Martinez, Claudia Guadalupe. Not a Dog. Laura Gonzalez, Illus. Charlesbridge, 06/2025. [32]pp. Nonfiction. Trade $17.99. 978-1-62354-304-4. GRADES Preschool–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
The Mexican prairie dog, a rodent that is related to squirrels, is the subject of this engaging informational picture book. The text describes what they eat, where they live, how they raise their offspring, and why they are endangered. Similar to Martinez’s Not a Monster (2023) about the axolotl, this has cartoon-like illustrations that appear to be done using colored pencil and watercolor, depicting an ethnically diverse group of children studying prairie dogs in the desert. Throughout the story, there are examples of shapes, using Spanish vocabulary, which adds an element that will please a storytime audience. This is a great way to introduce young children to nonfiction because the facts are clear while still having a picture book format. The book ends with an English/Spanish glossary and an author’s note with more facts.
Penny Peck—San José State University, iSchool