POOKA

Written by: Carol Chataway

Illustrated by: Nina Rycroft

Published by: Working Title Press, Australia 2012

Ages:   2 – 6

Theme: friendship, dog, companion, lost and found, attachment

Opening Lines: “Someone’s left an old coat on our doorstep,” said Dad. “It’s not a coat,” said Mum. “It moved. Think it’s a lamb.” “It’s not a coat, or a lamb,” I said. “It’s a dog!”

Synopsis: From the moment she is discovered on the doorstep, everyone loves Pooka. She’s the best dog ever! “Don’t go getting attached,” Grandad grumbles. But it’s too late for that!

Why I like it:   This is a very sweet heart felt story of the love between a dog and young boy. It’s obvious the dog belongs to someone as he is so well mannered. Grandad constantly reminds the boy not to get too attached. Someone will come looking for him. The saying – but it’s too late for that, becomes a refrain. Grandad is right of course even though the boy and dog become inseparable. One day a young man comes to claim Pooka and the boy learns that Pooka has a very important job. The boy finds it hard to live without Pooka until one day there is a knock at the door. This story is very realistic and you get the feeling, thanks to Grandad, that something is going to happen and that maybe the story, will not end all that well. Kids will resonate with the boy especially at the heartbreak of having to give Pooka back. Let’s face it, every little kid wants a dog.   I love the beautiful illustrations by New Zealand illustrator Nina Rycroft.  Pooka is a gorgeous book.  It’s cover begs to be picked up and cuddled. Aww just look at that face.

Nina’s website…    http://ninarycroft.com/

Resources/Findings:   Great idea for making pretend animals so kids can learn how to look after pets….    http://www.mylittlebookcase.com.au/books/activity-creating-and-caring-for-pretend-pets.

More about pets.  -http://www.caninefriends.org.nz/

I’m always pleased to be able to bring you some more special books that have come my way and be able to share them with you and join other great writers over at Susanna’s Blog, where there are literally hundreds of book reviews to view.  So pop over  and visit the lovely author, Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Perfect Picture Books.    Her blog is full of resources links and activities associated with books reviewed by many authors