Owning a pet can teach a child responsibility, patience, confidence, and the satisfaction of a job well done—and best of all, it’s fun! Over 60 inventive activities and crafts such as Can Do Canine Show and Dog Day Story teach kids about taking care of their pooch pal while promoting a long-lasting relationship. Games such as musical chairs, burying bones together, and throwing a frisbee and flyball; fun things to make such as a rag rug, a pooch pillow, and a puppy bed; and yummy treats to cook such as crunchy dog biscuits and a dog food cake get kids involved with taking care of their dog’s needs while teaching healthy care-giving techniques and fostering a deep friendship. In addition, A Dog’s Best Friend includes information about dog obedience training; a reading list of children’s animal books; listings of Web sites, pet-care resources, and animal organizations and events; and amusing trivia for dog lovers. Grade 4-7-This guidebook helps children establish friendships with their dogs and develop responsibility by caring for them. The introduction for parents discusses things to consider before bringing a dog home, how to choose the right one for your family, foster dog care as a preliminary tryout, and more. The main text covers puppy care, "creature comforts," safety, food, games, and projects. More than 60 activities including crafts, recipes, and games are suggested as are helpful hints to make vet visits and travel with pets easier. Concluding sections have an extensive reading list; resources including Web sites, organizations, and a list of hotels that welcome pets; and a bibliography. Scattered throughout the book are "Paws for Thought," boxed sections with factual tidbits about canine pets. A real treat for dogs and their kids. Kate Kohlbeck, Randall School, Waukesha, WI Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. “Good, basic advice, simply stated, is interspersed with enough fun projects to hold the attention of youngsters both two-legged and four-legged.” —Betty White, actress and dog lover “Shares a wide variety of activities that provide countless hours of indoor entertainment for everyone.” —Dog World magazine “Dogs deserve a lifelong commitment of responsible caring, and Rosenthal’s book deserves praise for helping children play their part.” —The Humane Society of the United States “Novel ideas to strengthen the canine/child connection.” —Dog World magazine Lisa Rosenthal is a pet owner and playwright. John Caruso is the director of humane education at the Anti-Cruelty Society.