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One Dog and His Boy
All Hal had ever wanted was a dog. "Never!" cries his mother. "Think of the mess, the scratch-marks, the puddles on the floor." But on the morning of Hal's 10th birthday, the unbelievable happens. He's allowed to choose a puppy at Easy Pets, a rent-a-pet agency (a fact his parents keep from him). The moment he sees the odd-looking terrier, he knows he's found a friend for life. But no one tells Hal that Fleck must be returned and when Hal wakes up on Monday morning, Fleck is gone. If dog and boy are to stay together they'll have to run away...
From the reknowned Eva Ibbotson comes her final novel, a tale laced with humor and full of heart, and stunning in its beauty and all things dog.
From the reknowned Eva Ibbotson comes her final novel, a tale laced with humor and full of heart, and stunning in its beauty and all things dog.
271 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
104 people are currently reading
1601 people want to read
About the author
Eva Ibbotson
79 books2,357 followersEva Ibbotson (Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner) was a novelist specializing in romance and children's fantasy.
She was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1925. When Hitler appeared, her family moved to England. She attended Bedford College, graduating in 1945; Cambridge University from 1946-47; and the University of Durham, graduating with a diploma in education in 1965. Eva had intended to be a physiologist but was put off by animal testing. Instead, she married and raised a family, returning to school to become a teacher in the 1960s. They have three sons and a daughter.
Eva began writing with the television drama “Linda Came Today” in 1965. Ten years later, she published her first novel, “The Great Ghost Rescue”. Eva has written numerous books including “The Secret Of Platform 13”, “Journey To The River Sea”, “Which Witch?”, “Island Of The Aunts”, and “Dial-A-Ghost”. She won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize for “Journey To The River Sea” and has been a runner up for many of major awards for British children's literature.
Her books are imaginative and humorous and most of them feature magical creatures and places, despite that she disliked thinking about them. She created the characters because she wanted to decrease her readers' fear of such things.
Some of the books, particularly “Journey To The River Sea”, reflect Eva's love of nature. Eva wrote this book in honour of her husband (who had died before), a naturalist. The book had been in her head for years.
Eva said she dislikes "financial greed and a lust for power" and often creates antagonists in her books who have these characteristics. Some have been struck by the similarity of “Platform 9 3/4” in J.K. Rowling's books to Eva's “The Secret Of Platform 13”, which came out three years before the first Harry Potter book.
Her love of Austria is evident in works such as “The Star Of Kazan” and “A Song For Summer”. These books, set in the Austrian countryside, display the author's love for all things natural.
She was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1925. When Hitler appeared, her family moved to England. She attended Bedford College, graduating in 1945; Cambridge University from 1946-47; and the University of Durham, graduating with a diploma in education in 1965. Eva had intended to be a physiologist but was put off by animal testing. Instead, she married and raised a family, returning to school to become a teacher in the 1960s. They have three sons and a daughter.
Eva began writing with the television drama “Linda Came Today” in 1965. Ten years later, she published her first novel, “The Great Ghost Rescue”. Eva has written numerous books including “The Secret Of Platform 13”, “Journey To The River Sea”, “Which Witch?”, “Island Of The Aunts”, and “Dial-A-Ghost”. She won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize for “Journey To The River Sea” and has been a runner up for many of major awards for British children's literature.
Her books are imaginative and humorous and most of them feature magical creatures and places, despite that she disliked thinking about them. She created the characters because she wanted to decrease her readers' fear of such things.
Some of the books, particularly “Journey To The River Sea”, reflect Eva's love of nature. Eva wrote this book in honour of her husband (who had died before), a naturalist. The book had been in her head for years.
Eva said she dislikes "financial greed and a lust for power" and often creates antagonists in her books who have these characteristics. Some have been struck by the similarity of “Platform 9 3/4” in J.K. Rowling's books to Eva's “The Secret Of Platform 13”, which came out three years before the first Harry Potter book.
Her love of Austria is evident in works such as “The Star Of Kazan” and “A Song For Summer”. These books, set in the Austrian countryside, display the author's love for all things natural.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
February 7, 2013
Eva Ibbotson's books are always delightful, and her children's books are in particular a grand escape for an adult who feels a bit battered by the real world. Here we have a lonely little rich boy whose parents can't see why he's upset when the dog they've rented for one weekend just to give him "the dog experience" has to be returned. Hal refuses to accept this and takes off with the dog, along with a variety of other dogs from the shelter who are also yearning for homes. Adventures ensue, and Ibbotson's trademark humor lifts her prose a cut above, such as when a fiery little Pekinese reflects, "There is absolutely nothing wrong with old ladies, but when your ancestors have been bred to ride on the saddle of the Emperor when he gallops off to war, you do not feel like being told you are an itsy-bitsy little doggie, aren't you." This is comfort food for the soul: if you are feeling wrung-out and teary after reading "The Invisible Bridge" and watching your favorite characters get loaded into cattle cars, or if "Gone Girl" has left you feeling there is no goodness or trust left in the human psyche, then this is the book for you.
June 16, 2012
I've been reading this book with my severely disabled brother for a while now. We've been reading a chapter each day and it's been a really pleasant experience. It wasn't until recently we even knew he was interested in books but his one-to-one carer at his new day scheme said he really enjoys story time. Using this information we tested the waters, we quickly figured out the trick to funny voices, keeping him interested and bluffing your way through tongue twisters. This was his first chapter book with us and it was a huge success.
After the first few each chapter becomes a story in itself. This was great for keeping him interested and provided plenty of character arch's within the main plot arch. There's just the right amount of character to stop the story for getting boring but also remaining consistent - with a carefully developed accent for each one my brother, S, soon learnt to differentiate between the characters and pick out his favourites. Then there's the dogs, S has had a dog for three years now and found it easy to relate to the creatures in the book. Even demonstrating actions to us with our own pup to show us his understanding.
This was definitely a fun read and a great little adventure. A fair warning to fellow dog lovers, there are a few moments which may well make your eyes water and your voice crack during this tale. But it all works out in the end! On the book it says '8+' but it depends entirely on your child and their own comprehensive ability. I will be sending this down to my five year old cousins in Liverpool next week for them to enjoy and I have no doubt this book will be well loved.
After the first few each chapter becomes a story in itself. This was great for keeping him interested and provided plenty of character arch's within the main plot arch. There's just the right amount of character to stop the story for getting boring but also remaining consistent - with a carefully developed accent for each one my brother, S, soon learnt to differentiate between the characters and pick out his favourites. Then there's the dogs, S has had a dog for three years now and found it easy to relate to the creatures in the book. Even demonstrating actions to us with our own pup to show us his understanding.
This was definitely a fun read and a great little adventure. A fair warning to fellow dog lovers, there are a few moments which may well make your eyes water and your voice crack during this tale. But it all works out in the end! On the book it says '8+' but it depends entirely on your child and their own comprehensive ability. I will be sending this down to my five year old cousins in Liverpool next week for them to enjoy and I have no doubt this book will be well loved.
October 7, 2011
I think I may have a new favourite book. This is such an elegantly written, touching, funny story. I only wish I had written it!
Hal and Fleck seem perfect for each other; the dog and his boy spend a wonderful weekend investigating the smells and sights of the local park. But when Monday comes Hal is horrified to discover that his parents have merely hired Fleck - his dog has to go back to the rental company. The smouldering rage that Hal feels towards his parents leads him to become the reluctant leader of a whole pack of runaway dogs. En route, the dogs have adventures and misadventures on their quest to find new homes.
There is a warm, old-fashioned feel to this book: the detective on their trail has a collection of fake moutaches (even if he did buy them off the internet) and their run-in with the circus has a very traditional feel. If I had a slight reservation about this book, it would be that this sense of the traditional extends to Hal's family. It would have been interesting if Hal's mum had been flying off to make money while Hal's dad spent it. But this was a very minor quibble in a book that I genuinely couldn't put down.
Hal and Fleck seem perfect for each other; the dog and his boy spend a wonderful weekend investigating the smells and sights of the local park. But when Monday comes Hal is horrified to discover that his parents have merely hired Fleck - his dog has to go back to the rental company. The smouldering rage that Hal feels towards his parents leads him to become the reluctant leader of a whole pack of runaway dogs. En route, the dogs have adventures and misadventures on their quest to find new homes.
There is a warm, old-fashioned feel to this book: the detective on their trail has a collection of fake moutaches (even if he did buy them off the internet) and their run-in with the circus has a very traditional feel. If I had a slight reservation about this book, it would be that this sense of the traditional extends to Hal's family. It would have been interesting if Hal's mum had been flying off to make money while Hal's dad spent it. But this was a very minor quibble in a book that I genuinely couldn't put down.
November 20, 2021
This was such a feel good book! Also love Steve West's narration!
One Dog and his boy is about Hal who's only wish for his birthday is to get a dog. Neither of his parents really want to get him a dog, but he's so dejected after that his father agrees to rent a dog for a weekend for him. Of course, they don't tell Hal the dog is rented so Hal completely falls in love his rented terrier mutt. But come Monday, Fleck is returned and Hal knows he must runaway with Fleck if they're to stay together.
This book was so damn adorable. It was so fun to escape into this book about dogs and their humans. Not only do we see Fleck and Hal's story, but several other dogs who escape the pet rental agency. Hal was such a sweet boy, and I loved how much he protected and cared for Fleck. I also loved the friendship Hal and Pippa developed. I'm glad the parents also realized they needed to reevaluate and rework their relationship with Hal.
Rep: white male MC, poor white female side character, Indonesian autistic coded female side character, Indian male side character. Several good doggos.
CWs: Blood, confinement, injury/injury detail, kidnapping (attempted), parental negligence, violence, xenophobia. Moderate: Abandonment of a side character.
One Dog and his boy is about Hal who's only wish for his birthday is to get a dog. Neither of his parents really want to get him a dog, but he's so dejected after that his father agrees to rent a dog for a weekend for him. Of course, they don't tell Hal the dog is rented so Hal completely falls in love his rented terrier mutt. But come Monday, Fleck is returned and Hal knows he must runaway with Fleck if they're to stay together.
This book was so damn adorable. It was so fun to escape into this book about dogs and their humans. Not only do we see Fleck and Hal's story, but several other dogs who escape the pet rental agency. Hal was such a sweet boy, and I loved how much he protected and cared for Fleck. I also loved the friendship Hal and Pippa developed. I'm glad the parents also realized they needed to reevaluate and rework their relationship with Hal.
Rep: white male MC, poor white female side character, Indonesian autistic coded female side character, Indian male side character. Several good doggos.
CWs: Blood, confinement, injury/injury detail, kidnapping (attempted), parental negligence, violence, xenophobia. Moderate: Abandonment of a side character.
November 27, 2012
Our three-year-old daughter named her favorite stuffed dog, "pee-pee." When we got a real dog we wouldn't let her name it that so she called her, "Peach." Although "pee-pee" would have been a better name. Thirteen years I scrubbed up after that darn dog and her pea-sized bladder. Argh! But I digress. Most people have dog stories and our family is no exception, so when I started this book which is about a boy named, Hal, who begs his parents for a dog, it was a walk down memory lane. And when I got to the part of the collie herding sheep, I chuckled as I remembered our border collie rounding up 12 laughing and whimpering and what's-going-on four-year-olds in a small, tight circle at my daughter's birthday party. But back to this story...
Lonely Hal begs for a dog and when his rich parents say, "yes," he is over the moon. Only problem? His shallow parents have actually rented a dog named, Fleck, for the weekend. They think Hal will get tired of the dog after 3 days. Instead he bonds with the dog and loves him deeply. Not wanting to tell Hal that Fleck isn't for keeps, the parents sneak him back to the rental place while Hal is at the dentist. Hal comes home, discovers the trick and is devastated. And angry. Ooh... he is one mad dude. He goes to the rental place, takes Fleck and runs away with the help of a friend on an adventure where he discovers not only how to make dogs happy, but his parents as well.
This light story has a happy ending, exaggerated characters, predictable plot and will be liked by animal lovers.The adults are dumb and buffoonish in most cases, except the grandparents. There are quite a few unbelievable spots but it is all in good fun. The story was a little slow for me but I'm not exactly a patient reader. I did enjoy how it made me think of our doofy dog and how much I loved her and hated her peeing all over the place. If you are getting a dog, whatever you do, DON'T give it a name that starts with that piddly letter "p."
Reading Level 6.3
Lonely Hal begs for a dog and when his rich parents say, "yes," he is over the moon. Only problem? His shallow parents have actually rented a dog named, Fleck, for the weekend. They think Hal will get tired of the dog after 3 days. Instead he bonds with the dog and loves him deeply. Not wanting to tell Hal that Fleck isn't for keeps, the parents sneak him back to the rental place while Hal is at the dentist. Hal comes home, discovers the trick and is devastated. And angry. Ooh... he is one mad dude. He goes to the rental place, takes Fleck and runs away with the help of a friend on an adventure where he discovers not only how to make dogs happy, but his parents as well.
This light story has a happy ending, exaggerated characters, predictable plot and will be liked by animal lovers.The adults are dumb and buffoonish in most cases, except the grandparents. There are quite a few unbelievable spots but it is all in good fun. The story was a little slow for me but I'm not exactly a patient reader. I did enjoy how it made me think of our doofy dog and how much I loved her and hated her peeing all over the place. If you are getting a dog, whatever you do, DON'T give it a name that starts with that piddly letter "p."
Reading Level 6.3
May 4, 2012
The late Eva Ibbotson's final children's book is a delight, just as much fun as her previous books. It's an exciting adventure story, packed with the author's trademark wit and satirical humor, vividly portrayed human characters, both likable and not, and an assortment of idiosyncratic dogs, including one very special mongrel, all yearning for a good home. It's a most satisfying tale that will appeal to both kids and adults, especially dog lovers.
February 16, 2012
The late, great Ibbotson's final novel for kids is a bit of a departure from her usual themes. It is essentially realistic fiction and is about the bond between a boy and his dog...and some other dogs.
Hal has longed for nothing in his life like he longs for a dog of his own. But his wealthy and tidy parents don't want a messy pet in the house and don't understand Hal's feelings. When Hal meets his doggy soul mate - Fleck - because his parents rent him for the weekend, he can't just let him go back to the pet rental agency. Hal takes drastic measures and runs away from home, stealing Fleck in the process.
Kayley works at the pet shop but is home with the flu when her little sister, Poppy, takes care of the dogs on the night that Hal sneaks in. Poppy has always felt sorry for the dogs, so she let's out five others and they run away after Hal. Soon, Hal, Poppy, and all of the dogs are on a cross-country trip to find the true homes for the dogs and adventure along the way.
Told with the same heart, quirkiness, and laughs as her other novels, Ibbotson fans will enjoy this last entry and hopefully the dogginess of the title will win her new fans as well. I know she's my favorite.
Hal has longed for nothing in his life like he longs for a dog of his own. But his wealthy and tidy parents don't want a messy pet in the house and don't understand Hal's feelings. When Hal meets his doggy soul mate - Fleck - because his parents rent him for the weekend, he can't just let him go back to the pet rental agency. Hal takes drastic measures and runs away from home, stealing Fleck in the process.
Kayley works at the pet shop but is home with the flu when her little sister, Poppy, takes care of the dogs on the night that Hal sneaks in. Poppy has always felt sorry for the dogs, so she let's out five others and they run away after Hal. Soon, Hal, Poppy, and all of the dogs are on a cross-country trip to find the true homes for the dogs and adventure along the way.
Told with the same heart, quirkiness, and laughs as her other novels, Ibbotson fans will enjoy this last entry and hopefully the dogginess of the title will win her new fans as well. I know she's my favorite.
April 29, 2015
i like nice round characters that kids can recognize and learn from or gain insight from their behavior, not caricatures of people that kids can't relate to. when a character has no redeeming qualities they can be dismissed and when there are so many easily-dismissed characters, the story isn't engaging and relevant. i love this author so was disappointed by this book.
November 22, 2021
This was a really cute book.
November 15, 2018
Really enjoyed this, but his negligent parents are despicable until the end! The dogs are wonderful!
January 25, 2023
Not my favourite story but it was okay. A good read to start the year…
July 11, 2011
I loved loved loved this book!
This is the story of how beautiful it can be when the right dog is with the right people.
My favourite quotes:
'Often and often when you wanted something and then got it, it was a disappointment ... But having a dog was completely different. He'd wanted and wanted it and when it happened it was even better than he'd thought it would be. He'd imagined some of it - the companionship and the warmth - but he didn't realise a dog would make you laugh so much, or nor that he would help you make so many friends.'
'A dog who belongs to somebody forever is a dog who is free.'
Beautifully illustrated by Sharon Rentta, it's a real joy to read.
This is the story of how beautiful it can be when the right dog is with the right people.
My favourite quotes:
'Often and often when you wanted something and then got it, it was a disappointment ... But having a dog was completely different. He'd wanted and wanted it and when it happened it was even better than he'd thought it would be. He'd imagined some of it - the companionship and the warmth - but he didn't realise a dog would make you laugh so much, or nor that he would help you make so many friends.'
'A dog who belongs to somebody forever is a dog who is free.'
Beautifully illustrated by Sharon Rentta, it's a real joy to read.
September 16, 2011
Not that good :(
May 17, 2013
This was a cute story about a boy, his dog and their friends. I was sorry to read that this is Eva's last book as I have enjoyed her stories.
April 5, 2014
Good gravy this book was lame!
June 21, 2022
Beautifull story about dog's and boy's friendship.
July 7, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
The adults of this story are incredibly immature. It's one of the things that disturbed me most about reading this novel. The story between Hal and Fleck is really touching. Sometimes it's fate that brings two people together.
Les adultes de cette histoire sont d'une immaturité incroyable. C'est l'un des points qui m'a le plus perturbé en lisant ce roman. L'histoire entre Hal et Flocon est vraiment touchante. Comme quoi parfois c'est le destin qui réuni deux êtres.
The adults of this story are incredibly immature. It's one of the things that disturbed me most about reading this novel. The story between Hal and Fleck is really touching. Sometimes it's fate that brings two people together.
Les adultes de cette histoire sont d'une immaturité incroyable. C'est l'un des points qui m'a le plus perturbé en lisant ce roman. L'histoire entre Hal et Flocon est vraiment touchante. Comme quoi parfois c'est le destin qui réuni deux êtres.
July 18, 2017
A very sweet book which I read because it will be one of my class' designated texts for the next school year. Ibbotson is a brilliant author who portrays the world without sugar-coating ridiculous adult behaviour, corruption, materialism and other things we normally don't represent to our children. The adventures of pure-hearted and simple Hal who simply doesn't fit in with his well-to-do wealthy parents, and his quest to find and keep his dog Fleck, have warmed my heart and made me giggle. As a dog owner, I could see a little bit of my dogs' ways, quirks and behaviour in every dog characterised in the novel. Very pleasant without being cheesy.
May 9, 2017
Nói chung là ham chơi quá nên đọc sách cứ đổi qua đổi về rồi ngâm đó. Hồi xưa đọc giỏi lớn lên càng tệ lậu, mình đang tập lại thói quen tốt đó.
Quyển sách này thấy bất ngờ lắm, cũng biết tụi nó tình cảm cơ mà không nghĩ là đáng yêu đến zị.
Từ hồi chơi vs nhiều bạn thương yêu động vật làm mình cũng dần dần thay đổi ánh nhìn vs tụi nó.
Một chuyến phiêu lưu thú vị và trẻ em đã giúp người lớn nhận ra được rất nhiều điều.
Quyển sách này thấy bất ngờ lắm, cũng biết tụi nó tình cảm cơ mà không nghĩ là đáng yêu đến zị.
Từ hồi chơi vs nhiều bạn thương yêu động vật làm mình cũng dần dần thay đổi ánh nhìn vs tụi nó.
Một chuyến phiêu lưu thú vị và trẻ em đã giúp người lớn nhận ra được rất nhiều điều.
September 7, 2022
Well that was kinda cute. Ibbotson's final novel before her death is just as sweet as the rest, not samey like some of her novels can be and all together a pretty cute read. Just, kids, animals, old people - what more can a gal want?
also i start a new job on monday so i'm doing as much reading as possible now, hence the 3 books in a day...
also i start a new job on monday so i'm doing as much reading as possible now, hence the 3 books in a day...
September 14, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. If a dog lover, would make you want to bring all the dogs home.
November 5, 2017
Audio book for my book club.
May 18, 2018
Although not a fan of YA, this book was thrust upon me .. who am I to say No ??
A lovely, quirky read that fills the heart with hope and joy .. even making you shout out loud to some of the adults portrayed .. that being said, the ending is exactly as you would expect ..
A lovely, quirky read that fills the heart with hope and joy .. even making you shout out loud to some of the adults portrayed .. that being said, the ending is exactly as you would expect ..
August 19, 2012
All Hal Fenton ever wanted was a dog. His rich parents are never around, and in any event don’t like messes, or spontaneity, or companionship – all things he knew he could get from a dog:
"Hal didn’t mind what it looked like; it would be alive, and it would belong to him, and it would be there when his father was in Dubai and his mother was out with her friends and he was alone in the house with the maid who changed every month and was always so homesick and so sad.”
Before his tenth birthday he virtually bombarded his parents with pleas and notes, and finally his father said okay, but not to what Hal thought. His father was going to take Hal to the Easy Pets Dog Agency where you could rent a dog for the weekend. He figured Hal would get tired of the dog very quickly, and would hardly notice when they returned it.
But Hal and the little mutt Fleck felt immediate and mutual devotion, and Hal’s mother had to trick Hal to get Fleck back to the Agency. Hal, desperate, prepared to rescue Fleck and run away. At the Agency, he won the assistance of the little girl Pippa who was helping to take care of the dogs. She not only went with him, but she freed all of Fleck’s other dog friends in Room A. All of them headed out to Hal’s grandparents, who Hal knew would be accepting. Along the way they were chased by greedy adults who were after the large monetary reward publicized for Hal, but the two children also made a number of helpful and wonderful new friends. The dogs too found “soul mates” along the way. Thus, Hal and Pippa and all the dogs learned what it meant to feel as if you were “home,” and even Hal’s parents started to learn as well.
Evaluation: How can you not love a book about dogs that don’t die? ….Only in this case, it was the author who died, days before seeing the page proofs for this book. She left lots of adoring fans behind, including me. This book is meant for middle grade readers, but will endear readers of any age.
"Hal didn’t mind what it looked like; it would be alive, and it would belong to him, and it would be there when his father was in Dubai and his mother was out with her friends and he was alone in the house with the maid who changed every month and was always so homesick and so sad.”
Before his tenth birthday he virtually bombarded his parents with pleas and notes, and finally his father said okay, but not to what Hal thought. His father was going to take Hal to the Easy Pets Dog Agency where you could rent a dog for the weekend. He figured Hal would get tired of the dog very quickly, and would hardly notice when they returned it.
But Hal and the little mutt Fleck felt immediate and mutual devotion, and Hal’s mother had to trick Hal to get Fleck back to the Agency. Hal, desperate, prepared to rescue Fleck and run away. At the Agency, he won the assistance of the little girl Pippa who was helping to take care of the dogs. She not only went with him, but she freed all of Fleck’s other dog friends in Room A. All of them headed out to Hal’s grandparents, who Hal knew would be accepting. Along the way they were chased by greedy adults who were after the large monetary reward publicized for Hal, but the two children also made a number of helpful and wonderful new friends. The dogs too found “soul mates” along the way. Thus, Hal and Pippa and all the dogs learned what it meant to feel as if you were “home,” and even Hal’s parents started to learn as well.
Evaluation: How can you not love a book about dogs that don’t die? ….Only in this case, it was the author who died, days before seeing the page proofs for this book. She left lots of adoring fans behind, including me. This book is meant for middle grade readers, but will endear readers of any age.
March 20, 2012
'One Dog and His Boy' by Eva Ibbotson is her last book for children. This extraordinary writer and winner of many awards died days before seeing the uncorrected proofs of this book. She would be proud of the final result.
All Hal wants in the world is a dog. His parents have so much money they couldn't possibly spend it all, and they shower Hal with gifts, but refuse to get a dog.
"Too smelly, too messy, and liable to scratch the furniture" are just a few of the reasons his mother gives for not allowing a living creature in the house. She doesn't allow living things outside the home either, having a garden that consists of raked gravel so no messy dirt gets inside.
Finally, when nothing else will make Hal happy, his father rents him a dog -- an adorable little "Tottenham Terrier" or rather, a pure mutt or mongrel (the book is British, after all).
When Hal gets home from the dentist and the dog is gone, he finds out that Freckle never was his permanently -- just rented for the weekend. After losing his dog, nothing matters to Hal. His parents tell him that the dog will forget him, and he believes them.
However, introduce a few quirky characters and fate -- and the result is Hal on the lam with Freckle, the younger sister of their caretaker, and several of the other rentable dogs.
They are on their way north to Hal's grandparents -- down-to-earth people who live a simple life on the coast. The adventures on the way, the people whom the children meet (both good and bad) and how they finally end up all involve a circus, a mon
Read the whole review at: http://www.examiner.com/book-in-natio...
All Hal wants in the world is a dog. His parents have so much money they couldn't possibly spend it all, and they shower Hal with gifts, but refuse to get a dog.
"Too smelly, too messy, and liable to scratch the furniture" are just a few of the reasons his mother gives for not allowing a living creature in the house. She doesn't allow living things outside the home either, having a garden that consists of raked gravel so no messy dirt gets inside.
Finally, when nothing else will make Hal happy, his father rents him a dog -- an adorable little "Tottenham Terrier" or rather, a pure mutt or mongrel (the book is British, after all).
When Hal gets home from the dentist and the dog is gone, he finds out that Freckle never was his permanently -- just rented for the weekend. After losing his dog, nothing matters to Hal. His parents tell him that the dog will forget him, and he believes them.
However, introduce a few quirky characters and fate -- and the result is Hal on the lam with Freckle, the younger sister of their caretaker, and several of the other rentable dogs.
They are on their way north to Hal's grandparents -- down-to-earth people who live a simple life on the coast. The adventures on the way, the people whom the children meet (both good and bad) and how they finally end up all involve a circus, a mon
Read the whole review at: http://www.examiner.com/book-in-natio...
September 9, 2011
I finally got around to reading One Dog and HIs Boy, and it really is a delightful read.
It's so very sad that Eva Ibbotson died just a couple of days before the proof copies were ready for her to see, she is a great loss to children's literature.
The story has a strong moral feeling throughout, yet is written to appeal to children of all ages. Younger children will enjoy the adventure story and older ones should take on board what Ibbotson is trying to tell the reader; that material things are not as important as love and affection.
It is a story of determination and loyalty. Hal, the little boy who has everything, everything except what he wants most in the world - a dog. Fleck - the little dog who comes along and steals Hal's heart. The other ill treated dogs from the 'rent a dog' agency - each one of them a wonderful character in themselves. The people Hal meets during his travels - the circus staff, the abbot and of course Pippa.
A wonderful read that I enjoyed very much.
It's so very sad that Eva Ibbotson died just a couple of days before the proof copies were ready for her to see, she is a great loss to children's literature.
The story has a strong moral feeling throughout, yet is written to appeal to children of all ages. Younger children will enjoy the adventure story and older ones should take on board what Ibbotson is trying to tell the reader; that material things are not as important as love and affection.
It is a story of determination and loyalty. Hal, the little boy who has everything, everything except what he wants most in the world - a dog. Fleck - the little dog who comes along and steals Hal's heart. The other ill treated dogs from the 'rent a dog' agency - each one of them a wonderful character in themselves. The people Hal meets during his travels - the circus staff, the abbot and of course Pippa.
A wonderful read that I enjoyed very much.
May 8, 2012
I'm not really a dog person; I say that knowing it is probably a huge flaw in my character.
And yet, I was completely charmed by this book -- which, although it is about many things, is primarily about the loyal and loving nature of dogs. The main characters in the book take a strange sort of odyssey, and the best bit of it is that a group of unique dogs all manage to find the right owner to belong to.
When I read Ibbotson's books I always feel that her character and all of her most strongly held beliefs (and dislikes, too) coming shining through. Anti-materialist all the way, Ibbotson portrays a poor little rich boy who really only wants a dog to love and care for. She's a playful writer, but what I really love about her is the moral lessons she always imparts. "Morality" has such a stiff, starchy sound, but in Ibbotson's work it is something supple and responsive.
And yet, I was completely charmed by this book -- which, although it is about many things, is primarily about the loyal and loving nature of dogs. The main characters in the book take a strange sort of odyssey, and the best bit of it is that a group of unique dogs all manage to find the right owner to belong to.
When I read Ibbotson's books I always feel that her character and all of her most strongly held beliefs (and dislikes, too) coming shining through. Anti-materialist all the way, Ibbotson portrays a poor little rich boy who really only wants a dog to love and care for. She's a playful writer, but what I really love about her is the moral lessons she always imparts. "Morality" has such a stiff, starchy sound, but in Ibbotson's work it is something supple and responsive.
October 27, 2011
I read this book in two days at my grandma's house. In the room where my sister and i sleep is a small bookshelf and every time we go I check to see if there are any new ones. This was there. Being her last book I made sure that I read it through to the end, that was easy enough. The writting was brilliant and the story is really, I can't think of a word to describe it, it was just amazing,very i want to say sweet but that's the wrong word, it was an entracing story of a boy and his dog( or a dog and his boy)
Beautiful.
Heart warming.
There we go I found the words.
Beautiful.
Heart warming.
July 28, 2012
Usually I'm immune to sap and sentiment and such, but this book - particularly the end of it - was a bit too fluffy. I loved the beginning, which looked to be setting up for a real adventure, but then there were all the minor characters - too many, for a book this short. By the end I didn't feel as warmly towards Hal or Pippa as I thought I would, as neither were very interesting, or perhaps because I wanted to spend more time with them. Still, the story is very nicely written, and all that.
August 20, 2019
All Hal ever wanted was a dog. Hal has everything he could possible want in his grand home with his wealthy parents "… but in the whole of the house there was nothing that was alive”.
I read this because it was on the Guardian's list of the five children's books every adult should read. If you, like me, get choked up thinking about abandoned dogs finding their forever homes, don't read this in a public place because you will cry. It's a lovely story of a dog and his boy, about finding yourself and sticking up for what you feel is best for you.
I read this because it was on the Guardian's list of the five children's books every adult should read. If you, like me, get choked up thinking about abandoned dogs finding their forever homes, don't read this in a public place because you will cry. It's a lovely story of a dog and his boy, about finding yourself and sticking up for what you feel is best for you.
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