Otto: The Top Dog by Catherine Rayner
Otto loves many things in his world, and most of all his basket. But he is a sharing kind of dog and a trail of pooches, from the park, are invited to his home, one after the other. At first all is calm and peaceful, but when his basket becomes too full, with all sizes of dogs, what’s Otto to do?
Through a wonderful harmony of text and illustration Otto The Top Dog radiates warmth, hugs, and joy. Rayner’s images capture the dogs’ expressions, inquisitiveness, and emotions, and coupled with the text, imbue each character with its own personality and story. Loose outlines enable squiggles of fur to escape the confines of the dogs’ overall shapes, not only adding texture and contrast but also further enhancing individuality and togetherness as does Rayner’s use of colour. The title plays with words on numerous levels and the resolution (with a knowing smile) brings the story full circle, drawing the reader back to the title. As with the many works of Catherine Rayner’s I have read, this is an absolute delight. Highly recommended. Children’s Picture Books.
Catherine Rayner is an accomplished illustrator and author and winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal (now the Carnegie Medal for Illustration). She has illustrated and written numerous books for children. Visit the Library Catalogue to browse holdings for Catherine Rayner.
Feather by Manon Steffan Ros
Huw loves his Nan and they both enjoy his visits as they natter over cake with ABBA playing in the background. However, Nan’s memory is slipping and she begins to confuse him for Johnny, her brother, of whom she never speaks. As Huw’s concern grows, he searches for a way to help her and hold on to the Nan he has always known, while also struggling with his fractured relationship with his father.
This is a wonder of a story, beautifully written with sensitivity and compassion. Ros’ penmanship luminates, as though a slender volume, ‘Feather’ explores a number of reflective themes surrounding love, courage, friendship, and our connection to the past. The young characters read authentically as Ros navigates these ideas through their perspectives, particularly Huw’s. Though the central focus is on Huw’s relationship with Nan, Ros deftly weaves the subtext of his struggles with his dad into the story, affording the reader greater appreciation of Huw’s internal turmoil. ‘Feather’ is a highly immersive and rewarding read for readers aged 9+. Children’s Fiction: Growing Up Stories
Collection Development Librarian: Children and young Adult
