"Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch" by Mona Kerby, Illustrated by Lynne Barasch

Image Courtesy of: http://images.indiebound.com/859/356/9780374356859.jpg

Bibliographic Citation

Title: Owney: The Mail-Pouch Pooch

Author: Mona Kerby

Illustrator: Lynne Barasch

Year of Publication: 2008

Publisher City: New York

Publisher: Frances Foster Books

ISBN: 9780374356859

Author Website: http://www.monakerby.com/

Illustrator Website: http://www.lynnebarasch.com/

Media Used for Artwork: Pen, Watercolor

Awards

·         Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year List, 2009

·         California Young Reader Medal, Picture Book for Older Reader Category, 2010

·         Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Primary Titles, 2009

·         Vermont Red Clover Award 2010

·         South Carolina Book Award Nominee, 2010-2011

Annotation

Owney worked his way into the hearts of the workers at the Albany Post Office and soon the world.  Though he was a free spirit, he was still loyal to his job as guard of the mail.

Personal Reaction

                I am always a sucker for stories about dogs, especially when it comes to a dog’s immense loyalty and the adventures that occur from this.  Kerby’s adaption of the real story of Owney is no exception.  It is endearing to learn about how so many people embraced the dog, not only in the United States but around the world.  Older readers will appreciate this story because they are at an age where they will be able to take care of an animal.  Learning about the loyalty an animal can have can help them mature and be prepared to take the responsibility of taking care of a pet.  Readers may also enjoy the movie “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” if they are interested in this type of story.

                The illustrations work well in showing not only the personality of Owney, the humans he came in contact with, and also the places he travelled.  It was great to see Owney on a boat looking at the Statue of Liberty after his journey around the world.  The illustrations are snapshots into his life, from his time at the Albany Post Office, to his journey around the world, and his retirement.  Also, the addition of the many tags Owney received on the inside of the front and back covers shows the extent of his travels beyond what is shown in the body of the book.