The latest book to be reviewed by the Madhouse Mini-Testers was Odd Dog by Claudia Bolt. The Odd Dog of the title is a funny sausage dog called Helmut who doesn't like bones like other dogs. He likes apples. But he is very jealous and annoyed that the best apple from his tree is going to fall in his neighbour Igor's garden. But it turns out that Igor is lovely (and he also prefers bones to apples !) so he collects it up to give back to his friend. All together now - aaaawww !
It's a simple but lovely story that will help children to come to terms with and express a number of confusing emotions that they may be struggling with - jealousy, trust, friendship, worry ... It's also a lovely lesson on how to be a good friend, different people liking different things, not always seeing the worst in people and giving people the benefit of the doubt.
The illustrations are very muted, relying heavily on greeny-blues and reddish-browns, which is unusual in a children's picture book as they often go for very bright, eye-catching colours. This gives it a vintage feel and made me feel all nostalgic for the illustrations in the picture books of my youth.
star rating : 4/5
- Paperback: 32 pages
- Publisher: Jonathan Cape (PB) (26 April 2012)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1780080050
- ISBN-13: 978-1780080055
- Product Dimensions: 26.5 x 24 x 0.3 cm
RRP : £5.99
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sounds a great book and great that it lets them understand feelings like jealousy and trust etc
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great books & helping children understand that they have to share, so over coming jealousy is a biggy!
ReplyDeleteThank for a great review from the Mini Madhouse reviewers. :))
I actually really likes "vintage ish" children book - my daughter has a few like this and she loves then!
ReplyDeleteMy two boys would love this book as we have a sausage dog called Bubbles and she loves to eat everything!!
ReplyDelete