Author Melanie Johnston proudly presents her kid-friendly canine rendition of a classic Christmas tale: “The 13 Dog Days of Christmas”

This funny spin on the classic song the “Twelve Days of Christmas” brings a chuckle to both dog lovers and children. “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a Pug snoring by a Pear Tree…” Kids will giggle (and maybe bark) as they learn about all different types of dogs, amusingly illustrated. This doggy twist on the timeless counting song also happens to be a great learning tool to help children with both counting and memorization since the numbers repeat themselves over and over until you’ve gone through all 13 Dog Days!
 
How sweet that the song includes Frenchies, Scotties, Dalmatians, Goldens, Setters, Labs, Boxers, mutts and even puppies - custom-made originals for children who love picture books and have these very dogs in their own homes. What better way to get little ones counting than puppies playing with each other?
 
In this joyfully innocent and heartwarming cute story, a variety of whimsical dogs bring kids gently into the practice of reading and counting. There’s just something about those doggy eyes and wagging tails. But don’t be surprised if you start to receive requests for a Dachshund or a Pug after you read it!
 
Melanie Johnston’s book “The 13 Dog Days of Christmas” has garnered a handful of highly positive reviews:
 
This is a really cute book that both my kids love and insist we read on a regular basis. The words are incredibly catchy and the artwork makes it fun and adorable. I cannot recommend this book enough, especially around the holiday time.
--Devin Gallo
 
“Absolutely adorable! The illustrations are charming. I am planning on getting several copies for all my little friends & families in the neighborhood as gifts.”
—Kathleen Fosselman
 
“This is such a wonderful book. This year my oldest grandson read the book to the great-grandkids and great-nieces and it was a huge hit with the adults and kids. When my neighbor saw it she wanted a copy for a friend. When our housekeeper saw it, she wanted a copy for her daughter. When almost anyone sees it, they know someone they need a copy for. I can’t wait to give it next year before Christmas to other families I know with children.”
 --Fieldem
 
“Great children’s Christmas book! I gave copies to each of my five grand kids. They love the illustrations and counting. I like reading it with them.”
—Phil Babb
 
“This is a wonderful children’s book. The illustrations make it an easy counting book. A great stocking stuffer for the Holiday Season!”
—Water Dawg
 
“Love this book with all of the dogs!”
—Ginny Diezel
 
Indulge in the heartwarmingly entertaining, dog-loving iteration of a Christmas classic by supporting Melanie Johnston’s book “The 13 Dog Days of Christmas” as she presents it October 3rd & 4th at the 2020 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, or purchase a paperback copy of it on Amazon.
  
The 13 Dog Days of Christmas
Author | Melanie Johnston
Publisher | Merriam Press; First edition
Published Date | October 6, 2015
Genre | Children’s Book
ISBN-13 | 978-1576382899
Paperback Price | $9.99
 
About the Author
 
Melanie Johnston was an adjunct professor at Northwestern University, teaching storytelling at the Medill School of Journalism and volunteered as a tutor for first graders when she started thinking about using dogs to help children read and count. She and Bob Reedy worked together in advertising and won many awards for their television work including from the British Academy of Film & Television. They collaborated on 13 Dog Days because they were concerned about young children’s reading and counting practices at home. What could be better than counting puppies?
 

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