Old Dog

by Jeanne Willis, illustrated by Tony Ross

Publisher: Andersen Press, June 2020

First published in 2008.

'Old Dog' is the canine grandfather to three young pups. Sadly, the young pups don't enjoy visiting Grandpa anymore, as they find him boring and smelly! But their mother insists they visit and one day Grandpa decides to prove them wrong, by surprising them with a secret from his past. The pups start to see things in a new light and can't get enough of their grandfather's wonderful stories!

The illustrations in this book are full of detail, and you can't not love 'Old Dog' as you explore his world. My favourite is of him sitting with his beloved cats, one with a peg on its nose! I love the black & white photos at the beginning of the book, showing the 'Old Dog' in his prime. Then at the end we are treated to a new set of colour photos, reflecting how the young pups now see their grandfather.

I had the great privilege to meet Jeanne Willis in January and to hear the background to a few of her wonderful stories. Very happy 'Old Dog' is back! It's heart-warming and as always, great fun to read!

I'm giving away a copy on Twitter @deliablack03 :)