A Pekinese on the Wairarapa Coast

NZ Writer and Illustrator

Anne Manchester, illustrated by Fifi Colston

Photos by Anne Manchester

Toughen up, Andrew!

Mākaro Press 2016  $25.00pb 84pp

ISBN 978 0 9941 2995 6`

Themes:  Holidays/ Pekinese dogs/ Wairarapa Coast

Andrew (named after Prince Andrew) is a small but sturdy Pekinese who really enjoys his home comforts. However, his family has decided he needs a bit of toughening up and in the four stories in the book he goes on holiday, meets a large black seal, goes crayfishing and learns to play football. These are true stories and Andrew was a very real little dog who **was loved and cherished by his owner and who I remember  trotting along the parade at Days Bay and Eastbourne as though he owned the world (which of course he imagined he did).  The book is enhanced by Fifi Colston’s endearing illustrations and the writer’s family photos. An enjoyable read aloud for both reader and listeners.  

Year 3 up/ Age 7 up

** My computer spell check keep wanting me to change who to that but Andrew was definitely a who and I refuse!

Fiction - Age 7 up

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NZ Writer & Illustrator

Vince Ford, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

Scrap Book 3 Dog on Trial

Scholastic 2013   $15.00pb         136 pages        

 ISBN 978 1 7754 3082 7

Themes: Sheep Dog trials/Father-son relationships/ Sequels/ Talking animals

In this, the third book in the series, Scrap, an enthusiastic young sheep dog, is brought into conflict with his father, Rex, over the forthcoming sheep dog trails.  I have a feeling Vince Ford must have had a lot of fun (plus many tongue-in-cheek moments) writing these easily read stories which have something for so many – country children/ city children/ good readers/ reluctant readers – and for adults as well.
Google Scholastic NZ for titles and details of the other books in the series. 

Year 3 up/ Age 7 up 

Photo: Acknowledgements to Vince Ford

Picture Books (3)

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Australian Writer and Illustrator (born in the UK but now lives in Australia)

Leila Rudge

Ted

Walker Books 2013    $29.99hb    32 pages

ISBN 978 1 9219 7750 3

Themes: Dogs/ Family life/ Friends/ Pet Shops

Ted has been in the Pet Shop waiting for a Forever Home for far too long and nobody ever seems to notice him. Ted runs away; joins a circus; takes part in a pet show; enrols as a guard dog but still no one notices him (not even the burglars). Then, when he is walking along the city street feeling rejected and unwanted, he sees a small girl putting up a flier asking for a companion dog who will go for walks with her and play games and be part of her family. The illustrations were created with paper, ink, pencil and glue and are full of the sorts of small details most children will enjoy discovering each time they have the story read to them 

Preschool up/ Age 4 up

Picture Book

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NZ Writer and Illustrator

Ruth Paul
Bad Dog Flash

Scholastic 2013 $19.50   32 pages

ISBN 978 1 7754 3096 4

Themes: Dog training/ Puppies/ Repetitive stories

A new book by Ruth Paul is always a treat and Bad Dog Flash certainly won’t disappoint her many admirers. Flash, a small and determined puppy, lives in a household of many temptations – shoes/ cats/ sticks to chase/ bones to bury/ washing to attack - none of which pleases his owner who berates him with Bad Dog Flash. But, no one can be cross with Flash for long and there is always a warm and loving lap in which to curl up.  In spite of Flash's energy this is a calm and gentle book with plenty of white spaces around the images and many new words to savour. 

Preschool up/ Age 4 up