Awards

The Pennsylvania Center for the Book celebrates outstanding books, authors, and literary achievement through four signature awards: The Baker’s Dozen: Thirteen Best Books for Family Literacy, The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize, and Pennsylvania Great Reads from Great Places. Together, these programs recognize excellence in family literacy, children’s poetry, graphic novels, and books that reflect Pennsylvania’s rich literary heritage. By honoring exceptional literary works and connecting readers with engaging and meaningful stories, the Pennsylvania Center for the Book promotes lifelong reading, literacy, and a love of literature across the Commonwealth and beyond.

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The Doghouse

By Jan Thomas
Published by Harcourt, Inc., 2008
Young Readers

Repetition, large cartoon-like characters, and the anticipation of the ending make this a winning story. Mouse, Cow, Pig, and Duck’s ball bounces into a doghouse. "Who will get it out?" Mouse sends in Cow, then Pig, then Duck, and none of them return. Mouse is afraid for his friends and bravely inquires at the door of the doghouse, “Can’t you come out Duck?” A mean-looking dog replies, “No! Because I am having Duck for dinner.” Outside of the doghouse, a stricken Mouse screams, “Duck for Dinner?!” Readers will love finding out the punchline!

The Doghouse

Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards

Baker's Dozen 2009 Winner

Book Activities & Discussion Ideas

Tips for Using with Children

Make stick puppets and act out the story.

Tips for Using with Families

This is a good book for encouraging beginning readers to find and point to words. For example, the words “the doghouse” are written in yellow throughout the book. Children will also enjoy finding words in bubbles, and reading them with expression.