McDuff Moves In

McDuff

by Rosemary Wells

A little gray dog that nobody seems to want finds just the right home--and a name.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Dogs, Animals, Fiction, Adoption, 2nd Grade

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Rosemary Wells is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes To School (both were later adapted into Canadian-animated preschool television series, the former’s airing on Nickelodeon (part of the Nick Jr. block) and the latter’s as part of PBS Kids on PBS).

Reviews

[Susan (on hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ordered this thinking it would be a great fit for my workplace reception area but it's so cute, I want to keep it at home for a while. During these times of stress, it never hurts to read uplifting books, right?

McDuff Moves in is a short story about a dog who falls off a dog catcher's truck and goes in search for a home. The setting and time is the 1930's era and the illustrations reflect the time period. They're adorable.

Although the story is aimed at children, there is an informative page for adults regarding the lack of shelters in those times and the poor outcome for stray pets. The author also talks about her love for the West Highland White Terrier (Westie) dog breed and how the book came into fruition.

Lovely book for all animal lovers!

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Gryphon Press and NetGalley for his free copy in return for an honest review. I loved this book! I never saw it when it was first released and so McDuff was brand new to me. Cure story with wonderful illustrations. A puppy bounces free from the dog pound truck and after numerous scary attempts finds a family that takes her in and gets names after a favorite butter biscuit. Very nice and a book that most every child will like and adults will enjoy it a lot also. Darn cute little dog!!

[La Coccinelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of an oldie, although I never read it when it was first published (as I was already an adult and hadn't yet realized how much fun it can be to read children's picture books). The story, set in the 1930s, is about a little white dog who finds himself lost and alone after "escaping" from the dogcatcher. After he meets Lucy and Fred, he just may have found his forever home.

The story is sweet and simple, and the illustrations are quite cute (there's one where everybody's in bed and holding hands/paws that is rather adorable). I don't really have a problem with the story... except when it comes to what they're feeding the dog. In this respect, it reminds me of The Poky Little Puppy and its emphasis on feeding desserts to dogs. The same thing happens here, with Lucy feeding McDuff rice pudding with sliced sausages. Now, that's not terrible (there are worse things you can feed dogs, after all), but then the book has to go and reinforce it by including a recipe for rice pudding that includes warning about feeding dogs things like vanilla extract and milk. It seems odd to have included such a recipe if it needs those caveats. (It would've made more sense to emphasize the sausages, rather than the sugary dessert.)

A note at the end explains about the dire situation for dogs in shelters, and also offers some suggestions. Unfortunately, they're inaccurate. The book states that Petfinder operates in the US and Mexico... when, in fact, it operates in all of North America. It's sad that Canadian children might feel like they have no opportunity to adopt a dog simply because the book inexplicably gets it wrong.

This is a charming little story with a retro feel. But parents should be aware that the back matter isn't 100% accurate, and could be potentially harmful to a dog's digestive system.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for providing a digital ARC.

[Deb✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

McDuff Moves In
By Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers
Published by The Griffin Press on 25 Oct 2019

This children's book about a cute little Westie Terrier named McDuff was adorable! This was set in the 1930's and it was about a little pup that no one wanted who was on his way to the dog pound, when the truck hits a bump and he gets thrown out. He wanders around trying to find someone to help him. He is hungry and lost. Finally some nice people find him, feed him and then start to take him to the pound, but just can't. They decide to adopt him and he lives a happy life. The illustrations in this book are so well done and cute that children will just love it! It also helps teach them to try to adopt from a shelter rather than to buy from a pet shop. So many pets need to be rescued. There are several other McDuff books out there too! A solid 5 star book for ages 3-7.

Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this free e-copy in exchange for my honest review of this wonderful book. All opinions are my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

#McDuffReturns
Thanks to #NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for providing me with the opportunity to read an ARC of MCDUFF MOVES IN written by Rosemary Wells and illustrated by Susan Jeffers.
This children's book is set in the 1930s and
would be a perfect gift for children ages 3 to 7. Susan Jeffers's beautiful realistic illustrations are on every page.
This is a heartwarming story about a homeless little white dog who bounces out of a dogcatcher's truck one night. He searches the neighbourhood looking for a home. Lucy and Fred take him in, but decide that they are too busy to keep him. Before they get to the dog pound, they change their minds and bring him back home. They celebrate with hot chocolate and McDuff's shortbread biscuits and name the little West Highland White terrier McDuff.
MCDUFF MOVES IN would make a wonderful addition for public libraries, kindergartens, preschool and elementary school libraries and classrooms, and welcome centres. McDuff is adorable and I can see this book easily becoming a childhood favourite, and highly recommend it.
5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️

Posted on Goodreads March 25, 2020
Posted on NetGalley March 26,2020

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

What a simple but beautifully heartwarming story this is! I'm surprised I have never read it before but I am so glad I have now!
This is a new edition of an old book and it is simple adorable!

A must read for any animal lover!

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, puppies! I love a good book about cute dogs. Throw in a Shakespeare name and I'm in! McDuff Moves In is the sweetest, little book about adopting a dog and learning to love him.

Little McDuff fell out of a dogcatcher's truck after the truck hit a bump in the road. A family take him in, wanting to provide him love and care. But, since they are very, very, very busy people there is no possible way they can keep him and give him the love he deserves. The family gets ready to take him to the dog pound, but then decide they love him far too much!

For one, the pictures are absolutely STUNNING. All caps that, because it is seriously artwork in this book. I am totally impressed and blown away at the tones and hues.

I like the story, but I would have loved a little more of a theme or a reason to why they kept them. That educational moment could have propelled this book a little higher rating from me. But hey, that's just me being picky.

I think this book would be awesome for young kids. It's a great way to show dog adoption in a soft way. It does bring all of the feels though, so be ready for some tissues!

Overall, the book is sweet and full of wonderful pictures. It's a super simple story that packs a cute and sweet punch!

Four out of five stars.

I received this book for free through NetGalley.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This children's picture book is absolutely adorable. Short and sweet with a happy ending. I love the pictures too.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading this book to my daughter when she was young, so I'm glad it has been reissued with a lovely new cover.



I love the illustrations, and the couple who adopt McDuff, but since my mother grew up in the Depression, I wonder about this well to do couple, with a nice car, and a nice house. What did they do for a living? Were they both working for the movie industry?

What seems odd that the two things that are included new, are a recipe for rice pudding, and the information on adoption. The odd thing, or perhaps the sad thing, is that it calls for vanilla beans, which are now very, very expensive, last time I looked. Several dollars a pod. I used to make vanilla ice cream, and stopped, when the price shot up.

Which is neither here nor there, as to whether you would enjoy this book.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and the Gryphon Press for an advance of this sweet book. Ironically, I'd shared many hours reading this series with my now 18-year-old, and I was just looking for it last week. I wasn't sure if this new edition would be the same, but it's still as enchanting as before. There's something calming and lovely about this story about a little Scottie that finds a home. The book is set in the 1930s, a more slow, classic time, and that just exudes from the story and illustrations. If you know young children, get this book. I promise you (they) will LOVE it. After reading the electronic advance, I just pre-ordered three copies. This book is just what is needed right now.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh, I thought this was just a sweet story. It's not anything original, and it's totally predictable, and it is absolutely standard Disney-esque children's literature fare, but I don't know, it tugged on my heartstrings. That said, the kids weren't overly impressed. Not even an "Awww," or a "Poor little doggie" out of them. I guess they are more sophisticated than I am, and don't dole out emotion or praise on plot lines that they've heard a hundred times before. Still, the dog was cute!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

My boys adored this book and the illustrations are fantastic (especially if you love little dogs). We read this many, many times before taking it back to the library. It's not stellar literature, but it's cute and sweet. The first time we read it my 5-year-old teared up because he was so worried McDuff wouldn't find a home and "every pet needs a home, mom". After that initial worry he loved hearing the story over and over - I think because he loved the happy ending.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 4 out of 5]

McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells is a classic and timeless story that will appeal to readers of all ages. From an adult perspective, I found that I was particularly nostalgic for this type of wholesome story that took me straight back to the books that I so loved as a child. With beautiful illustrations by Susan Jeffers, readers will surely be charmed by this story about an adorable little terrier who finds his forever home.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for this ARC.

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very ordinary story of rescuing a dog. Dog lovers might like it, some kids also because most of them like animals and of course dogs, but for me this was just too ordinary and the arts wasn't in my liking.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could this beautiful book be anything but 5 stars? Rosemary Wells' story is heartwarming and the illustrations by Susan Jeffers are so beautifully drawn and evocative of its 1930's setting.

McDuff isn't McDuff to start with, instead he is an escapee from the dog catcher's truck. As he searches for a home, the wonderful drawings and kind words show a bygone era beginning in quiet streets and ending in a house so richly imagined and realistic it felt like that of an old friend.

As I share life with my Westie, Jess, and rescue dog, Alfie, I hoped this book would be one I could read with my young grandchildren and I absolutely plan to do so as soon as possible, maybe all snuggled up with a bowl of rice pudding each made from the recipe at the back of the book.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who remembers the original, likes beautifully illustrated work, or is a dog lover, in fact everyone who wants a little hug of a book to make you feel good.  Highly recommended.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a re-issue of a well-loved picture book. The new version includes an introduction from the author about how the book came about, as well as information in the back about the importance of adopting rescue dogs.

This sweet story might just make your little one want to find a dog that needs a home and adopt him or her. McDuff falls out of a truck and wanders the neighborhood looking for a home. Finally Lucy and Fred take him in, and can't bear to return him to the dog pound.

I like the nostalgic style of the illustrations with old-fashioned cars, clothes, furniture, etc. And I really want to know what a coconut herbal bath is! It sounds like something I'd like to try myself.

[Monique the Book Geek]

As a dog lover who's had dogs the majority of her life, I really enjoyed this little story about an orphaned dog finding a loving family. The text in this book is simple and easy to read to children and the illustrations beautifully display the journey of an adorable little white dog named McDuff in a nostalgically attractive 1930s neighborhood. All in all, this is a really lovely book to be enjoyed by people of any age.

Note: I received a digital copy of this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to give this picture book five stars on two counts: the wonderful illustrations and the thoroughly delightful character of McDuff, a West Highland terrier who will steal your heart. If you don't like him, it simply means that your heart is already missing in action.

The human couple in this story are nice young people, but they can't hold a candle to the dog. Warning: your kids will start to beg for a little white terrier....

[Lacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a classic story! A pup just wants to find a home! McDuff Moves In is Homeward Bound meets Pleasantville (with Reese Witherspoon) for kids. The illustrations are so gorgeous and detailed and the story is very heartwarming.
My favorite part was the man holding McDuff's paw when they're going to sleep!

Thank you, Gryphon Press and Netgalley, for providing a review copy! It's a gem! 🐶💕

[Gladimore]

Heartwarming story about an orphaned dog just looking for a home and the people who opened their hearts and home to him. Good story, flat characters and the writing way to simple. Could have been better.
#Netgalley

[Becky Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five year old granddaughter and I both really liked this book. The illustrations are nicely detailed and the text is easy to read and kept both our interests. Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers do it again. A wonderful way to introduce kids to the need for adopting strays.

[Itaewon Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfecto para que los mas peques aprendan lo que es tener un animal

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this family book for kids and the time-period illustrations

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little story. It is a rainy night and a little white dog is in the Dog Pound truck. When it hits a nasty bump, out he pops. He ends up on the doorstep of a wonderful couple who decide they want to keep him and give him a forever home. Named McDuff by his new owners, he is happy with his new family. the illustrations are adorable and I fell in love with McDuff. These stories originally published in 1999, are being re-issued by Gryphon Press to a new audience. I also liked that the endpages discussed animal adoptions and rescues. I am looking forward to the updating of the rest of the McDuff series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of the book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Paulina ෂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHOLESOME BOOK ALERT!!!

Qué bonita historia a pesar del inicio triste :( Pero sobre todo ¡qué bonitas ilustraciones! McDuff se ve tan tierno que me dieron ganas de meterme al libro sólo para abrazarlo.

1000 puntos más por la última ilustración donde le agarran la manito para dormir (´；ω；`)

[Marianna F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my most favorite books.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

For many of us, just saying the names Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers is enough to have us ordering a copy of the book. But for anyone who is not familiar with that creative duo and their work together on the McDuff books, here is a second chance to enter the world of 1930s America and a little Westie who goes from the back of the dogcatcher's truck to searching for a home. Readers will be anxiously waiting to see if one of the houses along the street will become a forever home - but hissing cats, growling dogs, and staring owls keep him moving from one yard to another. The young couple who take in McDuff surprise him with their welcome. "No one had ever asked him to come in. Everyone had always told him to go away.''

The illustrations are a trip to the past with the vehicles, clothing, and home decor. McDuff, of course, steals the scene each time. Whether he is looking forlornly up at the rain clouds, trotting alongside Lucy on the way to the kitchen, or shaking his coat dry after a "coconut herbal bath," he is irresistibly adorable. The final scene shows all of them asleep, with Lucy holding one of Fred's hands and Fred's other hand reaching down to hold McDuff's paw as he sleeps on a pillow beside the bed.

Back matter includes a special foreword from the author, a recipe for Lucy's Vanilla Rice Pudding, and a page of pet adoption resources.



Highly recommended for primary grade readers. Be prepared to head to the library or bookstore for more McDuff books once you have finished this one.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated picture book comes to us from Rosemary Wells, the author of the much-loved Max and Ruby books. This book was first published in 1997—so the story itself isn’t new. This new edition is published by Gryphon Press, a publisher dedicated to producing books for children about animals (thegryphonpress.com). The cover of this book will captivate readers immediately—a sweet little dog in the rain, sitting on a welcome mat and facing the door, just waiting to be part of the home. The story begins with a dog—a West Highland White Terrier—escaping a truck headed for the pound. The dog travels around the neighborhood, door to door to door, but is not welcomed. Finally, he finds his way to #7 Elm Road (the smell of rice pudding and sausages pulls him in) and he is welcomed by Lucy and Fred. Briefly, the couple considers returning the dog to the pound, but he’s already wriggled into their hearts and they decide to adopt him, instead. The story and illustrations are fantastic complements to one another. Five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little white unwanted dog tumbles out of the back of the dogcatcher's truck one night. He is hungry and lonely. He goes from house to house and finds rejection until he happens upon the home of Lucy and Fred. This young couple in pajamas, robes, and slippers, invite the homeless dog into their home Where he is fed and bathed. Then surprisingly, they all get in the car to return him to the pound. They drive around awhile then they admit to each other that they don't want to take the dog back. Back at home they celebrate their new addition by opening a tin of McDuff's Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread Cookies. And voila, the dog has a name.

This is a reprinting with updates of the first book in the McDuff series. Rosemary Wells, in her end notes, says over the years she received many inquiries about the origin of the homeless dog. She says her inspiration was the Scottie dog from the Angus series.

I loved the vivid illustrations and the expressions on McDuff’s face. The illustrator certainly captured the little dog’s emotions.

This is a heart warmer.

[Isabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells is an old classic brought back to life again. It's a beautiful story about a shelter dog that finds himself wandering the streets and looking for someone to take him in. On this journey, he encounters varying things that scare him until he finally finds what he is looking for: some nice people that clean him up and make sure he is fed before returning him to the pound. But how come this man is purposely not finding the shelter? Follow along this cute story, enjoy the beautiful illustrations and rejoice with McDuff at his happy ending.

Something that I really liked about this book is the additional things you can find in the back. There are suggestions for more books related to animal rescue, you can find out what YOU can do to help a dog like McDuff, and you can even find the recipe for Lucy's Easy Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding. As someone involved in animal rescue myself, I am glad to have found a book that introduces this topic so easily to young readers.