My kids love being in on a secret the narrator doesn't know. Why won't this pet dog do tricks and go on walks? (spoiler alert: it isn't a dog).

SPOILER ALERT!

It's a cat. ( )

There are many books about an animal (or a human) mistaking the identity of an animal for something else. However, this book made me smile. I think the illustrations have something to do with that. I really felt as if the temperament of the cat was captured. This cat really doesn't want to be thought of as a dog. ;) ( )

The text and illustrations disagree hilariously in BAD DOG, starting with the cover. A little girl receives a pet for her birthday; it's obviously a cat, but she proceeds as if it's the dog she wanted. After a Rocky (pun intended) getting-to-know-you period, girl and cat meet in the middle. Would be a good storytime choice.

See also: Matilda's Cat by Emily Gravett, Penguin by Polly Dunbar
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Re-read March 2024 (storytime) ( )

Rocky the cat is a pretty bad dog. Cute. ( )