Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids' Letters to the First Pets

By Hillary Rodham Clinton

Book Overview

In a world dominated by video games, voice mail, and television, it's easy to overlook the importance of the written word. If one very important thing parents can do to help their children learn is read to them, then encouraging them to write must run a close second. What better -- and more rewarding -- way to teach a child these invaluable communication skills than through letter writing? In her warm and engaging text, Mrs. Clinton suggests ways parents can help their children initiate and enjoy the experience of writing and receiving letters, sharing her family's (and pets') experience, and explains how letters to Socks and Buddy are received, sorted, and answered at the U.S. Soldiers' and Airmen's Home. Mrs. Clinton gives a brief "pet history" of the White House, from Dolley Madison's parrot and Teddy Roosevelt's children's menagerie to the Bushes' English springer spaniel Millie. She also talks about the ways Socks and Buddy participate in White House life, such as greeting guests and visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Fans of the First Pets will be delighted by a section on their vital statistics (Socks' tail length: 1 foot; Buddy's snout length: 5 inches) and answers to the questions most asked by correspondents ("Do you have room service?"). In Dear Socks, Dear Buddy, Mrs. Clinton also shares more than fifty letters children have sent the nation's First Pets, from a simple request for a "paw-tograph" to more exacting notes of good wishes ("I want to give you a big heart, as big as the whole world") and generous advice ("Just because they went on a trip and didn't take you doesn't mean they don't love you any more"). Illustrated with more than eighty photographs of Socks and Buddy on the job and at play in the White House, this book will inspire children to share their ideas and wishes through writing.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684857782
• ISBN13: 9780684857787
• Release Date: November 1998
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 205 Pages
• Weight: 1.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 6 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 7

Customer Reviews

Cute read for kids and political animal crackers

The first book that I read by the former First Lady was "It Takes A Village" which was politically brilliant as well as astute, practical and forward reaching. This book however is absolutely wonderful, a real treasure, and shows yet again that Hilary Rodham-Clinton has very much a charming and engaging way of being able to communicate with young people. Not being a young person though I still bought the book, for myself - and I don't regret it one little bit.regards,martyn_jones@iniciativas.com

Great Book

I recieved this book from my sister for Christmas and it was a great book! I couldn't put it down! I have always been curious about Socks and Buddy, and it has bios of them and stories about many other First Pets. It also tells you about what Buddy and Socks' do all day. Some of the letters from the kids' are really sweet, too.

Enjoyable, funny way to pass an afternoon

A must for pet lovers! The kids' letters to the Presidential Pets are sweet, honest reminders of childhood curiosity and imagination. We thoroughly enjoyed it!

An engaging book that appeals to pet lovers of any age.

You don't have to be an animal lover to love this intimate look at the Clintons and their pets, Socks and Buddy. "Dear Socks, Dear Buddy, Kids' Letters To The First Pets" is a great match of childrens' engaging letters to the President's cat and dog,with the First Lady's stories and facts about not only their pets, but former White House furry residents. The wonderful photographs throughout the book give the reader a look at what life inside the White House is for the First Dog and the First Cat. This is a "feel good" book that will put a smile on everyone's face, regardless of age, political affiliation or animal preference. The point of this book is to encourage children to write letters, whether the letters are meant for the President or for a four-legged creature that chases tennis balls all day. In addition, this book will bring attention to the importance of treating animals with love and respect. Five meows, five barks and five stars for this great holiday release.

A terrific gift for cat and/or dog lovers.

"Dear Socks, Dear Buddy" is written in a sweet, easy-to-read style that would appeal to kids or adults of all ages. In addition to letters written to Socks and Buddy and answers to questions most frequently asked in them, Hillary Clinton includes a chapter on pet care. But the real treasure here is the photographs, which I've looked through at least a dozen times so far, and I've had the book only two days! The photos portray a more domestic side to life in the White House, and assure us that real people live there and do more than just fling politics. It's easy to tell from the photos that Socks is a tremendously patient and photogenic cat. Did you know that he goes on official visits to hospitals and senior centers in a cat carrier with the presidential seal? I found looking through this book to be very calming. If you know someone with a dog or a cat, this would make a very good gift. Hillary Clinton's proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the National Park Foundation; the publisher is donating a portion of profits to animal charities.