Review: Dog Gone
Separation is a recurring issue in childhood. How far can we go from familiar faces and still be safe? Does the unknown turn out to be as we imagined? With the emotional remove of a canine hero and a whimsical adventure that ends in safety, this sweet story offers a gentle way to talk about separation worries with a young child.
What Parents Should Know
Separation is a recurring issue in childhood. How far can we
go from familiar faces and still be safe? Does the unknown turn
out to be as we imagined? With the emotional remove of a canine
hero and a whimsical adventure that ends in safety, this sweet
story offers a gentle way to talk about separation worries with
a young child.
Common Sense Media Review
Third in a series by British author/illustrator, Amanda
Harvey, the story takes place in the pastoral setting of the
lush English countryside, painted in soft pastel watercolors.
There's lots of activity in the illustrations and the animals'
faces are expressive, but it is Otis's ears that make the
strongest statement. They most often stand straight out from
his head giving him a look of comical intensity. He appears
friendly yet alert, and gullible but determined.
Otis is an endearing character and his situation will resonate with children. For a child a similar situation might be staying at Grandmother's house, and running away may be hiding at the back of the yard or venturing to the end of the block, but the feelings involved are much the same. Like a loved child, Otis has the strength of character that comes from feeling that despite some difficulties, the world is ultimately a good place.
From the book:
Last week I went to stay at the Misty Meadow dog hotel.
When we got inside, I noticed the other dogs watching
me.
They looked friendly, but this place didn't feel much
like home.
I was thinking I might not stay after all
when Lucy kissed me and said, "See you soon, Lovely
Otis".
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