A gentle and funny child’s-eye view of overcoming doubts and meeting a new pet (or friend).

At first the boy doesn’t want to meet a friendly wagging dog at the park—”Go away, dog!” he says. But as the dog fetches, rolls over, shakes hands, and otherwise works all its doggy charms, the boy starts to open up. “You like me, don’t you, you old dog?” Maybe they can be friends after all.

This My First I Can Read uses simple, repeating words, making it a good match for the youngest emergent readers just learning to read. The classic story is now accompanied by appealing modern full-color art by Paul Meisel.

Go Away, Dog is a classic kids dog book and a My First I Can Read title, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with a child. Books at this level feature basic language, word repetition, and whimsical illustrations, ideal for sharing with emergent readers. The active, engaging stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

This classic story of a boy and a dog is a perfect first read, combining:

• An Unlikely Friendship: Follows a reluctant boy who says “Go away, dog!” as a charming pup wins him over, one tail wag at a time.
• Perfect for New Readers: Simple, repeating words and basic language build confidence for children just beginning their reading journey.
• Social-Emotional Learning: A gentle introduction to themes of overcoming doubts, trying new things, and the joy of finding a new friend.
• My First I Can Read Level: The ideal starting point for shared reading, with whimsical illustrations by Paul Meisel that bring this classic tale to life for a new generation.