The previous, oversized edition of this popular book has been reduced to ideal bedtime reading size and likewise reduced in price. The book brings together charming drawings of 300 domestic dog breeds, including every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in the seven official groupings -- Working, Toy, Hound, Terrier, Herding, Sporting and Non-Sporting.

Also included is a selection of purebreds not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as well as some of the most popular "designer" dogs, such as the Labradoodle and Chiweenie. There are also breeds less familiar to North Americans but recognized by kennel clubs in other countries; for example, the Canadian Eskimo Dog and the Australian Silky Terrier.

Jim Medway's color drawings are accurate and engaging. At the end of the book is an entertaining Puppy Identifier where children can test their ability to recognize the breed of 30 puppies. There is also a Dog Breed Fact Index with interesting trivia about all of the breeds.

More than one-third of American households have a dog. With Big Dogs, Little Dogs, children and adults alike will enjoy learning and identifying the dogs that they encounter. It is fun and informative and it might instill a lifelong interest in "man's best friend."