Sunday 6 August 2023

The DOG SQUAD. The Newshound.

 Written and fully illustrated by Clara Vulliamy.

A small version of book cover. Wafer the whippet sits front and centre on top of the letter 'o' in the centre of the word DOG. The three protagonists are either side of him set slightly further back so the look the same size as Wafer. The turquise backdrop has buildings and trees so is likely set in the local park. Clara's name is picked out in white at the op of the book. The Word s "The Dog Squard occupy the bottom third of the front page. The word 'squad sits in a bone shaped orane nametag that hangs off the letter 'O' in Dog. The words 'The NEWSHOUND is at the very bottom of the page in smaller yellow capitals.
Image © C Vulliamy
                                                                                  
An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

Hello, and welcome to my weekend Book Review featuring Adventures in Middle-Grade Fiction.
 

This week are incredibly honoured and happy to bring you the latest and most beautiful adventure from the author of the 'Marshmallow Pie, Cat Superstar' adventures, Clara Vulliamy. (To see my review of those fab books click this link) 

 

This time, she has brought the younger readers the first adventure in a new series featuring a dog and three eleven-year-old school reporters.

 

So, stopping only for a quick scratch behind the ear and to check the food bowl and water are topped up, let's get straight into the review! 

 


A large version of book cover. Wafer the whippet sits front and centre on top of the letter 'o' in the centre of the word DOG. The three protagonists are either side of him set slightly further back so the look the same size as Wafer. The turquise backdrop has buildings and trees so is likely set in the local park. Clara's name is picked out in white at the op of the book. The Word s "The Dog Squard occupy the bottom third of the front page. The word 'squad sits in a bone shaped orane nametag that hangs off the letter 'O' in Dog. The words 'The NEWSHOUND is at the very bottom of the page in smaller yellow capitals.
Image © Clara Vulliamy





AUTHOR: Clara Vulliamy

 

All art by: Clara Vulliamy

 

Published by: Harper Collins Childrens Books


 

Publication date: Paperback 3 Sept. 23 

 


Paperback ISBN: 978 - 0 - 00 - 856 533 - 6


 

Cover price: Paperback £6.99

 

Pages: 114

 

Age range: 7 - 11


Any dogs or cats?  Oh YES! Whilst this book mainly features dogs, Frank the cat does appear. 


 


 

SPOILER ALERT


Inevitably as this is a short book, there are some as to plot direction and characters. 

 

 

Thank you to... 

 

We are exceedingly grateful once more to Clara, who sent me a personal copy of this delightful adventure to share with you all. Clara has also sent us some of the delightful artwork from the story for you all to enjoy.

 

As ever, our views are our own, and we only share reviews of books we have bought, been given as gifts, or received in exchange for an impartial review. 


First and foremost, the books we review are those we love and feel our global readers deserve to know about and that we hope they, their children, friends, and students will enjoy. That is our guarantee to you.

 

Wafer the whippet leaps across a turquise backdrop. He is wearing an orange and pale pink chequed coat with a neck that extends onto his forelegs.
Image © Clara Vulliamy

 

 

The plot

 

Eva lives with her mum, elder brother, Wes, and younger sister, Macy. The story opens with a bang when Eva's mum enters their kitchen, stops stunned, and demands to know "WHAT. IS. THAT?" That is the introduction to a scared puppy, soon known as Wafer, who Eva has under her chair. Alas, try as she might, Eva can't hide the fact she has smuggled Wafer in. 


Eva spotted the dog alone and scared outside a shop several times during the previous week. Having saved the stray pup from being run over, it followers her home. 

 

A black and white image showing our three protagonists walking along the pavement beside some shops. They are dressed in jackets and have back packs on. Ash has their THEY THEM badge on, a larger copy is at the top of the image. From left to right there is Eva, Simone and Ash.


Alas, the landlord does not allow pets. What to do? Well, mum insists Wafer can only stay one night. After that, they will need to take him to a rescue centre. This is where Eva and her two pals, Simone and Ash, get to play sleuths. They run their own newspaper, most aptly called The Newshound. Simone is not so good with interviewing people but fantastic at artwork, and so does the paper's lettering and illustrations. Ash – they are the cleverest person in the whole world – is the Star Researcher, which leaves Eva as the lead reporter.  

 

A black and white image. Ash crouches to left of Wafer, who is in his chequered jacket. Simone kneels to the right. Both kids are petting Wafer.

Finding out how such a wonderful pup came to be alone on the streets, and who their real owner is, becomes their primary concern and the latest hot article in the making for the Newshound reporters. But whilst Eva's mum is slowly being won over to having Wafer in the flat, time and luck are rapidly running out.

 

A black and white image. Wafer the whippet lays curled in his bed.


Can the eager young reporters successfully unravel Wafer's story? Can they keep Wafer from the landlord's ever-watchful eyes? And will they get invites to what promises to be a great party but have been excluded from for being slightly different? All this and more will be revealed in the closing chapters!

 



So, what did we think?

 

I have to say straight up that I fell in love with Clara's artwork from the off. I mean, who could not be captivated by such appealing images of dogs and the characterful situations they and the child protagonists find themselves in and investigating. They are on almost every page, ranging from full page to small title sequences. 

 

Double width black and white iamge. Two staff from the Wags and Whiskers dog walking business are walking down the road. They have 7 dogs between them ranging from a sausage dog, to a great Dane and a lurcher like wolf hound. In the background is the White Rabbit Book shop, Hair We Go, a hairdressers. There also seems to be a cake and tea shop. A dog on a lead waits outside the bookshop.

 

The images are but half of this review. The storyline is both compelling and fun, as well as displaying diversity in its lead characters, one of whom is non-binary. It rewards the young reader with healthy, balanced world-building, adventure, a pinch of mischief, and a wonderful message about caring for and the conscionable approach to adopting pets. Top Marks, and a few weepy eyes, all round.

 


So . . . .

Crunch time. 

 

For most adults, this will be a speedy, enjoyable read. But I think this will be a perfect book for a read-along at home over a few days or in schools to engender cognisance and discussions of broader issues whilst bringing a smile to the face. So, without a doubt, an absolute must. It's as simple a recommendation as that.  

 

Would you like to hear an extract from the story?

 

Clara has read an extract from the first chapter, which appears on the READING ZONE webpage. You can link to this page by clicking HERE. Or copy and paste the following: https://www.readingzone.com/books/the-dog-squad-the-newshound/



Want to buy a copy?


To get a copy, please do choose your local independent bookshop. There are plenty out there, and each shop is just waiting to serve up whatever kind of mystery, fun and adventure you desire.

 


Clara Vulliamy's web page can be found HERE or type this: https://claras.me/




Harper Collins Children's Books web page can be found HERE or type this: https://harpercollinschildrensbooks.co.uk/explore/


The winners of our GIVEAWAY prize of a copy of Michael the Amazing Mind Reading Sausage Dog are:-  The Brian's Home blog, and all the guys at the The Oceanside Animals blog. If you will both please leave us a comment (which wont be published) as to where you want Amazon to send your copy of this book.


After all that sleuthing and those doggy delights, I shall leave you with a selfie of little old feline me.  🙂 🙂


 
 
We are joining the Sunday Selfies, hosted by the wonderful Kittes Blue and their mum, Janet Blue.

Mrs H isn't quite sure how to describe this position. Maybe the 'levelling pose' would be apt?

 

Colour image of me, Erin the cat, laying on my duvet with my hind leg forward and front leg back, forming a continuous line. My forehead rests on my hind leg.


Till laters!

ERin

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25 comments:

  1. Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu6 August 2023 at 11:25

    Lovely selfie! And that sounds like a very fun book! Wafer is so cute!

    Purrs and Woofs,
    The Chans and Ollie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess6 August 2023 at 12:43

      Thank you. It is a smashing read for the kids in ones life (even if they are aged and have dishpan hands). Wafer is adoreable too.
      ERin

      Delete
  2. The J-Cats6 August 2023 at 13:36

    That's a beautiful selfie, Erin. It's one of Our favourite poses too, though We can't think of a suitable name for it either. Mummy says it reminds her of that old song "with her head tucked underneath her arm" (mol)...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess6 August 2023 at 18:40

      Thank you. That sounds like just the right tune for this pose. Maybe someone out there has a name....
      ERin

      Delete
  3. My Mind's Eye6 August 2023 at 15:07

    I am one who judges a book by its cover...and I judge this one as extra super duper special and the Title is wonderful
    Hugs cecilia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess6 August 2023 at 18:41

      It is a great cover. I so wanted to read it after seeing the cover. Clara does amazing art, and just as gifted as her mom.
      ERin

      Delete
  4. meowmeowmans6 August 2023 at 15:56

    We felt as you did, Erin and Mrs. H, about the delightful illustrations. The story sounds like it is just as wonderful. :)

    Congratulations to Brian and the Oceanside Animals!

    And you may be on to something with that leveling pose, Erin. It makes for a great and very unique selfie!

    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess6 August 2023 at 18:43

      There is nothing to not like about Clara's earlier books for this age range. This new one is definitely spot on and loads of fun.
      ERin

      Delete
  5. Lynn and Precious6 August 2023 at 16:45

    Whatev-fur you call the pose Erin, it is cat purrfect, Lynn is grown up hooman and thinks the book is fun fur all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess6 August 2023 at 18:44

      Thank you. I think I need to name this sort of pose for my next yoga class 😉. I'm sure there are lots of kids that will love the story and the illustrations that bring it all to life.
      ERin

      Delete
  6. Cathy Kennedy6 August 2023 at 18:18

    Oh how I envy such talent! The author not only has a story to share but can illustrate her work. This is one of my dreams but I don't feel that I have it in me yet to tackle the job. I really need to push myself to do this IF I ever want to get it done. Maybe, one day before I am pushing up daisies I can do it. :) I love the artwork and the story idea is good, too. Thanks for visiting. Have a bogietastic week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess6 August 2023 at 18:47

      I am sure, if you just take the risk now, you could have a wonderful time illustrating your own stories. I am not sure how Clara started, but practice does make things happen. And, you dont know until you try. Go for it, we say, and enjoy the fun of exploring a whole new side to yourself.
      ERin

      Delete
  7. Seville at Nerissa's Life6 August 2023 at 22:33

    The Levellin' Pose, huh? Bet that's gonna become all the rage in yoga classes. Way better than Downward Dog, for sure. MOUSES!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows)6 August 2023 at 23:10

    This sounds absolutely delightful!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess7 August 2023 at 16:45

      It is a perfect read and a fun book to just study the pictures of. Magical.
      ERin

      Delete
  9. Brian's Home Blog6 August 2023 at 23:32

    That does sound like a good one and those illustrations are really nice! Your selfie is wonderful sweet Princess!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess7 August 2023 at 16:44

      Thank you, Brian, and don't forget to send me your postal details so you can recieve you prize.
      ERin

      Delete
  10. Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs7 August 2023 at 09:19

    Love those illustrations!!

    Erin, you are a contortionist!! And spying on your audience as you wow them, LOL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess7 August 2023 at 16:43

      Shhh, I don't want everyone to know I was doing that incase they think I'm some sort of secret agent and contortionist, MOL
      ERin

      Delete
  11. The Oceanside Animals7 August 2023 at 15:30

    Charlee: "Ooh, a prize! We don't usually win prizes! Dennis used to win them all the time, that lucky dog."
    Chaplin: "We will have Dada send you the information!"
    Oona: "Oona is impressed with how you can be upside down and rightside up at the same time, Erin!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess7 August 2023 at 16:40

      Your prize is on the way. I hope you or your smaller humans enjoy the read.
      I was impressed too, Oona, but dont tell anyone I said so ;)
      ERin

      Delete
  12. Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty7 August 2023 at 15:51

    Love your selfie, Erin and those are beautiful illustrations!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Erin the Cat Princess7 August 2023 at 16:41

      Thank you, and yes, Clara is very skilled and makes wonderful images for her books.
      ERin

      Delete
  13. Memories of Eric and Flynn7 August 2023 at 21:27

    That is a lovely pose for your selfie, Erin. The book illustrations are adorable.

    ReplyDelete

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