Loki & Alex: The Adventures of a Dog and His Best Friend

by Charles R. Smith Jr.

Book Overview

Alex and his dog, Loki, are best friends. Alex believes he knows exactly what his pal is thinking, but does Loki always agree? Each playful spread contains a full-color photograph illustrating Alex's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525467009
• ISBN13: 9780525467007
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 10.4" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 3 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

"Loki" Is a Norwegan Lundehund

The book was wonderful, but if you have asked yourself, "what kind of dog" is Loki, then I have the answer. Loki is a Norwegian Lundehund. The Lundehund, which takes its name from the lunde, puffin, (Fratercula arctica) is one of the world's rarest breed of dog not only because of its modest numbers, but also because in one and the same breed we find a whole series of unusual anatomical characteristics. Some of these characteristics are found, but only sporadically, in other breeds. The lundehund is rare but is also remarkable--what other breed of dog is marked by so many unusual characteristics? The lundehund has at least 6 toes on each foot; can close its ears so that the ear-canal is protected against dirt and moisture; has neck-joints which enable it to bend the head backwards over the shoulders, so that the forehead touches the back--this is useful when the dog has to turn in a narrow passage. Furthermore, this dog has extremely mobile fore shoulder-joints, so that both front legs can stretch straight out to the sides. The lundehunds' unusual characteristics were very useful in a particular kind of hunt. The many toes gave the dog a good foothold when it had to balance on steep cliffs or slippery rocks, and they were a great help when the dog had to crawl through difficult passageways. The dog used this extra toe as support, also to brake himself on slippery or uneven terrain, so that on the whole the dog was equipped to go where the man could not. The characteristic fore shoulder-joints enabled the dog to "throw out his arms" if he lost his footing on slippery rock and was, as we have noted, useful when he had to turn or shift in cramped passages. The mobility of the dog's neck was undoubtedly of great usefulness when he had to reverse himself in order to come out from the passages to the birds' nests. It is indeed unbelievable what nature has created here: the Lundehund is so unusually distinguished by his characteristics as to make one ask if, all in all, this IS a dog. More info check out www.gluck.net/nln or www.nlaainc.com

My 3- and 6-year olds howl with laughter . . .

when they read this book. It's very cute, and Loki's lines seem quite believeable. I think it's a great introduction to life from the perspective of a dog. Both my kids are a bit fearful of dogs, but this helps them seem less threatening. I have to agree with one of the other comments -- I wish the author had used some word other than "stupid" -- I also substitute "silly." Otherwise, it's a very funny book.

A crack up

This book is very very funny. We liked the pictures too. We like this book very very much.

Great book for dog lovers except for 2 words

My 28 month old thinks this is the funniest book. We checked it out of the library and I will have to buy it since it is now her favorite book. She loves the way half of the story is from Loki's perspective. She has taken to saying things like "old buddy, old pal." The only thing I dislike is the choice of the word "stupid" as Loki refers to a ball (I say silly when I read it to her,) I don't want her to think that is a word we use. And the same goes for the word "fat" Loki says the last one up the stairs is a "big fat fur ball." Maybe I am too PC consciuos but theses 2 words slightly spoil an otherwise great book.