'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday, August 9, 2024

REVIEW: The Dog Who Danced On The Moon

From a front cover with tactile pops of silver and shininess, to a joyful text that simply begs to be read aloud, The Dog Who Danced On The Moon is just glorious.

There once was a boy called Jeremy Grace

Who had a remarkable interest in space.

He was quiet and shy, very often alone,

Just him and his dog, spending time on their own.


Young Jeremy has big dreams and a dancing dog for a best friend.

Together, the two embark on an adventure into space where their combined courage, ingenuity and ability to tap-dance end up saving the day!

Best-selling author John Boyne (The Boy In Striped Pyjamas) along with award-winning rising star illustrator Ashling Lindsay, have created an uplifting, tongue-twisting wonderland of hilarious diversity. And hope.

This book treats its readers as intelligent, curious beings. It delights in the use of sparkling rhyme and colourful chaos. A sensory riot from start to finish, the book is about realising your dreams and holding them close, even when it’s challenging to do so.
 
The illustrations are fabulous and surprising – a combination of mixed media, collage and text. There are plenty of intergalactic paint drips and enough startling colour and shape combinations to keep eyes large and small poring over the detail.

I don’t think it gets much better than this! Highly recommended.

Title: The Dog Who Danced On The Moon
Author/Illustrator: John Boyne
Illustrator: Ashling Lindsay
Publisher: Puffin, $16.99
Publication Date: 2 July 2024
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780241529515
For Ages: 3 +
Type: Picture Book