I loved how each page of the book had a little doodle of what was happening on the page. I really liked this book. I chuckled at a few jokes that were made in the book. I thought the narrative was nicely written, it was very easy to follow and I enjoyed reading it.

Salisbury, Graham. Dog Heaven. Series Calvin Coconut. Illus. by Jacqueline Rogers. Random House Children’s Books. Copyright 2010. ISBN 978-385-90641-8.

Recently I read Dog Heaven, part of the Calvin Coconut Series written by Salisbury, with my seven year old son. “Come on mom, it’s time for Calvin Coconut” he’d remind me every evening when we took turns reading aloud. My son’s enthusiasm for the plot and his interest in a fourth grade boy living in Hawaii made this an enjoyable experience.

The story begins when Calvin’s teacher posts the writing assignment “What I want so badly I can taste it” which forces Calvin to examine his heart’s most pressing desire. Calvin comes to the realization that what he wants more than anything comes with some major obstacles. Calvin wants a dog. Unfortunately his mom is against the idea. Understandable considering she is the single mother of two children and the provider for an emotional teenager named Stella. Stella’s parents skipped town and the girl is not only resentful towards Calvin, but worse, she’s allergic to animals!

Despite the fact Calvin’s dream seems hopeless, dream he does, until the day his dream is given a face and a name. Luckily Ledward, Calvin’s mother’s boyfriend, believes “every boy should have a dog.” When Ledward takes Calvin to visit “Dog Heaven,” Calvin is immediately drawn to Streak, a black eyed herding dog who was abandoned in the mountains. Although Calvin can’t take her home from the shelter without his mother’s permission, he is inspired to rewrite his essay until it’s so persuasive he just knows his mom will agree to let him have Streak.

Calvin’s desire for a four legged companion conjured up memories of me and the numerous times I brought home flea infested stray cats as a girl. The characterization will intrigue readers who have limited knowledge of Hawaiian culture and the theme pulls at the heartstrings of children and adults alike. With serious subplots dealing with divorce and abandonment, Dog Heaven teaches that life isn’t always a bowl of cherries, even for people living in majestic Hawaii. Recommended for grades 2-5. ( )