March 15, 2016
A passel of pups play underwater at their own pool party in this simple story illustrated with high-quality photographs. Casteel specializes in underwater photography of dogs and is best known for Underwater Dogs (2012), illustrated with his intriguing shots of dogs swimming. This volume presents a large cast of canines, both puppies and adult dogs, gathered together poolside. The short rhyming text follows the dogs as they enter the water, play with pool toys, and swim alone or in pairs. An attractive design uses blue tiles as the background for the photos, with the text set in large, easy-to-read type in white or navy blue. The photographs are clear and well-focused, with lots of action shots and close-ups of the dogs' faces as they are swimming. Some of the dogs look happy, but several seem terrified, and there is one photo of a bug-eyed dog with mouth open and paws flailing that is downright scary. The storyline, such as it is, continues the pool-party theme as the dogs dry off after their swim, enjoying rest time in the sun. Two final pages present the "guest list" from the party, with the names and ages of the dogs next to thumbnail photos reprising the previous pages. An author's note details the photographer's methods in achieving his unusual photographs. These precocious pups will appeal to a wide audience of dog lovers, including beginning readers and older readers. (Picture book. 3-10)
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June 1, 2016
PreS-Gr 1-Another book by the author of Underwater Dogs. As in the previous volume, the vivacious, full-color photos of dogs playing in the water are adorable and the text is easy to read. "Test the water. Dip your toes. Blow some bubbles through your nose!" Despite the festive merrymaking, these super cute canines adhere to the rules: "Some pups paddle in a pair/Swimming buddies love to share/Safety first, it's crystal clear, /Don't swim without/a lifeguard near." VERDICT For fans of the previous title, and for all dog lovers, this entry is sure to make a splash at storytime.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Fort Thomas, KY
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
May 15, 2016
Preschool-G Casteel once again showcases his formidable talents as a specialist in ultracute photos of dogs underwater. In this latest installment, he pairs bright, usually face-on images of wide-eyed puppies splashing, paddling, and diving to a set of winningly artless rhymes: Run and jump. / Give it your all. / You splash the most when you . . . / CANNONBALL! Floats and pool toys serve as occasional props, and there are no humans in sight. Still, cautionary references to water safety and having a lifeguard on hand, as well as a challenge to Try the deep end when you're ready. / You can make itslow and steady, make the commentary as relevant for two-legged pups as the four-legged sort, as do scenes toward the end of weary pups snoozing on blankets after a hard day of watery fun. A spread with names, ages, and individual portraits of the 37 canine partygoers closes this sunny, splashy celebration.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2016
Casteel (Underwater Dogs) "taught swimming lessons to over 1,500 puppies" to get this book's impressive, entertaining photos of pooches frolicking poolside and underwater. The rhymes aren't exactly the life of the party ("Nice move, puppy! You've got style. / Now let's see your underwater smile"), but dog-loving little kids will show up for the adorable images. A "guest list" identifies the puppies.
(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)