A cute little book. A little excitment in the middle, where the dog runs out into the street when a car iscoming. It picks up at the end, too. The begining is only so so. The first couple pages just introduce to the dog and family. It is acute book that kids who like animals would like. ( )

Reviewed by Jaglvr for Kids @ TeensReadToo.com

In this bright and colorful story, Baron is a dog that believes he's a normal part of the family.

Baron is loved by his people. They let him cuddle on the couch with them. They play ball with him. They provide him doggy treats. He gets attention from everyone in the family, but what he secretly longs for is his very own best friend. For when his family members are done playing with him, he is all alone.

One day, after Baron starts to dart off into the street, his owners take him to doggy school. He didn't want to go, but soon, he learns his lessons and is a well-behaved little dog.

It isn't until one winter day when his boy, Billy, is all alone playing in the snow, that Baron realizes that he does have a best friend after all.

Children and grownups alike will enjoy the antics of Baron as he tries to find himself a best friend. ( )

Like many children’s picture books, this one has cute pictures. Kevin Collier’s illustrations have bright colors for children to identify. Children who know their numbers can count the flowers, clouds or bones on some of the pages. Parents and children can discuss how silly Baron looks in a tutu or how scared Mom and Dad are when Baron runs towards the street.

Multiple messages and lessons can be found in Baron’s story. From personal experience and observation, family dogs are happier when they have a job or know what is expected of them. Obedience school can go a long way towards making this happen. The author, Laurie Dean, gives the parents a contemporary twist – Dad is a member of the Air Force and gets called to duty. Life goes on while Dad is away though he is certainly missed. This should sound familiar to children with parents in the military or parents who travel for work. In order to gain friends we must sometimes figure out what other people need and do nice things to make them feel better. Baron’s actions at the end are a good example of this lesson. I look forward to reading this book to my young nephews.

Full review available at http://www.amberstults.com/?p=930. ( )

Baron Thinks Dogs Are People Too! is the story of a lively dog and his family. Baron has lots of energy and a great desire for a best friend but his energetic antics get him in trouble and he is sent to obedience school. Baron learns to obey and is a model puppy when he returns home.

Laurie Dean has written an engaging story about friendship and responsibility. As Baron learns to behave and interact with the family in a more controlled manner, the opportunity for a deeper friendship opens up. Illustrator Kevin Collier truly brings Dean's world to life with vibrant, cartoon-like illustrations. Baron's energy comes right off the page as he plays with the family.

Baron Thinks Dogs Are People Too! is a solid children's story that can be enjoyed by all but will be even more fun for families with dogs. ( )

Baron is a friendly dog who has a family that loves him, but he wants to have a best friend. He does all he can to get his family’s attention, but when his antics almost harm him his family sends him to obedience school. Baron is a quick learner at school and soon he will also learn what true friendship really is.

Aimed at ages 3 – 9, “Baron Thinks Dogs are People Too!” is a delightful picture book. Author Laurie Dean packs a lot of story into just a few pages – the responsibilities of owning a dog; what it means to be and have a best friend; how to deal with a parent going away because he (or she) is in the military; and much more. All of this makes a great book not only for children to read themselves but for parents to read out loud to their children and discuss afterwards. Baron is a lovable character who just wants a best friend and sometimes goes overboard while trying to please his family, little realizing he already has a best friend. While his antics are enough to get him sent to obedience school, nothing he does is outrageous, just typical of an overexcited dog. In many ways, he lives up to the title of the book – he often acts and thinks like a little boy instead of a dog. The story is a charming one and the illustrations by Kevin Collier help add to the charm of the story.

“Baron Thinks Dogs are People Too!” is a cute picture book. A portion of each book sold will be donated to Operation Smile. ( )