It's Hard to be Good (Ellie the Wienerdog series)

This is a cute book and would work well as a pop up book with panels or sliders to go with Ellie's sense of fun and naughtiness.

Five stars. A well and whimsically-illustrated rhyming picture book. Ellie describes her battles with temptations to make messes and steal snacks along with the satisfaction that comes with her owner's praises (and treats). Adorable. Children with pet dogs will love looking at this book, one that will surely make its way into the "read it to me again" category.

A really fun story for the little ones about a dog, Ellie the Wienerdog who is trying oh-so-very-hard to resist temptation. The illustrations in particular are really wonderful, full of color, life, and energy. As Ellie battles between her better and nature and giving into her appetite, the artist really captures, in a fun and vivid way, her struggles. The text is good too, with some nice rhymes and easy to follow for little readers. Overall it has a good rhythm, and is a fun wee story that I think will be re-readable over and over.

Ellie seems like a fun character that has 'legs', in that I could see her starring in a series of books, having all sorts of fun and zany adventures. This one is a good solid story that's a nice start to a potential series, that is taken up a notch as a kids book thanks to the illustrator.

This was a cute read for any animal lover, but especially those that are dachshund owners/enthusiasts. Serene Wyatt's bold and creative illustrations have captured the doe eyes, guilty expression and stout body of the dachshund in a charming tale as Ellie tries to resist all the tempting food sources in her house.

I always enjoy a rhyming children's story and this did not feel forced at all. I enjoyed that the rhymes included both Ellie's though processes as well an interactions with her humans speaking to her.

I definitely look forward to future life lessons from Ellie.

Thank you to Netgalley for sharing this text.

Great books for kids! my cousin loves Ellie and it also brings back fond memories of my old dogs ! 5 stars

This adorable dog, Ellie, is trying so hard to be good. She smells that sandwich in the kitchen and knows she should not take a bite, but it is so hard. Fortunately, the owner comes in just in time to save her. The praise she receives for being a good dog makes her beam. The illustrations are wonderful, they are colourful and so adorable. Toddlers and Pre-schoolers are going to love this book. The lesson that being proud and being recognized when you try so hard is a great one as well. This book should be in every kindergarten classroom as well as in family libraries.

A lovely little tale. Would be great as a pop up book.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review*

The Low Down

Ellie the Wienerdog tries so hard to be good, and she loves getting praise from her family, but with temptations abound and a really strong sense of smell, she has an epic challenge ahead of her

My Thoughts

First of all, Ellie looks like my furbaby Sunshine!

So I mean how can I not love this one?

Next, I love the illustrations. Children will love seeing all of the interactive text and will easily understand and relate to Ellie because her expressions in the pictures are very obvious for all to see. Plus, Ellie is so darned cute. The illustrations are also very brightly colored and expertly detailed.

I also liked the plot of the story. Children will find Ellie and her struggles to delay gratification and to “be good” very relatable, especially as they learn and struggle with those same things. I think the story sends a good message to children and shows them how good behavior is noticed, and I think many children will find that they love this book, whether or not they have pets.

In this picture book, you meet Ellie. A dog that loves approval but is tempted to disobey just like any pet is. Her weakness is food and the story relates temptation in a way both kids and adults can empathize and understand. The comical wordplay and artwork will mesmerize small children and parents can read a short but fun book to their children. Highly recommend for kids under ten especially baby and toddlers for bedtime reading.

Outstanding graphics. As a parent, I am sure any kid will love this book. Book shows story naughty dog Ellie. Ellie was spoilt pet. She always get away from her mischief.
Once owner makes delicious sandwich which Ellie wanted to take and ran away. But she controlled her urge.and get rewarded. Small learning as expected from Kid's book.

This might have just become one of my favorite picture books. The illustrations were absolutely perfect, and the rhymes were great. It's really the perfect read.

Perfect to read with little ones. Cute enough to hold their interest and be entertaining for mom or dad as well. I plan to get a copy of this to add to our home library and I this is something I'd be happy to purchase for nieces or nephews as well.

This is a very cute book that kept my niece engaged. She loved Ellie the Weinerdog and now wants a real life Ellie!

A very cute tale. I'd be curious to see a pop up book version. The graphics are fantastic! My nieces are obsessed!

A beautiful picture book for very young children telling the story of Ellie the Wienerdog who tries so hard to be a good dog but her strong sense of smell leads her to temptation in the form of a tasty sandwich. Ellie's family come home to find the sandwich intact and shower treats and affection on Ellie for her exceptional behavior. The book is written in rhyme by K J Hales and the beautiful illustrations by Serene Wyatt really set the story alight. I liked how the author depicted the dogs thought process in the story and the pictures enhanced the thoughts in the form of 'thinking bubbles.
Of course, this is part of the 'Life Lessons' series so there is a strong underlying message throughout the story. Children will be taught that good behaviour will be rewarded and that temptation should be resisted .Sometimes by resisting temptation a much better reward will be given and that there is a tremendous sense of pride from 'doing the right thing'. Pre schools would be a great place to be taught the life lessons of Ellie and parents will love to read the rhyming text which flows easily off the tongue.

I really enjoyed this book and have also been lucky enough to read the second in the series (which is also great!). It's a lovely little story about a weiner dog who is trying very hard not to be led astray. There are some lovely images too - 4 stars from me.