(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
