It's happy book birthday time! Well, almost. Today's release hits the shelves Tuesday, but in my book, that's close enough to celebrate.
These pages should run around the odd 'language' of a little dog, who does anything but bark. I'm curious to see where this one is going and hope it's adorable.
So, let's take a look!
MY DOG SMUDGE
by Sujean Rim
Atheneum Books
Picture Book
24 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING SEPTEMBER 16th!!!
Smudge the dog and his girl visit animal after animal trying to identify the strange sounds Smudge makes in this novelty book with lift-the-flaps that proves you don’t need words to show you love someone.
Smudge looks like an ordinary dog but rather than woof, bark, or bow-wow, he makes rather extraordinary sounds. His human can’t tell what language he’s speaking, so she decides to consult other animals. From a cow to a pig to a busy bee, everyone is just as baffled by Smudge’s noises.
But perhaps what really matters is not the language Smudge speaks but what he’s saying. Little ones can lift flaps to reveal each barnyard animal and, ultimately, find out what Smudge has been trying to communicate all along.
Smudge looks like an ordinary dog but rather than woof, bark, or bow-wow, he makes rather extraordinary sounds. His human can’t tell what language he’s speaking, so she decides to consult other animals. From a cow to a pig to a busy bee, everyone is just as baffled by Smudge’s noises.
But perhaps what really matters is not the language Smudge speaks but what he’s saying. Little ones can lift flaps to reveal each barnyard animal and, ultimately, find out what Smudge has been trying to communicate all along.
MY TIDBITS
,
Animal sounds...or better said, language...takes a different twist in a cute read.
Smudge is a little doggy, who doesn't bark like a regular dog. Instead, his noises seem to be more related to other animals. The owner, a little girl, decides to visit other animals and see if they can figure out what Smudge wants to say. She goes from a cow to a pig to many other creatures, but none are able to be of much help.
This is a simple picture book, which carries tons of heart and pet love. The little girl's care for Smudge is inspiring, and Smudge is adorable with his various noises. The plot is also simple, and makes a lovely read-aloud for even the younger end of the intended audience level. The illustrations concentrate on the mentioned characters and closer surroundings to keep everything very directed. This also makes a lovely read for those who are still building their reading skills.
Wholesome curiosity, animal fun, and gentle humor make this a lovely tale in many ways. Even younger listeners can enjoy this one, since it practices their animal sounds and recognition...and will have them imitating the noises themselves. It's enjoyable to see if one can guess what animal sound Smudge's barks are most similar to. There are also flaps on every two-page spread. The flaps are, unfortunately, not always easy to finger open, since they are simply squares of the same paper glued on one side to the book page. Also, their presence doesn't always seem to have an importance. But this is only a tiny, side note, since it is fun to see what is behind each one.
It's a cute book, which is sure to bring smiles to listeners' faces.
And here she is...
Sujean Rim is the author and illustrator of My Dog Smudge, You Are Loved, Take a Breath, Take a Chance, Birdie’s Big-Girl Shoes, Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress, Birdie’s Big-Girl Hair, Zoogie Boogie Fever!, Chee-Kee: A Panda in Bearland, and more. She has illustrated for clients including Tiffany & Co., Target, and the website DailyCandy. Sujean lives in New York with her favorite artist and husband Bob, and their son, Charlie. Find her online at SujeanRim.com.
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