The Detective Dog

The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Pan Macmillan)

HC RRP $ 24.99

ISBN 9781509801596

Reviewed by Ramona Davey

What can I say? Julia Donaldson does it again. The Detective Dog is a fun read aloud rhyming picture book about a dog that always has his nose on the job, even if it is wondering, “Who did the poo on the new gravel path?” or “How did the spider get into the bath?”

Detective dog Nell also likes to listen to children read stories to him at his owner 6-year-old Pete’s school. Until all the books go missing one day. Detective dog could smell something was up.

All is solved in the end when they discover the book thief just loved reading books and only meant to borrow them and it seems he had no idea about libraries. This part of the story felt a bit odd for me as an adult but kids may think this is strange.

Children will love following the dog that is following his nose throughout the book in the colourful watercolour and pencil crayon illustrations by Sara Ogilvie. The classroom scene and the double page library scene are my favourites as is the chase through the town. There is so much to see on each page.

As a mentor text for rhyming writers this reads with ease and is worth studying.

Detective Dog is perfect for the 3-6 year old detectives.

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet

Dogs Don’t Do Ballet by Anna Kemp, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie (Simon & Schuster)
PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 9781847384744
Reviewed by Di Bates

Billy Elliot was well known for his dancing. Less well known is Biff, a white dog with a dark patch over its right eye. Biff doesn’t do the usual dog things, like weeing on lamp posts: he’s bred for the finer things in life such as enjoying music and walking on his tiptoes. And, oh yes, his life dream is to become a ballerina with his name in lights!

Biff belongs to a small girl who is learning ballet, and of course Biff wishes he could learn as well. The girl doesn’t see Biff as he sneaks after her on her way to dancing class. When Biff tries to join the class, he is turned away by Miss Polly, the teacher. Consequently Biff falls into depression and refuses to eat. However, when the girl goes to ballet, Biff finds an opportunity to fulfill his dreams.

What small girl who loves dogs and dancing and has an active imagination wouldn’t be amused, even entranced by this charming picture book created by first time author and illustrator, both from the UK? The text is tightly written and well paced, while the book design and colourful illustrations lend themselves to page turning. Ideal for girls aged four to eight years of age.