Smarty Pup: Friends Fur-ever is the start of a brand new series from the bestselling Anh Do , with illustrations by Anton Emdin.
When Lily's dad announces they're getting a pet, she's really excited. Everyone else at school seems to have special things for show and tell, but she's only got boring things to share. Until JJ comes into her life.
The animal shelter has lots of dogs, but many of them are already spoken for. Then JJ appears and is just right for Lily and her dad. His face is friendly. He's smiley, too, which is how Lily's mum used to describe her. Note for adults: Lily's mum has died, and this is referenced in the story.
JJ doesn't seem like the smartest dog, and he's rather clumsy. Then something happens overnight and JJ can speak just like Lily. He can even speak multiple languages, and he knows the answers to maths and geography questions. Lily is determined to take JJ to school for show and tell, where she'll finally have something wonderful to share.
JJ makes a big splash with the class and enjoys his first day at school. Then when something unfortunate happens, JJ and Lily need to prove he's not responsible for an important dinosaur egg that's gone missing.
All will be well though, and JJ has a permanent home with Lily and her dad. With such a smart pup in their lives, they're sure to have lots more adventures.
The Smarty Pup series will be much enjoyed by young readers. It's perfect for beginning and newly independent readers, with lots of humour and relatable situations, including jokes and playing with words. The illustrations are appealing and in full colour, and this edition of the book also has a 'lenticular animated' cover, and stickers included inside the back cover.
Highly recommended!
Title: Smarty Pup: Friends Fur-ever
Author: Anh Do
Illustrator: Anton Emdin
Publisher: Allen and Unwin, $15.99
Publication Date: 5 October 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760526399
For ages: 6 - 10
Type: Junior Fiction
