My Senator and Me: A Dog's Eye View of Washington, D.C.: A Dog's Eye View of Washington, D.C.

Senator Kennedy intended this book to give children a better understanding of public service and of how government works. The prose is appealing for three main features: 1) The short, clearly written sentences, 2), the combination of information and humor, and 3), The engaging personality of the narrator. The latter is not Teddy Kennedy, but his dog, a floppy-eared, curly-haired Portuguese Water Dog named "Splash, who positively overflows with personality. Kennedy presents the educational aspects as information for Splash, a Virginia-raised newcomer to Washington D.C. We see beautiful ink and watercolor pictures of the White House, the Kennedy Center ("named for my Senator's brother"), the Lincoln Memorial ("the sixteenth President, who led our country during the Civil War"), a glistening full page showing the Washington Monument, and the Capitol. The workings of D.C. are fascinating, even for adult readers. "Splashie" tells us that when he and the Senator enter the Russell Senate Office Building, "everyone has to walk through the metal detector--even me!" In addition, how many children or adults know that there's an underground train (Splash loves it, and Senator Kennedy enjoys Splash's excitement!) that travels from the Senate Office Building to the Capital in less than 30 seconds? There's a gorgeous 2-page spread showing Kennedy's office. Ship models, framed mementoes, and a subdued outline of Kennedy by his desk take a back seat to Splash playing with a ball and a stuffed animal. This is symbolic of the sensibilities of the whole book; it's about Splash and his D.C. exploits, not about Senator Kennedy. After all, (wink, wink), Splash wrote the book! Of course, being a Senatorial dog, Splash can't help but hear some behind the scenes politics as well. The writing falters at one point, because of some purple prose, which seems a little far-FETCHed to all but the youngest audience. "'The Senate has voted to approve our education bill!' one staff member says. `Our bill will make schools safer, let them hire more teachers, and even put a computer in every classroom!' But the House of Representatives passed a different education bill,' says another staff member. `This is a problem.' `Well, there's no time to lose,' says the Senator. `We need to meet with members of the House immediately and work out the difference between the two bills.' (OK, here it comes) The school children are counting on us!" One half expects a cut to "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," with a horde of clean cut, newspaper-flinging schoolchildren from "Willit Crick" supporting Kennedy's no-brainer save-the -schools legislation. However, no, Kennedy delivers a statement on the Capitol steps ("We must pass this bill so the children of our country get the education they deserve"), and Splash, sits "very quietly" at his side, knowing that his good behavior will ensure his future attendance at these events. Afterwards, things take a lighter turn, as members of the media and oth

I've always been a cat lover, so anything with dogs is a tough sell for me--regardless of who writes it. However, I also recognize the American legislative process is a tough sell for little kids. Showing them what goes on through the perspective of a family pet helps them relate---and potentially get interested in the process. Splash talks with the audience at their level throughout the book text, building up a friendship between the subject of the book and the book reader. Also helpful, this book avoids partisan battles, instead focusing on non-partisan civic involvement. Kids who believe that their government is both important and interesting then have a greater opportunity of registering and regularly turning out to vote (any party every election) when they are older.

As a teacher of Grade 7, American History, I loved this book. What a wonderful teaching tool to enhance my subject and broaden the appeal of my students. I will use any "hook" to get my students to hopefully appreciate the government that we have. To learn why it( our democracy) is so important, the duties that we have as citizens to be well-educated, informed and diligent. Thank you so much!!! Sr. Ella Jane Bruen C.D.P. Sacred Heart Intermediate School Kingston, Ma. 02364

What a clever way to introduce young people to the workings of our government system. The illustrations and story are not only fun, but also provide a terrific overview of official Washington and how one Senator spends his days. The book will be a great resource for parents and teachers alike;youngsters are sure to enjoy it.

I have long been a lover and collector of children's literature. I am a former teacher and now have an almost 4 year old, hence an excuse to contribute to my ever expanding collection of children's lit. Since I share a home with a Portuguese Water Dog, I was intrigued to learn that Senator Kennedy had two of these fine canines and I pre-ordered the book. It arrived yesterday and I am quite pleased with it. The illustrations are whimsical and fabulous; Caldecott Medal winning artist, David Small doesn't disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised that this book not only conveyed an accurate portrayal of the personality of a "typical" PWD, it also clipped along at a satisfactory pace sharing with the reader some of the steps it takes for a bill to become a law. This is told as a "day in the life" of Senator Kennedy from his dog, Splash's perspective. You receive a bit of Senator Kennedy's political agenda, but in the most benign sense as the bill which is discussed in the book is an education bill. I truly enjoyed this book -- more than I anticipated. I read it to my daughter tonight, not sure if it would be too long and detailed to hold her attention at her young age. The subject matter intrigued her since it was about a Portie like Jetty (our PWD). She enjoyed the book and even looked through it afterwards, retelling the story (a sure sign that it will be a new favorite). I would definitely recommend this book to dog lovers (especially PWD owners) everywhere in addition to someone looking for a straightforward children's book about how a bill becomes a law or what it is like to be a member of Congress. Happy reading!