The cover on today's read had me smiling the second I saw it. So much love and so cute! But I didn't expect anything else from this author/illustrator. This is the 7th book in the series, and I can't wait to see what new adventure is in store.
So, let's take a look!
THE LITTLE PUPPY
My Little Animal Friend
by Nicola Killen
Simon & Schuster
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING DECEMBER 17th!!!
From beloved author-illustrator Nicola Killen comes an adorable story about Valentine’s Day and puppy love, tenderly told and illustrated in limited color with lovely red foil and interactive die cut pages.
When Grandma comes for a special Valentine’s visit with her puppy, Milo, Ollie spends a special day playing with her new friend.
MY TIDBITS
Expectations smack against reality in an adorable read about dealing with disappointment and discovering new fun.
Ollie is so excited! Grandma has brought her puppy with her for the day, which means Ollie gets to play with it and have the most fun ever. At first, everything works out great, but when Ollie leaves the room for a few minutes, disaster hits. Ollie can't believe her perfect day with the puppy is ruined. Needing to get away, she heads outdoors and sulks. But then, something unexpected happens.
This series features Ollie, a young girl who loves to wear various animal-like outfits (something some kids really seem to enjoy doing). The tale is gentle, yet holds a twist of fitting adventure to showcase Ollie's imaginative and lively nature. Her actions are understandable, and it's easy to connect with her as she faces disappointment, grows upset, and isn't sure what to do with it. The situation is one readers can identify with and will recognize similar situations from their own lives.
There's a playful, almost fantastical tone to the story, which keeps the messages light and lets the magic of the character and scenes shine through. Much of this is due to the illustrative style, which stays in the white/gray tones with only little details here and there presented in a very clashing, bright color. It creates a dreamlike landscape, which is calming and invites the reader in. The text flows very well, fits to the age group, and makes a lovely read-aloud.
And here she is...
Nicola Killen has always loved drawing and still likes nothing better than taking her sketchbook to the zoo to draw her favorite animals: rhinos and penguins. She designed cards before starting an MA in children’s book illustration at Cambridge School of Art, and since then she has been working on her own books, including The Little Kitten, The Little Bear, The Little Tiger, The Little Puppy, The Little Rabbit, and The Little Reindeer, which was called “an original and entertaining Christmas story with its own understated charm” in a starred review by Kirkus Reviews and “magical” by Publishers Weekly. Nicola Killen lives and works in Cambridge, England.
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