Weezer Changes the World

We have five children. Five opposites. They all enjoyed this book, because it was:"cute""had a puppy in it.""funny""good pictures.""....made me think."Yes, it was the eldest that said, "made me think" --- but then the others asked and talked about why he might have said so... and a wonderful conversation ensued. Everyone matters. Even puppies.Our children are ages 4-10: three boys, two girls. I'm pleased this book is on (and frequently off) our shelves.

OK, I'm a sucker for David McPhail, since Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore was a favorite with my kids at least a decade ago. His watercolor illustrations of Weezer, an ordinary-looking puppy who does all the normal things puppies do, including chewing things, barking, etc., melt my heart! The story is charming as well--Weezer is hit by lightening and changes from an ordinary dog into an "extraordinary" dog--one that not only can help you with your homework but can help bring peace to the world. In the end of this touching fable, Weezer becomes "a plain old dog" again--one who likes to chase balls, chew on bones, and no longer seemed interested in "interior decorating." But in the end we learn that the people who's lives were touched by Weezer were changed forever. With its simple text and illustrations, this is a lovely story for children 3-6 years old, and some two year olds might enjoy it as well.

The author shows that no matter what we can change the world with what we do.

It is a wonderful way to look at all the important issues such as disaster, disease, world peace--dark sides of what we are facing today; as well as the positive things of from learning math, science, music and so forth. The story takes a dramatic turn whenever the lightening strike, very interesting irony as of implying how people won't reflect upon themselves to make change unless something happened. The emotional ups and downs in the story have a very nice flow. The use of a puppy and a little boy is such great character combination. Both ordinary but not ordinary. Heavy matters introduced very gently and very approachable for the young readers/listeners to understand and even relate to.

I was so disappointed by this book. The premise is sound - one, single, regular person - or dog - can change the entire world. However, instead of this change coming about through love, kindness, courage, etc. - which are all there - the dog first was struck by lightening and became brilliant/smarter than humans. Then struck again and lost all of his ability.So is the author saying that only extraordinary brilliance and super human ability can change the world, can make people love us, can save humanity?What does this children's story tell the child? You can't save the world unless you are superhuman?No, I don't agree, and I don't think it is a good premise to set before a child.The book was written and illustrated as if it is for pre-school students, but I would not give it to any child - ever.