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The First Dog
Jan Brett’s popular tale of adventure in prehistoric times is now a big book!
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
5 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Jan Brett
113 books1,021 followersWith over thirty three million books in print, Jan Brett is one of the nation's foremost author illustrators of children's books. Jan lives in a seacoast town in Massachusetts, close to where she grew up. During the summer her family moves to a home in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusetts.
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
As a child, Jan Brett decided to be an illustrator and spent many hours reading and drawing. She says, "I remember the special quiet of rainy days when I felt that I could enter the pages of my beautiful picture books. Now I try to recreate that feeling of believing that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists. The detail in my work helps to convince me, and I hope others as well, that such places might be real."
As a student at the Boston Museum School, she spent hours in the Museum of Fine Arts. "It was overwhelming to see the room-size landscapes and towering stone sculptures, and then moments later to refocus on delicately embroidered kimonos and ancient porcelain," she says. "I'm delighted and surprised when fragments of these beautiful images come back to me in my painting."
Travel is also a constant inspiration. Together with her husband, Joe Hearne, who is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Jan visits many different countries where she researches the architecture and costumes that appear in her work. "From cave paintings to Norwegian sleighs, to Japanese gardens, I study the traditions of the many countries I visit and use them as a starting point for my children's books."
--from www.janbrett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
October 30, 2020
I think the world of Jan Brett and her work, but this is one of my least favorite she has done. I'm sure some people love it, but it felt incomplete to me and odd.
The setting is prehistoric times. I have read the Earth's Children Series by Jean Auel and that is set in the same time and I feel my mind has a good picture for that time period. The subject is about how man got the first best friend.
So, a young boy is a day away from his family on his own. Back then, kids didn't run off by themselves. Some large animal would get you like it almost does in this book, but this dog wanting the boys rhino bones warns him each time. I just had a problem with the boy being on his own. He would have been with friends or a parent.
The artwork is still lovely and Jan Brett special. Her edges and windows on the side give plenty of information extra for the reader like usual. The dog is very cute and the boy is as well, but something about this story simply didn't work for me. I can't say why. Why would a wooly mamoth charge a boy on a rock? I guess they are agressive, who knows. Anyway, it's a kids story and it doesn't have to be real, but the story doest feel like it has the same intense vision as her other books do.
I would also bet that a dog raised as a puppy in a clan would be a better way to be the first dog than this, but anyway.
I'm sure kids will enjoy it anyway.
The setting is prehistoric times. I have read the Earth's Children Series by Jean Auel and that is set in the same time and I feel my mind has a good picture for that time period. The subject is about how man got the first best friend.
So, a young boy is a day away from his family on his own. Back then, kids didn't run off by themselves. Some large animal would get you like it almost does in this book, but this dog wanting the boys rhino bones warns him each time. I just had a problem with the boy being on his own. He would have been with friends or a parent.
The artwork is still lovely and Jan Brett special. Her edges and windows on the side give plenty of information extra for the reader like usual. The dog is very cute and the boy is as well, but something about this story simply didn't work for me. I can't say why. Why would a wooly mamoth charge a boy on a rock? I guess they are agressive, who knows. Anyway, it's a kids story and it doesn't have to be real, but the story doest feel like it has the same intense vision as her other books do.
I would also bet that a dog raised as a puppy in a clan would be a better way to be the first dog than this, but anyway.
I'm sure kids will enjoy it anyway.
February 25, 2016
Jan Brett's illustrations are stunning, as always, but I couldn't bring myself to like key parts of the story. Kip looks far too modern (I think it was mostly homo erectus wandering around in the Pleistocene) and definitely too much like a white European boy who gets haircuts and regular baths.
Mostly, the story just felt too treacly, though I can understand the appeal.
My library bought this to go with an upcoming mega-program about human evolution, but I don't think this book is a great fit.
Mostly, the story just felt too treacly, though I can understand the appeal.
My library bought this to go with an upcoming mega-program about human evolution, but I don't think this book is a great fit.
June 7, 2008
This is supposed to be the story of the first domesticated dog. It takes place in the Pleistocene age where wooly mammoths etc roam the Earth. Kip, a young boy, is on his way home to his cave when he is befriended by a paleowolf (soon to be known as a dog) who follows him. They become best friends. The illustrations by Jan Brett are detailed and fantastic.
November 20, 2012
Grade/interest level: PreK-2nd grade
Lexile level: 490L
Genre: Historical fiction
Main Characters: Kip the cave boy and Paleowolf
Setting: Earth in the days of Pleistocene
POV: omniscient
In this story, a little cave boy named Kip is going for a walk. During his walk, the author introduces us to animals that lived during the days of the Pleistocene. Kip stopped to eat on a rock and along came a Paleowolf. Kip wouldn’t share his food with the wolf. Paleowolf followed kip home, and the whole way and big scary animals kept jumping out trying to eat kip. Paleowolf warned kip of danger and saved his life every time. Kip told Paleowolf that if he promised to always look over him, he would always share his food from then on. He gave Paleowolf a collar and named him “Dog.”
This is a good book to use in the classroom in a unit on friendship, because not all friends are people. The book would also be a good read aloud in a unit on cave men and the early history of humans. It’s better for younger kids as a fun little read aloud because you’d want to explain to students what the animals are that Kip is bumping into.
Lexile level: 490L
Genre: Historical fiction
Main Characters: Kip the cave boy and Paleowolf
Setting: Earth in the days of Pleistocene
POV: omniscient
In this story, a little cave boy named Kip is going for a walk. During his walk, the author introduces us to animals that lived during the days of the Pleistocene. Kip stopped to eat on a rock and along came a Paleowolf. Kip wouldn’t share his food with the wolf. Paleowolf followed kip home, and the whole way and big scary animals kept jumping out trying to eat kip. Paleowolf warned kip of danger and saved his life every time. Kip told Paleowolf that if he promised to always look over him, he would always share his food from then on. He gave Paleowolf a collar and named him “Dog.”
This is a good book to use in the classroom in a unit on friendship, because not all friends are people. The book would also be a good read aloud in a unit on cave men and the early history of humans. It’s better for younger kids as a fun little read aloud because you’d want to explain to students what the animals are that Kip is bumping into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2017
Story: 4 stars
Art: 3 stars
An imagined tale of how the wolf became domesticated into the modern dog. This picture book is not based on fact. Other than his outfit, "Kip the cave boy" looks far too modern for an early human. This very Caucasian-looking boy is scrubbed clean with a recent haircut. Also, the Megaceros did not live in the same location as the other animals depicted in the illustrations. An exciting and touching story, as long as readers understand that it is pure fiction. Be aware that a few of the pictures are scary, especially the saber-toothed tiger.
Art: 3 stars
An imagined tale of how the wolf became domesticated into the modern dog. This picture book is not based on fact. Other than his outfit, "Kip the cave boy" looks far too modern for an early human. This very Caucasian-looking boy is scrubbed clean with a recent haircut. Also, the Megaceros did not live in the same location as the other animals depicted in the illustrations. An exciting and touching story, as long as readers understand that it is pure fiction. Be aware that a few of the pictures are scary, especially the saber-toothed tiger.
August 12, 2018
A story of how a child tamed the first dog. Though really, it's more about the paleowolf trying to befriend a selfish child who won't share their food, but who is being repeatedly protected by the wolf. It's a Reading Rainbow book, so I had high hopes. It was just ok.
This could be popular this year with Alpha. How do we "know" these stories? Are we purely making them up or are they stories we're appropriating?
This could be popular this year with Alpha. How do we "know" these stories? Are we purely making them up or are they stories we're appropriating?
June 16, 2016
This book, this has never ever left my mind. I spent most of my childhood trying to draw like this, and to this day the collar the "dog" ends up with still has an echo in my concepts. The illustrations are so dang lovely.
April 14, 2019
A tale based in the setting of the Pleistocene era, of a cave boy who befriended a paleowolf after the wolf saved him from danger several times while he made his way back home. This story suggest the domestication of the wolf as the first dog to live along side man, and share the hearth.
October 13, 2024
Fun, love the art, characters are cute, and the story is sweet. One of my favorites as a kid.
April 26, 2020
cute duh. but also obv wildly inaccurate anthropologically and historically, esp in art. shrugs, i loved this as a kid. take huge issue with supposed meaning of dog ugh layers
December 12, 2022
Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
Characters: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes
February 29, 2016
Title: The First Dog
Author: Jan Brett
Illustrator:
Genre: European Folktale
Theme(s): Animals, Story Telling
Opening line/sentence:
Long, long ago in the great days of the Pleistocene.
Kip the cave boy bounded down the trail on his way home.
Brief Book Summary: This book talks about how we got the first dog. I talks about all the different ways that the dog was created.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
Long, long ago,'' Kip the cave boy re-christens Paleowolf, a helpful, ever-hungry animal companion--and man's best friend is born. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (San Diego
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Lisa Larremore (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 12, No. 3))
This book about Kip and Paleowolf joining forces and becoming friends--with Paleowolf becoming the first dog--has very interesting pictures. The publisher's note helps the reader understand that Kip is a boy who lived during the Pleistocene--between 12,000 and 35,000 years ago. Teachers should be able to lead a discussion on the first man, cave man, and the ice age. Students will likely hear the word homosapiens for the first time. This book should help students to understand the cave man, and his need to draw to tell about things. The illustrator uses animals that lived at the time. The pictures are big, so all can see every detail. (Harcourt Brace Big Books) Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades 2-4. 1999, Harcourt Brace, Unpaged, $24.95. Ages 7 to 10.
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt Brace (San Diego:), PUBLISHED: 1999 c1988.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These two reviews sum up the book very well. I thought that the pictures throughout this book were very well illustrated. I also agree that this book could be used to help teach about the first cave man, and times such as those.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I believe that this book was very well written. Reading this books helps the reader see what the times would have been like in the time of a cave man. I also believe it will help young readers see the difference between the times.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book in my future classroom, to help teach children how times used to be different. I would use this book to teach children about the first cave man, and how they used to survive. I might also use this book to help children compare that time till now.
Author: Jan Brett
Illustrator:
Genre: European Folktale
Theme(s): Animals, Story Telling
Opening line/sentence:
Long, long ago in the great days of the Pleistocene.
Kip the cave boy bounded down the trail on his way home.
Brief Book Summary: This book talks about how we got the first dog. I talks about all the different ways that the dog was created.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Publishers Weekly (Publishers Weekly)
Long, long ago,'' Kip the cave boy re-christens Paleowolf, a helpful, ever-hungry animal companion--and man's best friend is born. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich (San Diego
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Lisa Larremore (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 12, No. 3))
This book about Kip and Paleowolf joining forces and becoming friends--with Paleowolf becoming the first dog--has very interesting pictures. The publisher's note helps the reader understand that Kip is a boy who lived during the Pleistocene--between 12,000 and 35,000 years ago. Teachers should be able to lead a discussion on the first man, cave man, and the ice age. Students will likely hear the word homosapiens for the first time. This book should help students to understand the cave man, and his need to draw to tell about things. The illustrator uses animals that lived at the time. The pictures are big, so all can see every detail. (Harcourt Brace Big Books) Fiction, Highly Recommended. Grades 2-4. 1999, Harcourt Brace, Unpaged, $24.95. Ages 7 to 10.
(PUBLISHER: Harcourt Brace (San Diego:), PUBLISHED: 1999 c1988.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These two reviews sum up the book very well. I thought that the pictures throughout this book were very well illustrated. I also agree that this book could be used to help teach about the first cave man, and times such as those.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: I believe that this book was very well written. Reading this books helps the reader see what the times would have been like in the time of a cave man. I also believe it will help young readers see the difference between the times.
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book in my future classroom, to help teach children how times used to be different. I would use this book to teach children about the first cave man, and how they used to survive. I might also use this book to help children compare that time till now.
May 31, 2018
Plot & Pacing
Simple but cute and informative plot on prehistoric life as well as dog instincts and the relationship between humans and canines. A young boy teases a wolf with his dinner but the wolf still chooses to save the boy's life multiple times.
Setting & World-Building
Does a great job at showing what the world looked like during prehistoric times.
Characters & Development
Kip is a carefree cave boy who enjoys teasing Paleowolf. Paleowolf really wants Kip's dinner but puts the boy's safety above his own needs & wants. Predators such as Wooly Mammoths and Saber Tooth Tigers are featured.
Character Relationships
The only relationship is between Kip and Paleowolf. Kip may enjoy teasing the wolf but he comes to understand that this animal has been protecting him and a friendship forms between them.
Writing & Voice
The writing is simple but has a lyrical element that ties well into the book.
Illustrations
The illustrations are gorgeous and the attention to detail is amazing. Very colorful and lots of little details all over the pages to look at.
Climax & Ending
Had a decent climax and adored the ending.
Overall, I'm keeping the 5 star rating. It was as enjoyable now as it was when I was growing up. A great book for children who love dogs, friendship, prehistoric stuff, and beautiful illustrations.
Simple but cute and informative plot on prehistoric life as well as dog instincts and the relationship between humans and canines. A young boy teases a wolf with his dinner but the wolf still chooses to save the boy's life multiple times.
Setting & World-Building
Does a great job at showing what the world looked like during prehistoric times.
Characters & Development
Kip is a carefree cave boy who enjoys teasing Paleowolf. Paleowolf really wants Kip's dinner but puts the boy's safety above his own needs & wants. Predators such as Wooly Mammoths and Saber Tooth Tigers are featured.
Character Relationships
The only relationship is between Kip and Paleowolf. Kip may enjoy teasing the wolf but he comes to understand that this animal has been protecting him and a friendship forms between them.
Writing & Voice
The writing is simple but has a lyrical element that ties well into the book.
Illustrations
The illustrations are gorgeous and the attention to detail is amazing. Very colorful and lots of little details all over the pages to look at.
Climax & Ending
Had a decent climax and adored the ending.
Overall, I'm keeping the 5 star rating. It was as enjoyable now as it was when I was growing up. A great book for children who love dogs, friendship, prehistoric stuff, and beautiful illustrations.
July 5, 2017
This was an interesting book for me to be able to read for one wouldn't have thought Jan Brett to have gone down this road after sticking so close to lore. But unlike other authors who have tried to change their genre, Jan was able to actually pull this book quite well.
Children may need help in first pronouncing some of the animals that are included in the page while if an adult is willing to they can help point out some of the prehistoric animals for there are so many beautiful examples. Even better yet a teacher may be able to use the book if there should be a lesson about either cave people or even the prehistoric timeframe although an emphasis needs to be put upon the fact that the book is more or less a work of creative licensing.
The artwork that Jan is known for in her other books is duplicated within the pages of this book with its beautiful borders that are a mix of cave drawings, parts taken from the story and also copies of artifacts that have been found. The only main problem that I had with the illustrations was the fact that the face page seemed to be faded and bleached while the opposite page was richly colored with bright details. I don't know if this was how the book was to be presented or if it was a fluke but I didn't like it at all.
All in all it is a great and quick read that allows children to explore the domestication of the dog with a more private twist than what history dictates.
Children may need help in first pronouncing some of the animals that are included in the page while if an adult is willing to they can help point out some of the prehistoric animals for there are so many beautiful examples. Even better yet a teacher may be able to use the book if there should be a lesson about either cave people or even the prehistoric timeframe although an emphasis needs to be put upon the fact that the book is more or less a work of creative licensing.
The artwork that Jan is known for in her other books is duplicated within the pages of this book with its beautiful borders that are a mix of cave drawings, parts taken from the story and also copies of artifacts that have been found. The only main problem that I had with the illustrations was the fact that the face page seemed to be faded and bleached while the opposite page was richly colored with bright details. I don't know if this was how the book was to be presented or if it was a fluke but I didn't like it at all.
All in all it is a great and quick read that allows children to explore the domestication of the dog with a more private twist than what history dictates.
September 20, 2016
I actually really enjoyed this book. My daughter grabbed it off the shelf at the library weeks ago and it's just sat at the bottom of the pile because the cover and title didn't grab me. But I'm glad we finally read it! We have two dogs at home so it was fun to read this story about the first dog.
This story takes place thousands of years ago when mammoths and saber-toothed tigers still existed. A little cave boy kept playing games with a wolf who just wanted some of his food. But the wolf always notified the boy of danger. In the end, the boy realized that the wolf could help protect him so he made deal with him. And the wolf's tail wagged for the first time.
It was actually a really good story. It was two fold because it was just a cute story about a boy getting a dog. But it also teaches kids not to tease animals, but in a subtle way.
The illustrations were pretty - not the most beautiful or colorful, but considering the setting of the story, that is to be expected. I liked the border around each page that had some scenery or animals. I didn't realize there was also some foreshadowing in the border until my daughter pointed out a bear on border of a page, and when we turned the page, the bear was attacking.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this book and had a little regret over putting it off for so long.
This story takes place thousands of years ago when mammoths and saber-toothed tigers still existed. A little cave boy kept playing games with a wolf who just wanted some of his food. But the wolf always notified the boy of danger. In the end, the boy realized that the wolf could help protect him so he made deal with him. And the wolf's tail wagged for the first time.
It was actually a really good story. It was two fold because it was just a cute story about a boy getting a dog. But it also teaches kids not to tease animals, but in a subtle way.
The illustrations were pretty - not the most beautiful or colorful, but considering the setting of the story, that is to be expected. I liked the border around each page that had some scenery or animals. I didn't realize there was also some foreshadowing in the border until my daughter pointed out a bear on border of a page, and when we turned the page, the bear was attacking.
Overall I was pleasantly surprised by this book and had a little regret over putting it off for so long.
March 1, 2017
This traditional legend tells a story of the first domestic dog coming to be. It takes place in the Pleistocene age when wooly mammoths roamed the earth and danger lurked around every corner. The young boy in the story, Kip, is roaming for food when he comes across a wolf.These two soon start relying on each other for safety and food and become fast friends. The illustrations are done in a way so young readers are able to look all around the page and see a story there. The only thing I didn't like was how modernized Kip looked in the story. The pages are bright and can show the ups and downs of the two's adventures until the wolf ultimately becomes the first ever dog.
Overall, I really enjoyed the artwork that was in the books. It had a way of showing what is going to happen in the book before it was stated on the page through text. It was able to keep my eyes moving and helped me understand the story on a much deeper level then I though it would at first. All in all, it was a great reminder to me about the amazingness of dogs and showed that since the beginning of early civilization time they have been by our sides.
Overall, I really enjoyed the artwork that was in the books. It had a way of showing what is going to happen in the book before it was stated on the page through text. It was able to keep my eyes moving and helped me understand the story on a much deeper level then I though it would at first. All in all, it was a great reminder to me about the amazingness of dogs and showed that since the beginning of early civilization time they have been by our sides.
May 9, 2020
Brett takes us back in time with this new story, which explores ancient man and his relationship with the domesticated dog in an exciting journey where the two new characters meet, face challenges, and eventually become lifelong partners in survival. The story itself is pretty basic, but I liked how Brett used a heady mix of humour and danger to provide tension throughout the story as our protagonists run into dangerous animals and avoid them together. Without this careful blend, I’m sure the book would have been lacklustre in terms of narrative, and would have been redeemed only by Brett’s expectedly intricate illustrations. Some of her imagery has been seen before by her fans (bears and wolves are featured in many of her books), but Brett expands her range to include new creatures and settings inspired by the paleolithic time period - namely a sabertooth tiger and border illustrations characterized by true to life cave paintings. The story of early man is less intriguing to me as some of her other settings, but I can see this story of exploration and ancient times being popular with young readers who are just learning about the evolution of humankind.
April 6, 2018
Kip the cave boy was on his way home and decided to stop in a safe space to take a break and eat a his Wooly Rhino Ribs. A Paleowolf came along looking for leftovers and started to beg. While Kip tried to shoo him away, the Paleowolf sensed danger and warned Kip to run away. Kip decided to share his food with the Paleowolf and named him “Dog” which means “one who wags his tail.” This book is cute but it does not come close to being accurate. The boy looks extremely modern, but its probably so it would get more attention from a younger audience. Since this story is written in the Pleistocene epoch,the lesson could relate to learning about fossils that came from that time and what the Earth was like.
January 7, 2014
While not one of my favorite of her books, still, I could not help but enjoy and remain in awe of the talent of this incredible writer and illustrator.
Set in prehistoric times, this is the tale of the adventure of Kip the cave boy who while traveling home, is followed by a Paleowolf who travels with him and saves him from danger. In search of food, the Paleowolf patiently waits until the boy will share. Finally, knowing how many times he is saved, he shares and calls his friend dog.
The drawings are creative as always.
Set in prehistoric times, this is the tale of the adventure of Kip the cave boy who while traveling home, is followed by a Paleowolf who travels with him and saves him from danger. In search of food, the Paleowolf patiently waits until the boy will share. Finally, knowing how many times he is saved, he shares and calls his friend dog.
The drawings are creative as always.
December 14, 2019
The First Dog by Jan Brett - While Kip is returning home, he finds he has a Paleowolf following him. Each time Kip tries to eat a Wooly Rhino rib he mistakes the wolf’s protective reaction for the desire to steal his food. After three brushes with death and the wolf still by his side, they return home safe and sound having become bonded through their experiences. Brett’s iconic story boarders include markings, drawings and animals of the time period. Young readers will be drawn to the drama and adventure the two characters take together.
April 27, 2022
Story about boy who domesticates first wold in Pleistocene era. Educational, nature-focused, human-animal interactions/relations; good for older children because of advanced concept & vocabulary. Some repetition in plot to make it predictable (dog wants of creature's presence, boy doesn't understand/notice, dog disappears, creature appears...).
June 16, 2020
Fiction
Primary Grades (2-3)
I like how this book explains how the first dog came to be. I could see so many of the traits the dog showed in most domesticated dogs - including my puppy Harper. It's a fun, relatable folk tale.
Primary Grades (2-3)
I like how this book explains how the first dog came to be. I could see so many of the traits the dog showed in most domesticated dogs - including my puppy Harper. It's a fun, relatable folk tale.
January 4, 2018
I really loved this book, I liked the historical aspect and I always love Brett's illustrations. This book hit in the feels, almost brought a tear to my eye.
October 21, 2018
I felt like I was learning and being entertained.
July 25, 2019
A nice little story to read along with SOTW- Ch. 1
January 18, 2020
I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this book! As usual, the illustrations are incredible. A heart-warming adventure of man’s best friend.
November 23, 2020
The First Dog
Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 3.9
Summary: A paleolithic boy, Kip, and a wolf find themselves on a journey amongst numerous examples of Pleistocene megafauna, in which they become unlikely friends.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Trait(s)
Idea: the notion that the wolf in this story has a better sense of smell, hearing, and sight are apparent throughout the story, though the wolf must prove these traits to the boy by warning him of danger. Kip, on the other hand, has food, which draws the wolf to the boy in the first place, as though the wolf is the wiser of the two. The book also addresses the issues of trust and unlikely friendship. While the wolf follows Kip, he questions the wolf’s motive. Initially, he believes the wolf only desires scraps of food, but an incident with a sabertoothed cat changes Kip’s thinking. The skepticism Kip feels toward a wolf following him with a motive of anything other than wanting food is grounded in the fact that wolves and paleolithic humans competed for resources.
Voice: The way in which this book is written provides a distinct voice, as the only speaking character is the boy, yet the descriptions of the wolf’s senses seem to give this non-speaking character a voice. When reading this, it is easy to imagine the voice of a boy speaking to a stray or unknown dog, today, whom he develops affection for.
Other suggestions: While the domestication of dogs from wolves did not occur overnight as suggested in the story, this text a fun read. It is also an excellent resource for not only explaining to children that dogs originally came from wolves, and it gives a child-friendly insight into paleolithic life and culture.
Author/Illustrator: Jan Brett
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 3.9
Summary: A paleolithic boy, Kip, and a wolf find themselves on a journey amongst numerous examples of Pleistocene megafauna, in which they become unlikely friends.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Trait(s)
Idea: the notion that the wolf in this story has a better sense of smell, hearing, and sight are apparent throughout the story, though the wolf must prove these traits to the boy by warning him of danger. Kip, on the other hand, has food, which draws the wolf to the boy in the first place, as though the wolf is the wiser of the two. The book also addresses the issues of trust and unlikely friendship. While the wolf follows Kip, he questions the wolf’s motive. Initially, he believes the wolf only desires scraps of food, but an incident with a sabertoothed cat changes Kip’s thinking. The skepticism Kip feels toward a wolf following him with a motive of anything other than wanting food is grounded in the fact that wolves and paleolithic humans competed for resources.
Voice: The way in which this book is written provides a distinct voice, as the only speaking character is the boy, yet the descriptions of the wolf’s senses seem to give this non-speaking character a voice. When reading this, it is easy to imagine the voice of a boy speaking to a stray or unknown dog, today, whom he develops affection for.
Other suggestions: While the domestication of dogs from wolves did not occur overnight as suggested in the story, this text a fun read. It is also an excellent resource for not only explaining to children that dogs originally came from wolves, and it gives a child-friendly insight into paleolithic life and culture.
February 11, 2019
I wound give this The first dog 5 stars. its all about puppies and I love puppies. The first dog is a great book for kids. It will make you get a dog this INSTANT! One reason to read this book is cute book.
According to the text, a kid became best friends forever. I like the part when they bring the dog back to town and the meet the cute little dog go. Another reason to read this book is all about cats and dogs. It's all about nature. Kids love puppies and nature. It's a great book for kids and grown ups. In my opinion, it's a great child book as much as the book costs just buy it .
Reviewed by Collin Packer.
According to the text, a kid became best friends forever. I like the part when they bring the dog back to town and the meet the cute little dog go. Another reason to read this book is all about cats and dogs. It's all about nature. Kids love puppies and nature. It's a great book for kids and grown ups. In my opinion, it's a great child book as much as the book costs just buy it .
Reviewed by Collin Packer.
November 13, 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: Pre-K - 3rd
This book was all about a cave boy and one of his journey's. This book would be great to read to children and then do a compare and contrast of how we live today vs. how people may have lived back then. It is also a cute book for children because at the end, the cave boy names the wolf "a dog" representing the title of "The First Dog." I highly recommend reading this with elementary age children.
Grade Level: Pre-K - 3rd
This book was all about a cave boy and one of his journey's. This book would be great to read to children and then do a compare and contrast of how we live today vs. how people may have lived back then. It is also a cute book for children because at the end, the cave boy names the wolf "a dog" representing the title of "The First Dog." I highly recommend reading this with elementary age children.
June 7, 2025
The artwork was exceptionally beautiful and interesting. The wolf was especially beautiful. I couldn't stand the little boy though because he was mean to the wolf for most of the book. He finally comes to his senses by the end of the story, but I thought his treatment of the poor wolf was really offputting. It's well worth reading just for the artwork though. Be sure to look at all the borders as well.
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