WHAT THE LIZARD SAID

Nels Hanson and Mandana Talieh have created a charming world where two dogs, Wise Dog and Jimmi, set out on a rhyming adventure to learn about life from the animals they meet. Each poem introduces a new creature, like a lizard or a gopher, who shares a little bit of wisdom about being kind, letting go of the past, and caring for the earth. The colorful illustrations bring these lessons to life, making it a great pick for parents to read aloud with their kids. It’s a sweet, thoughtful way to help children build their vocabulary while talking about big ideas like empathy and friendship.

It was a really gentle and thoughtful reading experience. It is a book which is simple on the surface but has a lot of meaning underneath, especially when you take the time to reflect on each poem. Each poem brings a small lesson, and while some are more direct than others, they all carry a positive message.

The way Nels Hanson teaches life lessons through the animals is gentle and effective. My kids were entertained while also learning about caring for the world around them. They loved following Wise Dog and Jimmi’s adventures. We’ll definitely read this one again and again.

Review What stood out is how easy this book is to read and enjoy together. The language is playful and rhythmic, and my child was immediately engaged. The tone feels encouraging and never heavy, even when the lessons are deep. It’s great for kids who love animals and stories with heart. You’ll finish this feeling uplifted and connected. A bright little gem for young readers.

My children were captivated by the story from the first page. They loved predicting which animal would appear next and what lesson it might share. The poems are playful but still meaningful. Reading this book turned into a game for them, which made it even more enjoyable.

The poems are short and clear, which makes it easy for my 7-year-old to follow along. She liked trying to read a few lines herself, and I could see her vocabulary improving. The journey of Wise Dog and Jimmi is simple but interesting enough to keep her engaged.

What I love most about this book is how gently it teaches empathy and respect for all living things. Wise Dog and Jimmi learn something new with every animal they meet, and watching that growth is inspiring. Nels Hanson’s writing feels nurturing without losing its sense of adventure. This is the kind of story that encourages thoughtful curiosity in young readers.

Review TeMy daughter enjoyed discussing what each animal taught Wise Dog and Jimmi. The lessons were simple enough for her to grasp but still meaningful. She also loved pointing out her favorite illustrations. This book brings out a lot of positive conversations.xt