New rules, laws and regulations state that I have to make it clear on each review whether the book was supplied free of charge by the publisher, author or illustrator. (The mention on my home page isn't enough.) With the cold snap I began thinking about a book I reviewed for my monthly magazine column. It was not provided as a review copy. As a matter of fact, I read it while I spent a couple hours doing research at a local bookstore. I hope you enjoy.
"Black Dog"By Levi Pinfold
For Ages 4 - 8
What is your
biggest fear and how do you face it? In Levi Pinfold’s, "Black Dog" the Hope
family’s fears are embodied in a black dog – a large, scary black dog. The cover hides any dark side
and offers only a beautifully illustrated house tucked into a wintry wood.
Turning the pages to see what comes next is only natural.
When Mr. Hope spots a black dog in the yard he is struck by its large size. As each family member describes what they see, the dog grows larger and larger. It begins as the size of a tiger. Then grows to the size of an elephant. Finally it becomes as large as a Big Jeffy – whatever that is.
But this story is about confronting fears, not watching them prowl around your yard. Although it’s a little expected (some might say trite) little Small Hope, the baby of the family, decides to see what all the fuss is about. She marches out to the dog and they play chase. As they run, all the "big" fears become silly little concerns that are "nothing to be afraid of." By the time Small returns to the house the big, bad dog is just a lovable little hound.
The rich color illustrations and black-and-white thumbnail sketches add multiple layers to this imaginative tale. There's only one possible complaint for this great story-time pick. Be sure your children understand not to wander away from their families and confront strange dangers lurking outside their homes.
When Mr. Hope spots a black dog in the yard he is struck by its large size. As each family member describes what they see, the dog grows larger and larger. It begins as the size of a tiger. Then grows to the size of an elephant. Finally it becomes as large as a Big Jeffy – whatever that is.
But this story is about confronting fears, not watching them prowl around your yard. Although it’s a little expected (some might say trite) little Small Hope, the baby of the family, decides to see what all the fuss is about. She marches out to the dog and they play chase. As they run, all the "big" fears become silly little concerns that are "nothing to be afraid of." By the time Small returns to the house the big, bad dog is just a lovable little hound.
The rich color illustrations and black-and-white thumbnail sketches add multiple layers to this imaginative tale. There's only one possible complaint for this great story-time pick. Be sure your children understand not to wander away from their families and confront strange dangers lurking outside their homes.
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