This is a simple, short book that is mostly composed of correspondence between a boy and his poetry teacher. It would probably help to know in advance that the referenced poems: The Red Wheelbarrow by Carlos Williams, Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, (the first stanza of) The Tiger by William Blake, Dog by Valerie Worth, Pasture by Robert Frost, Street Music by Arnold Adoff, The Apple by S.C. Rigg, and (the first stanza of) Love That Boy by Walter Dean Myers are included in the back.

As the boy experiments with poetry writing and is exposed to a variety of poems (specifically those listed above), he gains confidence in his own abilities and ultimately is able to compose a poem about his dog's demise. Additionally, he writes another, inspired by Water Dean Myers, which shares its title with the book. Love That Dog is a cute, clever book that takes a unique approach to poetry. Also good: Polkabats and Octopus Slacks by Calef Brown, and pretty much anything by Jack Prelutsky.

I almost died of boredom. I am an extreme book lover and this book just about killed me!

I read this once before, loved it then, love it now. It's definitely not the best of Sharon Creech (and if you're interested in that, definitely check out Absolutely Normal Chaos), but it's really good writing. The one thing that bothers me though is the boy's voice. His actions are those of a little boy, as are his emotions, but his words...they make me wonder. Is there any chance he has a mental disorder? I don't know any children who think/speak like that. They're enthusiastic, sure, but this is a bit...odd. I wish I knew this for sure, it'd help me understand the story more (and wow, how cool would it be if he did?!) but still, great idea. It's just, I don't think a child would be so...blase about the death of the dog. He's a bit obsessed, but at the same time, it's just like he's casually telling a story. I'm not sure what to think. It almost feels like the dog part is an story she added in upon realizing the book wasn't long enough. I don't see it connecting to anything else, it just floats out there awkwardly. The poetry reminds me of things written by Ellen Hopkins (not nearly as depressing, but the style is nearly identical). I love the unintentional (on Jack's part, probably intentional on Sharon's part) repetition of all those great classic poems, and Jack's childish take on them. Yes, that's EXACTLY how a child thinks of poetry. [And hey, maybe not even a child. I mean, what the heck is the DEAL with that stupid red wheelbarrow, right?!] Absolutely BRILLIANT.

I read this book in a college class. It's a delightful conversation, via school work, between a boy and a teacher and he learns to express himself through poetry.

It's simple, touching, and a most effective way to show some deep emotion of kids.

When you have 30 minutes to yourself, read this book, or read half of it one day and the other half the next day.

I do not have a dog, but I have known love. Poets, dog lovers, and lovers of the world will find the heart in this book.