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Odd Dog Out ISBN: 9780008184780
Biddulph, Rob
Published by HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks, 2017
Lots and lots of sausage dogs tell us about how important it is to be ourselves, even when we feel different to everyone around us. In this town, all the dogs are the same - same clothes, same cars, same everything - rather dull, in fact. But one little dog is quite different. Full of colour and joy in life: 'Someone on this busy street is dancing to a different beat.' She comes to understand that she is very different to everyone else, and this makes her sad. She decides to go somewhere that is as different as she is, and off she journeys. It's a long trip, but she finally arrives at 'Doggywood', as it's name suggests, a place where all the dogs look just like she does: 'I play guitar! I ride a bike! I fit right in! We're all alike!' For awhile she feels right at home, but then she meets someone else who is very different to those around him. Far from this being a problem for him, he rejoices in his difference, and the penny finally drops for our heroine: 'That dog is right. It's plain to see there's nothing wrong with being me.' She hops on a plane and returns home to many celebrations from her friends who have missed her unique-ness. The rhyming couplets are witty and charming, as are the wonderful pictures. The point is made with such verve and stylishness that the book is not just a polemic on how to be oneself but a remarkable story. Lovely!
Age: 4+