IM MY OWN DOG

A Note from Author-Illustrator

DAVID EZRA STEIN

The dog in the story is based on a drawing I did once of a dog walking himself, with a caption that read: The true master is master of himself. Thats probably the rst time I met this dog. I have not done a dog story before, and Im so excited to do one. Since dogs are part of so many peoples lives and the world around us, they make an excellent metaphor for a story about independence versus love. Dogs have evolved to work and live with people. But this dog is under the impression that he doesnt need a person in his life. He is determined to go it alone. Like many of my stories, this story seems to deal with the compromises and follies of love and friendship. DAVID EZRA STEIN is the creator of many award-winning picture books, including Interrupting Chicken, which was awarded a Caldecott Honor, Because Amelia Smiled, and Dinosaur Kisses. He lives with his family in Kew Gardens, New York.

Photo by Anne Steinfeld

HC: 978-0-7636-4168-9

HC: 978-0-7636-4169-6

HC: 978-0-7636-6104-5

Illustration 2014 by David Ezra Stein