Canine Connection: How Dogs and Humans Evolved Together

Gr 3-6–Dog lovers who want to know why they love dogs are presented with scientific and historical evidence in this brief book. In a tone that sometimes delves into side commentary (“the ridiculously cute fennec fox”), the author explains evolution throughout history and around the world before outlining how humans and dogs coevolved. There are still a lot of unknowns about how and why dogs were domesticated. But the information is current, including a cited 2020 study and a book published in 2024 listed as a resource. Playful page borders of bones, balls, dog noses, and paw prints along with stock images make each page bright and appealing for readers. Different cultures and ethnicities are depicted in features like the Timeline of Animal Domestication chart that shows which animals were domesticated when and where. However, with the exception of a couple rare breeds, the photos aren’t labeled with what type of dog is featured, making it difficult for readers who are unfamiliar. Words in bold italics are not defined until the glossary at the end of the book. Younger readers might not get the puns throughout or understand why a nonfiction book ends with a section of silly imagined dog creations, like the Hover Hound.