Sniff

by Yokococo

A picture book celebrating the love between family and pet dog. Where is Fennel the dog off to with Granny's slipper on his nose? As Fennel goes on a day's outing he meets all sorts of characters wondering what he's up to with that slipper. But his reply is always the sniff . This beautiful picture book celebrates family love, particularly the special place reserved for a pet dog.

Genres: Dogs, Grief, Picture Books, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2010

About the author

Yokococo (Yoko Shima) is a Japanese author and illustrator. She studied English literature in Kyoto before teaching English. She moved to the U.K. to study illustration at the Cambridge School of Art and is now the creator of several children’s books.

Reviews

[Clare Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading all the dog picture books I have to see which one to give to the baby across the lane. He hasn't learnt about grief yet, so no

[Tanis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's weird that the description for this book doesn't mention grief. The dog is grieving the death of the grandmother and seems to be traveling to a place that reminded the dog of this person.

The language repeats which helps children to anticipate the ending. It is a lovely, simple story about missing someone who has died. The family helps Fennel, the dog, to speak at the end of the story and reminds him that he is loved.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute, wonderful story that shows even pets know how to experience grief. Poor Fennel, the dog sets off one day with granny's slipper on his nose, spending the day journeying to a place where he spent so much time with granny who we come to learn has recently passed away. It is only at that place where Fennel can experience his grief and return home to his family whose love and affection can overcome the loss.
I found I had to read the book quite carefully and really take note of the illustrations until I realized what the story was about. Absolutely loved it!

Recommendation: Good to use in class visits for year 3 and 4.

[Michael Myciunka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sad little story about a plucky little dog who missing recently deceased Grandma takes a day out at the sea with Grandma's slipper. A lovely little tale that can give solace and some hope to the recently bereaved. Charming!

[Whitney Pohl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks like a cute little picute book about a dachshund, right? And it is... until it gets to the end and you're suddenly sobbing.

[Michael Earp · Rating 4 out of 5]

So simple, sad, and beautiful.