This Is a Dog Book!

Children generally love dog books, and so I expect Judith Henderson and Julien Chung’s This is a Dog Book! will be a popular choice among young readers. What if the book had been a bunny book? Would it still be popular? It seems the protagonist in Henderson and Chung’s work does not want to find out. That protagonist looks and acts just like a bunny; however, it insists it is a dog. The other dogs in the book are not sure the bunny belongs, but they do seem to enjoy the treats with which the bunny endeavours to curry favour.

Henderson’s brief written text consists entirely of dialogue between the bunny-dog and the other dogs in the book. The dialogue is succinct and witty. Those young readers who wish not to get bogged down in narrative descriptive text will enjoy the concise writing. The written text is augmented by attractive digitally created illustrations. Chung’s heavily textured artwork features the spare use of red on otherwise monochromatic grayscale illustrations. This use of colour adds visual interest to the enticing artwork.

This is a Dog Book! is a humorous, playful book but it also conveys deeper messages about acceptance and friendship. Regardless of whether it is a dog book or a bunny book, it is a good book that young readers will enjoy a great deal.