Simon James Books

Simon James Books Logo

Children's Author and Illustrator, Author visits to schools, Book festivals,

  • Home
  • About Simon
  • Books
  • Author Visits
  • News
  • Play
  • Contact Simon

Book Trust Review

October 7, 2019 by Simon James

Review for Mr Scruff from the Book TrustMr S. Cover J-peg

Polly belongs to Molly, Eric belongs to Derek, Martha belongs to Arthur – everyone knows that owners and their dogs belong together in their own unique way. There’s a poodle, a sausage dog and an old English sheep dog, and they are all suspiciously like their owners.

But for poor Mr Scruff, alone in the dogs’ home, there is no one – until a very special little boy arrives looking for a friend…

You can read quite a lot into this heartwarming picture book, which only adds to the joy. The young boy, Jim, picks a dog who looks nothing like him. He’s small, Mr Scruff is big. Their names don’t even rhyme! But they’re still the best of friends. There’s a gently inclusive message here to look past your preferences, and outside your bubble, and welcome all kinds of different people in your life. People come in all shapes and sizes and everyone deserves love and kindness.

It’s a snuggly, cuddly sort of book that inspires a real sense of belonging and home, as well as appealing to all young animal lovers.

After all, you could definitely just enjoy Mr Scruff for its brilliant read-aloud rhymes and funny watercolour illustrations. The expressions and detail on each dog are brilliant! By the end, your biggest problem will be convincing your child not to go out and get their own Mr Scruff immediately…

Book Trust -October 2019

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Recent News

  • Book Trust Review
  • Wall St Journal -Best Children’s Books of 2018
  • Mr Scruff -the cover
  • Languages
  • Mr Scruff is complete

News archive

  • October 2019
  • January 2019
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • February 2018
  • October 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • August 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • July 2015
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • March 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011

Back to Top

Copyright © Simon James 2023

· Site design by BlackPenPress.co.uk

MENU
  • Home
  • About Simon
  • Books
  • Author Visits
  • News
  • Play
  • Contact Simon