Reviews from Another Life

I have been reviewing books for many years. Here you can search for reviews of other titles by the authors, illustrators, poets and publishers featured on my ‘Reviews’ blog.

Picture Book, Being Yourself, Positivity Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Being Yourself, Positivity Sue Wilsher

Odd Dog Out

Living in a place where everydog looks the same and acts the same, being different means you really stand out. From her clothes to her interests, Odd Dog is just that- the odd dog out- and feels she has to leave her home to find somewhere that she fits in.

So she makes her way to 'Doggywood' where all the dogs look and act just like she does. She is delighted! But then she makes a new friend who teaches her that standing out from the crowd and being an individual is something to be proud of!

With its positive message and amazing illustrations, this is a brilliant book for home or school. Visually rich and rewarding, each spread is full of details to explore and enjoy whilst the story offers a heart-warming affirmation of individuality.

Whether used as a lovely story, as the starting point for discussions about standing out from the crowd or to inspire amazing artwork, 'Odd Dog Out' is a book that can be appreciated by children (and adults!) of all ages. The loneliness she experiences and the self doubt that makes her feel out of place is something that many of us will feel at some point in our lives and this story puts a light-hearted slant on this.

There are other stories about being an individual and dancing to your own tune, but this is a story which presents the message in a way as unique as the individual reading it!

Odd Dog Out   Rob Biddulph

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0007594153

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Picture Book, Christmas Sue Wilsher Picture Book, Christmas Sue Wilsher

An Odd Dog Christmas

It’s Christmas Eve and there’s so much festive fun! But Odd Dog is not happy. She’s running out of time to find the perfect present for her special friend. When she discovers a winter wonderland, Odd Dog helps a new friend who teaches her that ‘a simple present from the heart’ is far more important.

We absolutely adore Odd Dog here at Bookshelf HQ so I was delighted to see this new book! Offering a heart-felt message about what is truly important at Christmas, it is makes a perfect story for sharing as the festive season approaches. Always finding her own path, Odd Dog blazes her own trail once again- this time across the sky- as she helps Father Christmas when he is in need and in turn, he offers her excellent advice. Like Odd Dog, children might be inspired to make their own gifts for friends and loved ones, giving their time and love to show that they care.

The illustrations are as fabulous as ever! Every spread is full of detail and humour, with so much to notice and enjoy on each page. The ‘Odd Dog’ biscuits are certainly on my list of things to make this Christmas! The Christmas market reminds me of the one held in Bath each year and the Winter Wonderland is just gorgeous. I love the Christmas pudding hot air balloons and spotting all the references to Rob’s other books! And don’t forget to take off the dust jacket to enjoy the book’s cover beneath.

Told in bouncy rhyme and using a rich vocabulary, the story is a delight to read aloud. The paw-fect Christmas gift!

An Odd Dog Christmas Rob Biddulph

Harper Collins ISBN: 978-0008413354

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