Picture Book Review: Let’s Have a Dog Party

As an introvert, this book really resonates with me. I can totally relate to poor Frank, who just wants to do what he wants to do on his birthday, which is not all the crazy loud party stuff his best friend Kate wants to do. This is a great book for showing children the importance of empathy. It shows how really seeing and understanding your friends can help them feel appreciated, and what happens when you don’t!

Kate has the best of intentions, but she’s looking at the party through her own lens, which means she picks out activities that she loves instead of taking a moment to think about what the birthday dog loves. She gets so caught up by the festivities that she doesn’t notice his stress and his attempts to disengage (something I think young kids definitely do, especially toward pets and younger siblings). It’s not until she really sees his distress and avoidance that she takes a moment to consider what he would want and then works to correct her mistake. I think this part is important as well. Know better, do better.

Overall this is a really cute story and a dog one, despite dogs not being my favorite pets (cats and birds win, sorry not sorry) I actually really connect with!