Odd Dog

by Claudia Boldt

Overview

A silly story for little ones about one odd, apple-loving dog and his neighbor, Milo.

Peanut is an odd dog. He doesn't like bones, he likes apples. In fact, he LOVES apples, and he worries that his next-door neighbor, Milo, might steal all the apples from his tree.
But Peanut is about to discover something about Milo (and himself) that could change everything.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735840683
Publisher:	NorthSouth Books
Publication date:	05/01/2012
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.40(w) x 10.60(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD610L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Claudia Boldt attended the Glasgow School of Art and Kingston University in London. Today she lives and works in London. In 2011, Booktrust named her one of the Ten Best New Illustrators. With her funny and somewhat absurd stories, she delights young and old alike.

Editorial Reviews

"The real treat is observing neurotic, slit-eyed Peanut and oblivious, wide-eyed Milo, both of whom are completely huggable."- Booklist

With minimalist art, muted colors, engaging characters and a dynamic and varied layout of art and text, “Odd Dog” presents a ridiculous story that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere — as well as fans of subversive art in the style of Jon Klassen (“I Want My Hat Back”).  The New York Times Book Review

From the Publisher

"The real treat is observing neurotic, slit-eyed Peanut and oblivious, wide-eyed Milo, both of whom are completely huggable."- Booklist

Booklist

With minimalist art, muted colors, engaging characters and a dynamic and varied layout of art and text, “Odd Dog” presents a ridiculous story that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere — as well as fans of subversive art in the style of Jon Klassen (“I Want My Hat Back”).  The New York Times Book Review

The New York Times Book Review

PreS-Gr 2—Peanut likes apples even more than other dogs like bones, and the apple tree in his yard "[is] his pride and joy." He counts his apples, dreams about them, and sometimes has nightmares that his neighbor, Milo, will steal his precious fruit. When Peanut notices that his best apple is hanging precariously over Milo's garden, he tries unsuccessfully to get it down. Of course, his worst fear is realized, and it falls right into Milo's dish. Instead of keeping it, though, the pup returns it, saying, "This apple looks very ripe and juicy, and I know how much you love them." A grateful Peanut invites Milo to a picnic during which he shares his coveted apples with him and other canine attendees, and Peanut and Milo become best friends. Boldt's mixed-media cartoon paintings, executed in a muted palette, feature Dachshund-shaped Peanut and rotund Milo living on opposite sides of a picket fence. Yellow and red apples hang from tree branches in the opening spread and appear in profusion throughout. Humorous vignettes show Milo reading, gardening, and going about his life in peace while an agitated Peanut tries repeatedly to get his apple before it lands in Milo's yard. Youngsters will enjoy the surprise of Milo's generosity and learn that sharing has its rewards.—Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT

School Library Journal

A dachshund struggles with sharing in this amiable tale. "Peanut was an odd dog." He does not care for bones; rather, he is obsessed with apples. His covetousness leads to paranoia, as he worries neighbor-dog Milo is plotting to steal his prized possessions. Playful, lino-cut print illustrations perfectly express the dogs' personalities. In a series of panels, the artist showcases the silliness of Peanut's suspicion as he comically attempts to save the juiciest of apples from an oblivious Milo. Strong silhouettes make the characters easily identifiable--Peanut is a classic wiener dog, while Milo has pear-shaped heft. Boldt also adroitly utilizes the limited palette of the medium. Earthy pastels and brilliant pops of color lend themselves to a contemporary, modern style. In the end, Peanut learns that Milo, like most dogs, only likes bones, emotionally freeing the pensive pup and opening up his world to friendship. An amusing and charming take on the lessons learned from sharing. (Picture book. 3-5)

Kirkus Reviews

…hilarious…With minimalist art, muted colors, engaging characters and a dynamic and varied layout of art and text, Odd Dog presents a ridiculous story that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere…
—The New York Times Book Review

Anita Silvey