Dirk and Dawn, brother and sister, do not have a dog of their own but wish that they did. Dirk loves dogs so much that he will happily agree to visit any home his parents take him to, as long as there is a dog there to play with. Dawn loves dogs just as much but can’t help being a little afraid of them, especially big dogs. The brother and sister ask their parents over and over again if they can please get a dog, but the answer is always no. Then one day their neighbor with BIG DOG, a lovable but chaotic male golden retriever, asks Dirk and Dawn’s parents if they could dog sit while they are away on a trip. The parents are hesitant, until BIG DOG's owner says they will have to lock him in their car for a few days if they cannot find a family to take care of him. Finally, the parents agree. It turns out that having a dog in the house is not all fun and games, and the children soon learn the valuable lessons of responsibility and commitment, even in the face of trouble.

This is a terrific early reader book. There is a nice balance between illustration and text, which allows for young readers to read to themselves or for an adult reader to read to them out loud. BIG DOG is delightful, even with his sometimes unruly behavior. Draayer has likely meant for young readers to see themselves in BIG DOG’s well-meaning but often overly enthusiastic personality. It’s okay to be disruptive, the author seems to be saying to his young readers, as long as you are kind and take responsibility for the disturbances you cause. When BIG DOG and a pesky squirrel get into a “screaming” match, Draayer expertly allows the conflict to fizzle out rather than escalate in yet another subtle lesson, this time surrounding the importance of self-control.

This chapter book is well-paced and does not need to be read in one sitting. Draayer helps the reader keep track of the storyline by recounting the earlier drama in the beginning of a few of the chapters. For example he starts off "Chapter Eleven" with: "You remember, of course, that BIG DOG was living for two days as a guest in the family home of Dirk and Dawn. The owners of the big dog, who lived next door, were on a short trip."

Dirk and Dawn’s parents are loving but firm. They will not agree to take care of BIG DOG until the children tell them exactly how they will help care for the dog. This is a great lesson for all young readers and will offer adult readers the chance to discuss the importance of responsibility both in caretaking and in life. The interactions between the parents highlight the importance of working together, even during the most stressful of situations. Draayer also allows his readers to experience BIG DOG’s inner thoughts, which are charming and serve to amplify his heroic actions in the end of the book when he saves a boy’s life. Draayer gives his readers multiple life lessons in this enchanting read, one of which is that caring for one another, while at times stressful, is the most valuable gift we have to give.

Illustrator Alan Tollefson has created simple and colorful pictures of BIG DOG that will bring joy to both adult and young readers alike. One cannot help but be reminded of Clifford the Big Red Dog with his illustrations. BIG DOG’s human-like expressions are endearing, even with all the chaos that he brings to Dirk’s family. It’s impossible not to smile at the canine hero's adorably guilty face.

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