First Dog’s White House Christmas by J. Patrick Lewis

Lewis, J. Patrick and Beth Zappitello.  First Dog’s White House Christmas.  Sleeping Bear Press, 2010.  $15.95.  PICTURE BOOK.              Content, G.  The First Dog (Looking like President Obama’s dog) hosts a Christmas party for dogs around the world.  As each dog introduces themselves to the poodle they discuss the Christmas traditions of their home country.  The traditions of Christmas around the world are explained in interesting and simplified text.  The pictures depict the different traditions.  The story is entertaining enough that a young reader wouldn’t realize it’s an educational explanation.  The only complaint is that sometimes the author tries to make the conversation between the dogs casual and it can confuse the storyline. EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE Reviewer, C. Peterson, teacher.