First Dog for a First Family

Three promising looking children's picture books feature the search for a "first dog" for the first family. On the night Barack Obama was elected to become our 44th President, he made one very particular promise to his two daughters, Malia and Sasha. He promised to get them a puppy to live with them in the White House. After a lengthy search, Bo came to live at the White House.

The photo at the right is the official portrait of the Obama family dog, "Bo", a Portuguese water dog, on the South Lawn of the White House. (photo by Chuck Kennedy on Flicker).

Which Puppy? by Kate Feiffer, illustrated by Jules Feiffer.

Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, $16.99 ISBN 978-1-416-99147-2

Click the player to see how Which Puppy? was created.

First Dog by J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zapitello, illustrated by Tim Bowers. Sleeping Bear Press, $14.95 ISBN 978-1-58536-467-1

A dog with high expectations sets out in search of the perfect home. He searches all over the world, meeting many different breeds of dogs and learning about their way of life, before he eventually finds his way back to the good old USA. He hears that a family in Washington, D.C. is looking for the perfect dog to become a member of their family. Will this be a perfect match for them all?

Click here for a First Dog coloring page.

Now Hiring: White House Dog by Gina Bazer and Renanah Lehner, illustrated by Andrew Day. Walker Books for Young Readers, $16.99 ISBN 978-0-8027-8486-5

After months of begging their parents for a new dog to join their family in the White House, the First Daughters decide to take matters into their own hands. The sisters create a sign, post it on the White House lawn, and very soon the doorbell begins to ring. Many different dogs show up to apply for the job presenting their qualifications. Will it be the Basset Hound with the super sensitive nose, the poodle who loves to shop, or one of several other highly qualified candidates?

Click on the video to see Bo's first day.

Click here to view other White House pets.

White House 101: Facts and fun for all ages.