Selby Speaks

Selby #2

by Duncan Ball

Selby, the only talking dog in Australia, and perhaps the world, is back with another collection of scintillating stories about the lovable pooch from Bogusville.Selby, the only talking dog in Australia, and perhaps the world, is back with another collection of scintillating stories about the lovable pooch from Bogusville. Still trying to keep the fact he can talk a secret, Selby is determined to keep his trap shut - even if it kills him! And that is possible, as ● gets caught in a cage with two-tooth tina ● looks like getting sliced into Selby-salami by a giant saw blade that is whirring closer and closer ● makes a death-defying leap of Gumboot Gorge, and ● finds out what it is like inside a Super Computerised High-Pitched Ear-Piercing Brain-Scrambling Sound Blaster Yikes! this is one canine with a nose for adventure. Get ready for a riotous read about everybody's favourite talking dog. Ages 7 - 12

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Animals, Short Stories

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Duncan Ball is an American-born Australian author who has written the children's series Selby (about a talking dog named Selby who tries to keep his secret away from his owners) and Emily Eyefinger (about a girl who has an eye on her finger). He also writes under the name of John St Claire. Duncan currently lives in Glebe‚ NSW with his wife‚ Jill.

Reviews

[Krystelle (based on the novel by Stephen King) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in glamorous fashion whilst sitting at the local Tip Shop on the sofa I intended to take home whilst my friend with a Ute came to get it (and me) because, well, there was a Tip Shop copy!

I loved Selby so much as a child. There was always this element of Aardman about him and the Trifles and the weird inventions and everything else. I used to love the silliness of the stories as a kid, and they still make me giggle today. It was a fun nostalgia trip, and, considering the audience, these are still very well written!

Special mention to the joke of “He was wearing his dress.” “No, his kilt.” “No, I don’t think he died.”. Genuinely looked like a maniac on my Tip Shop sofa laughing at that one.

Sofa was installed in the house and the book was installed in my little library for the next kid to come along and appreciate Selby, Australia’s only talking dog.

[Jody Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book at least twice through childhood. So, this review is written from both perspectives with stars awarded from my childhood since this is the audience it is meant for.

The illustrations are cute and simple and add a visual flair to the text. The picture of Selby at the start of each chapter with a theme are a beautiful touch. The names and places are silly and the concept of a dog with paws having the abilities and dexterity of an opposable thumb are equally silly. That though, is what makes this book a joy for adults and children alike. It is a fantasy conjured by Duncan who hasn't lost his inner kid and even as an adult, the book is wonderful.

The stories are short and no text is wasted with fillers. There are far more opportunities to work out that 'imagination' of ours and actually picture our own interpretation for the scene. It's a refreshing change from text so clogged with filler text and finite descriptions that you can picture the scene perfectly but without an ounce of your own input. The literal authors vision incarnate.

Hands down, I have to award this book four stars. From bringing adults back to 'reality' with a reminder to keep your inner child alive, to the absolute delight and laughter of a child of any age, this book is a winner. Read it to your toddler, they will love it!

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Selby gets five stars.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Selby returns in second book in the series and it is another group of short somewhat humorous yarns. Light and breezy and an entertaining read.

[Gina Anderson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Stories very unrealistic but kids probably like that stuff. Wasn’t for me, found it rather boring.

[Nhi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this series when I was young. I was indeed a naive little child and thought it was all true. Its easy to read and hilarious. Any kid will love the adventures and all the mischief Selby gets into. If you want to introduce a kid to another level of reading which is easy to read and follow on, don't skip this book. It's also a bonus if you also own a dog ;p.

[Kirsti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still own many of these books, having tracked them down at second hand shops over the years. I loved Selby and his antics to make sure no one knew he could talk. Even today I think children would enjoy these books. I sure did at primary school age! They weren't my absolute go to, must read kind of books, but they were a bit of innocent fun.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a child I used to worship this book, it was one of the first novel's i successfully completed and even today I read it aloud to my niece.

[XXK · Rating 4 out of 5]

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