Picture Book #1

Title:  That New Animal
Author:  Emily Jenkins
Illustrator:  Pierre Pratt
Genre:  Realistic Fiction
Subgenre:  Early Reader picture book
Themes:  Major changes within family life, pets and their feelings, empathy, compassion and loyalty, and coping with change.
Primary and Secondary Characters: FudgeFudge, Marshmallow, "that new animal (a baby)," mom, dad, and grandpa.
Awards:   Boston Globe - Horn Book Award
Date of Publication: March 2005
Publishing Company:  Frances Foster Books

Summary:
This book is very involved with realistic matters that occur in families.  This book discusses (from a dog's point of view which makes the book humorous) how FudgeFudge and Marshmallow view "that new animal" which is a newborn baby that was brought home just recently.  Of course, these dogs don't take it very well that they aren't getting the attention anymore.  Instead, "that new animal" has overtaken what it seems like everything!  "That new animal" smells different, takes up their spot on the couch, and most importantly, keeps their masters from playing with them.  FudgeFudge and Marshmallow try to gain the attention back from their masters, but instead, they get in trouble.  They just want "that new animal" to go away!  But, one day, grandpa comes over and wants to hold "that new animal."  FudgeFudge and Marshmallow don't like this so they bark and bark until grandpa goes away.  They find themselves becoming protective of "that new animal."  As "that new animal" slowly starts to grow up, they notice they are fetching the stick again, and they're being called "Da" which means dog.  In the end, FudgeFudge and Marshmallow come to realize that "that new animal" isn't too bad after all.

How it would be used within the classroom: 
Since this is considered an early reader's book, I could incorporate this book into my classroom by keeping it handy for those students who have a lower reading level.  This book was recommended for children ages 3-6, so that shows what age level would be beneficial to read this book.  However, it is a great story and has a theme that many children could relate to.  It could be just a fun book to have around the classroom that could engage students within their interests.