Picking Pickle: Which dog will you choose?

What a gorgeous picture book - any child who has or who longs for a dog will love this story and there is also a beautiful message for young children about appreciating the skills in others but also valuing one's own uniqueness. On the first page we, the reader, are greeted by an energetic if slightly scraggy dog: 'Hello! Have you come to choose a dog? How exciting!' We soon realise we're at a rescue centre, and the dog takes us off to meet all the other pooches waiting for homes because 'picking can be tricky'; this little dog tells us it has 'been here the longest' so it knows everyone. There's Harvey who is BIG, Dumpling who is clever, Matilda who has 'marvellous teeth' and Dibble who 'can round up anything' among the selection. So, which one would YOU choose? When the dog realises that the family has already chosen the pooch they want, it claims to be happy for them but the images of the dejected doggy taking itself off to its basket say otherwise - truly these pictures would soften the toughest of hearts and they brought a tear to my eye. Polly Faber's text conveys all the enthusiasm and energy of doggy pets while Clara Vulliamy's pencilled illustrations capture each of their characters beautifully - and especially the feelings of the pooch at the centre of the story. Happily, it is this dog - Pickle - that the family chooses. It's a lovely story to share with children from 3 to 6 years and can be a great introduction to talking about pets they have or would like, and to introduce rescue centres and how we look after our pets. But it is also a lovely story to encourage children to think about what makes each of us unique and special. Highly recommended. Picture book / Ages 3+ / Reviewed by Carol Bright.

Suggested Reading Age 3+