Review: DogFish

A little boy dreams of having his very own dog and schemes to convince his Mum of this “need”. He has a goldfish but wants a pet that can play catch, go for a walk or wag its tail. He plots, begs and uses his “hypnotising eyes” to win his Mum over.

Alas, his much wizened Mum gives him a rebuttal for every reason he poses for why he needs a pet dog.

The boy doesn’t win (a victory for parenthood!) and his Mum suggests he learn to love his goldfish. So he sets about teaching his pet goldfish to catch a stick, wag it’s tail and takes it for a walk.

And he, his Mum and the goldfish are very happy.

A tale of learning to love the one you’re with and making the most of what you have. The illustrations are contemporary, beautiful and every adult who has read this book has literally laughed aloud.

Title: DogFish
Author: Gillian Shields
Illustrator: Dan Taylor
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: 04 August 2008
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781416910435
For ages: 2 plus
Type: Picture book

- This review by Cat Conidi

This book is available online