From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—Grumpy Mr. and Mrs. Cripps receive a dog for Christmas from a friend. But the black-and-white mutt does nothing to ease their crabbiness. If anything, the dog's presence makes it worse. He is unwanted, although the couple do feed and clean him. They don't give him a name, however, other than Hey, you or Dog. The dog names himself Sad. His beautiful "singing" is seen as yapping by Mr. Cripps, and Sad is scolded. Mrs. Cripps screams when Sad digs in the garden, and when the newspaper gets torn, the pup just lies there being sad. One day the Cripps up and move, leaving Sad behind. He is lonely and howls the night away, but Sad's luck is about to change. The next day a new family moves in, and the young boy, Jack, is excited to see that their new home comes with a dog. Sad is a bit wary, however. Nevertheless, with some coaxing by his new friend—as well as clean water, walks, and treats—Sad is soon running, digging, barking, and playing. He likes his new name, too—Lucky. The watercolor illustrations nicely capture the expressions of the characters in the story—from Sad's dejection to the Crippses' squinty-eyed crabbiness to Jack's delight at meeting his new friend. The layout is balanced, and the book will be easy to use in a storytime setting. VERDICT A sweet, sentimental story and a pleasing supplemental purchase.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA Read more Review The watercolor pictures are done in soft colors and whimsical line...Younger children may also relate to Sad the dog's being yelled at for activities that are perfectly natural to him.—Kirkus ReviewsThe layout is balanced, and the book will be easy to use in a storytime setting. A sweet, sentimental story and a pleasing supplemental purchase.—School Library JournalThis picture book from Australia is a vivid reminder of how much animals learn from humans as well as what humans can learn from animals. Sad is, indeed, very Lucky once the right person befriends him. Those animal “owners” who behave irresponsibly, never allowing their dogs to play or even deserting them need to read this book as a reminder that animals matter and have feelings.—Literacy DailyA satisfying story.—The New York Times Read more See all Editorial Reviews
F**E
Heartwarming!
A beautiful book, tender and thoughtful...even though very sad at the beginning it has a wonderful happy ending...heartwarming! This is how we should teach our kids about pets!
J**H
Five Stars
This book touched my heart!
J**N
Sweet story Feel good book to be used after
Sweet storyFeel good book to be used after disapointment
L**R
Sad Has a Happy Ending
Sad, the dog, has a happy ending. When an older couple were given a dog for a gift, they didn't really want him. They fed him and bathed him, but didn't even name him. The dog named himself Sad. When the older couple moved, they left Sad. Now Sad really deserved his name.Things start to turn around when a new young family moves in. The little boy is happy about the puppy waiting for him. He feeds Sad delicious food: sausages! He plays with Sad, and never yells at him. Sad isn't sad anymore. The little boy gives Sad a new name. You'll have to read this book to learn Sad's name.If your little one is okay with a sad dog for the beginning of this book, this book has a happy ending.
T**3
Who's Sad In Your Life?
SAD, THE DOG is a story about a dog. The dog is given to an older couple for a Christmas gift. Although they feed him and bathe him, they don't really love him. They don't even give him a name. So, the dog names himself: Sad. One day the old couple moves and leaves Sad behind. He's never felt sadder before. Then new people move into the old couple's home and they have a boy named Jack. Jack takes a liking to Sad right away, but it takes some time before Sad is able to open up to Jack. SAD, THE DOG is a book about an unloved dog, but the message in the story is just as relevant to people, too. How many people are there in our lives who feel like Sad, the dog? The story reminds us that we can make a difference and encourage people and build them up.
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