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Champ and Major: First Dogs
A picture book about Champ and Major, President-elect Joe Biden's two adorable dogs! Major will be the first shelter dog in the White House, and Champ can't wait to show him around.
Champ and Major's dad, Joe Biden, just got a really important He's going to be the new president of the United States! Champ is excited to go back to the White House--he got to visit it when his dad was the vice president, before the family adopted Major, and he knows about all the important work that happens there. Major is going to be one of the first rescue dogs to live in the White House, and Champ can't wait to show his little brother around. Soon, Champ and Major will be in their new home, and they're going to bring a lot of fun with them!
Champ and Major's dad, Joe Biden, just got a really important He's going to be the new president of the United States! Champ is excited to go back to the White House--he got to visit it when his dad was the vice president, before the family adopted Major, and he knows about all the important work that happens there. Major is going to be one of the first rescue dogs to live in the White House, and Champ can't wait to show his little brother around. Soon, Champ and Major will be in their new home, and they're going to bring a lot of fun with them!
24 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2021
3 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 19, 2021
awwww, goodbye to a VERY GOOD BOY!
****
after the indoguration this afternoon, there will once again be pets in the white house, which i find very reassuring.
the transition may be RUFF, but i know they'll adjust to their new responsibilities with grace and DOGnity
puns aside, this is a pretty cute introduction to the most important new residents of the white house. champ's been there before, obviously, but major's gonna have so many new smells to sniff, so many trees to mark!
this book shows the pair sitting on the dais during the inauguration and curled up in doggie beds in the oval office itself, which i hope will come to pass, because presidents need something to scritch during the day. it's good for the soul.
fun fact: the only presidents who never had any pets in the white house were polk and trump. whereas franklin pierce, america's favorite president, had SEVEN of these handsome moppets:
welcome home, buddies! i look forward to your tweets.
update:
all moved in
i like what you've done with the place
but where, sir, are these dog beds i was promised?
are they to sleep on the chairs?
also, zero dogs invited:
a sad day for america. ):
****
after the indoguration this afternoon, there will once again be pets in the white house, which i find very reassuring.
the transition may be RUFF, but i know they'll adjust to their new responsibilities with grace and DOGnity
puns aside, this is a pretty cute introduction to the most important new residents of the white house. champ's been there before, obviously, but major's gonna have so many new smells to sniff, so many trees to mark!
this book shows the pair sitting on the dais during the inauguration and curled up in doggie beds in the oval office itself, which i hope will come to pass, because presidents need something to scritch during the day. it's good for the soul.
fun fact: the only presidents who never had any pets in the white house were polk and trump. whereas franklin pierce, america's favorite president, had SEVEN of these handsome moppets:
welcome home, buddies! i look forward to your tweets.
update:
all moved in
i like what you've done with the place
but where, sir, are these dog beds i was promised?
are they to sleep on the chairs?
also, zero dogs invited:
a sad day for america. ):
February 16, 2021
There are two new dogs living in the White House! This sweet little picture book about President Biden’s “First Dogs�, Champ and Major, will appeal to young children.
January 29, 2021
So, so cute! My toddler now knows not only who the president is but who the first dogs are! She loves looking at the dogs doing cute dog things and as an adult I love the celebration of a RESCUE DOG in the White House! Kudos on a great book!
January 21, 2021
GERMAN SHEPERDS! FIRST DOGS! PRECIOUS PUPS!
This book will make you smile :)
This book will make you smile :)
February 11, 2021
So nice to have First Dogs like Champ and Major in the people's house.
February 20, 2021
#34 in my 365 Kids Books challenge and multi-year request to ŷ to fix the Top Readers, etc. lists. For a full explanation see my review for You can see all the books on their own shelf.
I don't have a dog, but I love them. And I love stories about them being adopted. And I love reading about White House pets. And I'm mildly curious about historical presidents and fun facts related to animals kept by incumbents. So yay on all fronts: this book covers all that ground. I prefer not to think about how difficult it must have been to get this books written and the art prepared in the limited time between the election and the inauguration. La la la not thinking about that time. Two good dogs, a pleasant sort of dog-mentoring relationship, interesting factoids in the back matter, all of it assembled with a child in mind. Very pleasant, delightfully lacking in drama.
Library copy
I don't have a dog, but I love them. And I love stories about them being adopted. And I love reading about White House pets. And I'm mildly curious about historical presidents and fun facts related to animals kept by incumbents. So yay on all fronts: this book covers all that ground. I prefer not to think about how difficult it must have been to get this books written and the art prepared in the limited time between the election and the inauguration. La la la not thinking about that time. Two good dogs, a pleasant sort of dog-mentoring relationship, interesting factoids in the back matter, all of it assembled with a child in mind. Very pleasant, delightfully lacking in drama.
Library copy
Read
February 1, 2021Okay, I was skeptical but this book is really charming. The sweet, bright illustrations will please young pet lovers and the text is simple and engaging enough for a readaloud. I appreciated little details in the illustrations, like Joe Biden's carton of ice cream on a nearby table. This one will be a hit, at least for the moment.
April 2, 2021
Cute, quick little story, but the notes at the end are the best part. And I think money from the book sales goes to the Delaware Humane Association?
July 15, 2021
Honestly, what’s not to like about this book? It’s about two cute dogs and their life at the White House. It’s pretty cute.
December 18, 2024
I didn’t know Joe Biden had two dogs. Which one bites people?
February 8, 2021
Okay so the text of this book is nothing original but it is still super sweet. You can tell a lot about a person by the fact on if they have dogs. ;)
This book really will be excellent at looking back on 2020--there are masks at press conferences, the electoral college map, Kamala with Joe. But my favorite is just the dogs. Who doesn't love dogs??
This book really will be excellent at looking back on 2020--there are masks at press conferences, the electoral college map, Kamala with Joe. But my favorite is just the dogs. Who doesn't love dogs??
February 14, 2021
Child friendly look at Champ and Major, President Joe Biden’s dogs and their life in their new home, the White House. Love the illustrations, so playful. Back matter focuses on shelter dogs and has a timeline for prominent pets in the White House, all but 2 presidents had them. Nice surprise, SoraApp ebook has narration! Fun book to kick off a unit on presidential pets.
May 20, 2021
I loved the art and the simple text. This would be a great book to read with a dog-loving child. In addition to the Biden family, the Obamas, Kamala Harris, and diverse press and staff are shown. An animal shelter and pet adoption positive story.
January 10, 2021
I’m so happy to see dogs in the White House again. And this is an adorable book about the future First Dogs. You can see the personality in the illustrations.
Read
January 20, 2021Puppers! Love all the puppers
July 17, 2021
I always feel weird reviewing picture books. This was cute with nice pictures, like it should be.
November 17, 2023
I'm always here for the dogs
August 16, 2021
Champ and Major are Joe Biden's dogs. This delightful book showcased how Champ and Major first met, and the beginnings of their friendship.
The personalities of the dogs really showed through. They were playful and fun loving, and utterly adorable. The book took us all the way through the election, and we end by seeing Champ and Major in the White House.
The illustrations were brightly colored, and conveyed a lot of emotion, in the dogs and the people. It was interesting to see how Champ and Major interreacted with the humans in their lives. They are lively energetic dogs and that came through.
The personalities of the dogs really showed through. They were playful and fun loving, and utterly adorable. The book took us all the way through the election, and we end by seeing Champ and Major in the White House.
The illustrations were brightly colored, and conveyed a lot of emotion, in the dogs and the people. It was interesting to see how Champ and Major interreacted with the humans in their lives. They are lively energetic dogs and that came through.
March 3, 2021
Champ and Major: First Dogs, is a sweet picture book that tells the story of Joe & Jill Biden’s dogs. Champ is the older of the two dogs and has lived with the Biden’s for a while. Ever since the Biden’s brought Major home from the Animal Shelter it has been Champ’s responsibility to teach him the important lesson of a dog's life, like when to sit, when to sleep, and when to play. Now that their dad has a new job, Champ will have even bigger responsibilities. Since he’s been there before, Champ must show Major how to get around the White House and teach him who has the best treats.
A short 24 page book having no more than 2 sentences per page, this book is perfect for the wiggly child in your life - or for your favorite dog lover or Biden supporter. Its simple illustrations and simple wording make this book perfect for ages 3 -7. I read the book through kindle unlimited on #ebook but highly recommend reading the hard copy, especially with children. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Proceeds are donated to animal shelters throughout the country.
For more book reviews follow me at #emptynestreader #instagram #ŷ #ChampandMajorFirstDogs #JoyMcCullough #SheydaAbvabiBest #childrenspicturebook #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #kindle #picturebook #kidlit #readaloudbooks #childrensbooksofinstagram #picturebook #readingmoms #kidlitpicks #adoptdontshop
A short 24 page book having no more than 2 sentences per page, this book is perfect for the wiggly child in your life - or for your favorite dog lover or Biden supporter. Its simple illustrations and simple wording make this book perfect for ages 3 -7. I read the book through kindle unlimited on #ebook but highly recommend reading the hard copy, especially with children. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Proceeds are donated to animal shelters throughout the country.
For more book reviews follow me at #emptynestreader #instagram #ŷ #ChampandMajorFirstDogs #JoyMcCullough #SheydaAbvabiBest #childrenspicturebook #bookstagramalabama #bookstagrammichigan #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #readalittlelearnalittlelivealittle #kindle #picturebook #kidlit #readaloudbooks #childrensbooksofinstagram #picturebook #readingmoms #kidlitpicks #adoptdontshop
February 15, 2021
Bringing a wonderful story to children helps them understand part of the Bidens' history in the White House, a bit of the past at home in Delaware, then serving as Vice-President with President Obama, finally home to the White House as President and First Lady. Champ is a long-time pet, then along came Major as a pup, adopted from a local shelter. Sheyda Abvabi Best's illustrations help tell this happy story with colorful pictures always centering around the dogs. In few words, Joy Mccullough offers some historical background while centering on some lively stories of Champ, whose job is "to make sure his dad (President Biden) doesn't work all the time." Sheyda shows the President snoozing in an armchair with Champ at his feet. Then Major comes along and had to be shown a few things, but "Mayor doesn't need lessons on how to be a good friend." Readers see him bringing a gift of a bone to Champ! Added are an author's note, more information about adopting from a shelter, and a marvelous timeline of many past Presidents and their pets. One had a cow! It's an entertaining book to add to your collection about U.S. history. Remember others in the past have published books about their pets, like Barbara Bush in "Millie's Book" that gives a tour of the White House. In my search, I also saw a number of books when I searched for Presidential Pets. There are a lot!
February 9, 2021
Champ and Major: First Dogs, has something import to tell readers - their human dad has an important job as the new President of the United States. Champ had visited the White House when dad was Vice President. At that time Champ used to play with Sunny and Bo, the Obama's dogs. Major was adopted in 2018 after the Biden's fostered him and then adopted him from a Delaware shelter. Major is the only shelter dog to ever live in the White House. As Champ teaches Major the ropes: greeting visitors and showing him the good places to sleep, when dad is done working they look forward to playing with him outdoors. Presidents love animals it seems, did you know that only (2) former Presidents never had a pet living at the White House?
This is a beautifully illustrated fun and informative book for young readers. My grandchildren love animals so when I heard about this book, I had to order it; I wasn't disappointed and neither were they - not just for kids.
This is a beautifully illustrated fun and informative book for young readers. My grandchildren love animals so when I heard about this book, I had to order it; I wasn't disappointed and neither were they - not just for kids.
February 9, 2021
Champ and Major: First Dogs is a fun and timely picture book presenting the election and inauguration of a new president... from a dog's point of view! The illustrations are super cute and the extra info at the end of the book adds context and is sure to inspire kids to do their own research into presidential pets. My only complaint is that the text of the story seemed a little weak, in need of more details both about the dogs' imagined thoughts and the circumstances of the election. Still, an enjoyable picture book for all ages!
March 27, 2021
An excellent picture book about the place dogs can have in our lives. Pets can be important family members. This book introduces us to Champ, an older, wiser pup, and his "little brother" Major. How they interact and their importance to the Bidens is something that all animal lovers can appreciate. Both the illustrations and the story gives us all a first hand look at what it is like to live in the White House. This story also gives a great introduction into "rescue." Why do you rescue and what you might expect is covered.
April 9, 2021
White House pets have always been a popular subject for kids' books.
Obviously written before the biting incident that got the canine pair sent home to Delaware, this is a brief introduction to President Biden's two German shepherds, Champ and Major. Illustrated with cute cartoons, fantasy blends with reality as the dogs explore their new home in the White House.
This would be an upbeat, cute and gentle introduction to the office of the president, elections, and White House pets. There's not much of a story here, so it would be appropriate for read-aloud with an antsy young audience.
Obviously written before the biting incident that got the canine pair sent home to Delaware, this is a brief introduction to President Biden's two German shepherds, Champ and Major. Illustrated with cute cartoons, fantasy blends with reality as the dogs explore their new home in the White House.
This would be an upbeat, cute and gentle introduction to the office of the president, elections, and White House pets. There's not much of a story here, so it would be appropriate for read-aloud with an antsy young audience.
January 27, 2021
We are a huge German Shepherd family, so very excited about the new First Dogs. I was looking forward to this book after seeing it advertised because the illustrations are so adorable! They are definitely the highlight of the story for me. The story overall was a little lacking for me, and feels like it might have been a bit rushed to get it out so quickly. I would’ve liked a little bit more detail.
April 5, 2021
Brief text. My kids got a kick out of the illustrations of Biden and Harris. The back of the book lists unusual and famous pets of past presidents. That interested my kids.
Read A Likes:
Wackiest White House pets / by Kathryn Gibbs Davis ; illustrated by David Johnson.
First dog / J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zappitello ; illustrated by Tim Bowers.
First pooch : the Obamas pick a pet / by Carole Boston Weatherford ; Illustrated by Amy Bates.
Read A Likes:
Wackiest White House pets / by Kathryn Gibbs Davis ; illustrated by David Johnson.
First dog / J. Patrick Lewis and Beth Zappitello ; illustrated by Tim Bowers.
First pooch : the Obamas pick a pet / by Carole Boston Weatherford ; Illustrated by Amy Bates.
March 12, 2021
This is a cute and short little story about the new dogs in the White House. You learn about Champ and his life with President Biden, and how he has to help Major adjust to his new home (with a few mishaps along the way!)
My 2 year old giggled at the pictures of the dogs getting into mischief, and I enjoyed the illustrations and the real life story and pictures at the end.
My 2 year old giggled at the pictures of the dogs getting into mischief, and I enjoyed the illustrations and the real life story and pictures at the end.
March 7, 2021
The art is so cute ! I love it! I love that it mentions shelter dogs in the end, but I felt like the story was wayyyyy too simple. Kind of disappointed.
March 9, 2022
Cute and good short read. Yes it’s a children’s book. I am not supporter of this President’s Party but I still love the Man as a child of God.
Now that Political stuff is out of the way. The story is actually very cute and I was glad and relieved to see that the Author kept the focus on the Dog’s and not so much focus on the political stuff. Although the book was focused on the Dogs of President Biden. The Art did have a few cues to the Democratic Party’s stances on certain policies. However I felt these didn’t side track the story and were very muted and allowed the story of the Dogs to shine through, focusing on the role of Man’s best friend in the life of one of the hardest Jobs one could ever get. Very tactfully done. I would have no problem reading this book to my children as well even though I stand in opposite political arena than the party of the President that it is subjected about. However, I just saw that I appreciate that Biden families love for Dogs and their choice to adopt a puppy form a humane shelter is definitely a theme I felt promoted by this book. Overall, very well done!
Now that Political stuff is out of the way. The story is actually very cute and I was glad and relieved to see that the Author kept the focus on the Dog’s and not so much focus on the political stuff. Although the book was focused on the Dogs of President Biden. The Art did have a few cues to the Democratic Party’s stances on certain policies. However I felt these didn’t side track the story and were very muted and allowed the story of the Dogs to shine through, focusing on the role of Man’s best friend in the life of one of the hardest Jobs one could ever get. Very tactfully done. I would have no problem reading this book to my children as well even though I stand in opposite political arena than the party of the President that it is subjected about. However, I just saw that I appreciate that Biden families love for Dogs and their choice to adopt a puppy form a humane shelter is definitely a theme I felt promoted by this book. Overall, very well done!
February 24, 2021
2.5, but I'm giving it 3. I feel like people are hyping this up because it's a rescue dog and because of the new administration. I think that it's great to champion rescue dogs, but when it's in this format it lacked context to add to the story. It felt flat. I think it's great to be excited about the new administration, but in terms of historical context it also felt blah. I would have loved to have seen how the previous administration didn't have dogs, so people are excited for them to be back in the white house.
Where the book does shine is the back-matter. The author's note provides some good context, which I feel like could have been included in the actual story. The bit about other presidents' pets was also really interesting! But, alas, this is just a brief part of the entire whole of the book. The illustrations are also pretty!
Where the book does shine is the back-matter. The author's note provides some good context, which I feel like could have been included in the actual story. The bit about other presidents' pets was also really interesting! But, alas, this is just a brief part of the entire whole of the book. The illustrations are also pretty!
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