Module 7: "A Dog Called Kitty" by Bill Wallace

Book Cover Image:                                    www.rif.scholastic.com

Book Summary:

A small stray puppy wanders onto a farm in Oklahoma where a young boy named Ricky discovers him.  Even though the puppy is friendly, Ricky wants nothing to do with him.  When he was little he was attacked by a dog, and is now very afraid of them.  The dog soon tries to share the food bowl with the barn cats, but they are having none of it, so the puppy is slowly starving.  Ricky has to overcome his fear of dogs in order to save this pup from certain death, and in so doing, finds a true and loyal friend.

APA Reference:  

Wallace, B. (1992). A dog called Kitty.  New York N.Y.  Aladdin.

My Impressions:

Wallace’s book is an enjoyable read and most children will be drawn to it because of the natural attraction between boys and dogs.  The reader can empathize with not only the starving, lonely puppy, but also with Ricky as he battles to conquer his fear of dogs and reach out to help the pup.  The story explores the themes of friendship and overcoming personal struggles.  And, as realistic stories often go, the ending is a sad one.  But Ricky is a better person for having befriended the dog named “Kitty.”

Professional Review:

“Grade 3-5. Bill Wallace's story of the bonding between a boy and a dog is not to be missed. This presentation, read by L.J. Ganser, is so softly dramatic that it not only captures the essence of gentle emotion but essentially transports readers to the Oklahoma farm where Ricky exhibits courage beyond belief. Ricky is terrified by dogs because as a toddler he was mercilessly mauled by a rabid dog and left to die. Sixty-three stitches later with no anesthesia, Ricky is scarred with the emotional and physical memories that constantly recall his tragedy. The softness of Ganser's voice reflects the softness of Ricky's heart when a puppy is left to starve because he responds with a litter of kittens for food but is rejected. Hence, the name Kitty. Ricky musters all his courage and feeds the puppy, building a closeness that only friends realize and conquering his all-consuming fear. With Ricky, readers suffer the loss and feel the anguish when Kitty is accidentally killed at an oil rig. Hope, however, still prevails and happiness does come through sorrow. Ganser brings life and emotion to a powerful story with his dramatic rendition. This touching and encouraging story add a further dimension to the significance of boy and dog relationships, and should be high on public and school library priority lists.”

[Review of the book A dog called Kitty, by B.Wallace].  (1981, February 1). School Library Journal,
 27(6).  71.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com.

Library Uses:

This book would be good to do a Book Talk on, to get children interested in reading.  It would also be a nice title to add to a display on dogs or pets in general, or when discussing the subjects of fear, grief and loss.