a good book for kids to prepare them for a new dog?

[Willow and J]

A colleague of mine has promised his daughter a puppy for her birthday, and because they are first time dog owners, I wanted to help them (and their future dog!) Is there a good book or two, preferably for kids, to teach them about what it means to have a dog, i.e., daily tasks involved, what they can do to provide a good home for a puppy, training techniques, etc.? I know this particular girl is very smart, calm, and is an avid reader (in 2nd grade, but reads and writes like 4-5th graders).

[Sally S Miles]

For my nickel there is none better than The Monks of New Skete -  but I'd start with the video for several reasons.
Raising your Dog the New Skete Way - if you just prefer book then "The Art of Raising a Puppy" .   They have a way of explaining what a dog is - how it thinks, what it needs and from there a child can build it's curiosity as to what a canine is all about.