Nostalgia is the emotion that came to mind as I read this story. The book has such a strong European feel to it that without looking at the writer or illustrator's name, I correctly guessed its overseas roots. But the theme is timeless and it is one of Publisher's Weekly's Best picture books of 2015!
Title: The Dog That Nino Didn't Have
Author: Edward Van De Vendel
Illustrator: Anton Van Hertbruggen
Publisher: Eerdmans, 2015
(first published in Belgium in 2013)
Intended age: 4-8
Themes: Imagination, Loneliness, Hope
First lines: "NINO HAD A DOG THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE.
YES, HE HAD THAT DOG.
EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN'T HAVE IT."
Synopsis: Nino has an imaginary dog that helps him feel less lonely. He especially misses his father and explores ways to pass the time--in reality and imagination.
Why I like this Book: This book had me at the title. A dog that a child doesn't have! Is the child going to get it? Is the dog flesh and blood, a stuffed toy, or imaginary? Are they both going to be okay? I wanted to know.
This is the second time in a row that the illustrations blew me away. This palette is the complete opposite of Mother Goose's Pajama Party. No primary bright colors. All muddy earthy tones that match the dreamy feel of a place where reality and imagination co-exist. The panel-sided station wagon, the phones, the A-frame homes and Nino's back pack all have a retro feel. And Great-Grandma spends her days with a book or radio and a glass of wine! And the imaginary dog? How do we see it? In beautiful black and white line drawings that melt into the background.
![]() |
Do you see the dog? |
Resources/Activities:
Eerdman's spotlighted this book in a short webcast preview. Spoiler alert! You learn a major plot twist in their preview.
- If you could add an imaginary pet to your household, what kind would you pick? Why?
- If you have a real pet, do something that makes you both feel better. Here are ideas of fun things to do with dogs.
- Is it possible to "have" things you can't see or touch? (Love, Happiness)
- Talk about things to do when you're lonely. The Women's and Children's health network in Australia has a nice website discussing why kids might feel lonely and suggestions.
- For older children, Christina Hamlett provides lesson plans exploring the pros and cons of imaginary friends.
- Talk about if you ever wanted something, and then been surprised when you finally got it because it wasn't exactly what you expected.
- Think about someone who might be lonely. What can you do to cheer them up? Do it!
This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF
Note: I received a review copy from Eerdmans in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.
You sold me with the opening lines! Must check this out!
ReplyDeleteYou must! While I was reading I kept thinking of you and how you would dissect this one.
DeleteThis is a new twist on imaginary friends. Important for kids to know other kids have imaginary friends/pets. Great discussion book!
ReplyDeleteI played imaginary games, but never had "one" single imaginary friend. Interested to hear others' experiences.
DeleteWhat a great a thoughtful review. I like that the emotions run deep in this one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanna! Definitely not a superficial book. Dive in!
DeleteWhat an interesting way to tell a story: about a thing that you don't have. And yet... this is so intriguing I gotta read it.
ReplyDeleteThe story line may seem simple, but the book is not! Let me know what you think after you read!
DeleteI've heard of this book, and the title is definitely intriguing. Interesting how different European children's books are. Melancholy in a picture book. Hmm...
ReplyDeleteWithout a doubt, the primary part of the nourishment puppies used to eat was meat. They chased little creatures like rabbits, utilized their teeth to cut their glimmer and ate them.how to dog whistle
ReplyDeleteFun-adoring, outgoing, and social people. In the event that you appreciate standard physical action, at that point so will your dog. flea medication for cats
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading. I look forward to seeing you inside my next article. Please like, share, comment, and subscribe. Until next time. Bye Bye.craigslist puppies
ReplyDeleteThis post is very simple to read and appreciate without leaving any details out. Great work! Pure balance dog food
ReplyDeleteYour content is nothing short of brilliant in many ways. I think this is engaging and eye-opening material. Thank you so much for caring about your content and your readers. taste of the wild reviews
ReplyDeleteActually, it is the fundamental reason I chosen to get into the business. In the event that your dog needs certain supplements and you can furnish him with a superb supplement, it could change both your life and his. pet supplies plus
ReplyDeleteAll out K9 Dog Training shows the proprietors how to turn out to be great pioneers for their dogs without utilizing any terrorizing or mastery procedures. pet supplies plus
ReplyDeleteIt makes for one of the most unenjoyable experiences and often it can cause people to stop walking there dog or limit the number of walks they do. It can lead to great stress in the dog owner and can lead to a feeling of immense frustration.pet shop
ReplyDeleteI have numerous tributes all over book page, Little Poodle, and on my site. I don't figure you could locate a superior reared, better raised doggy.
ReplyDeleteGoldendoodle Grooming
While most dogs will be very gentle with the baby, many dogs do not see babies as humans because of their size, smell, and the strange noises they make. how to remove thc from cbd oil
ReplyDeleteAlong these lines, the dog figures out how to avoid the edge. See the deduction here - the undesirable sensations are removed to fortify a conduct, this is negative fortification. Teddy bear puppies for sale
ReplyDelete