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Some Dogs Do
In the inimitable world of Jez Alborough, some dogs do fly - and little pups everywhere are encouraged to dream big.
Do dogs fly?
Is it true?
One day, when Sid is walking to school, he suddenly gets a happy feeling. In fact, he feels so happy that his paws lift off the ground, and he floats right up to the sky! He can’t wait to tell his friends at school, but of course they don’t believe him. "Don’t be daft," scoffs Ben. "You’re a dog, and dogs don’t fly." Even Sid’s teacher shakes her head at him. Now Sid is one unhappy little pup. Can anything ever get him flying high again?
Do dogs fly?
Is it true?
One day, when Sid is walking to school, he suddenly gets a happy feeling. In fact, he feels so happy that his paws lift off the ground, and he floats right up to the sky! He can’t wait to tell his friends at school, but of course they don’t believe him. "Don’t be daft," scoffs Ben. "You’re a dog, and dogs don’t fly." Even Sid’s teacher shakes her head at him. Now Sid is one unhappy little pup. Can anything ever get him flying high again?
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2003
12 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
About the author
Jez Alborough
126 books86 followersJez is the author and illustrator of 48 books for children. In 2018 he published The Story of 'You' his first book for adults, the first in a series called Life Beyond Personality. He says: "We enter this world as pure Oneness, (what I call our ‘original state of Being’) but we lose this as we become identified with our Personality. In that identification, the Stillness and Love of our Original State is overshadowed by the suffering of the Personality.
"Our Personality creates its own dream from the deep-seated beliefs and emotions it harbours; a dream that can be full of emotional distress, over-thinking and the constant investment in a future which never quite delivers on the belief: ‘When I get this I’ll be happy.’ The Story of ‘You’ suggests it’s possible to wake up out of that dream. When that happens, a whole new adventure begins in a life beyond the Personality."
The Infinite Journey, the second Book in the series, is published in early 2019.
Children's Books
His Eddy and the Bear trilogy (which began with the much-loved Where's My Teddy in 1992) has sold nearly four and a half million copies and was made into an BAFTA award-winning animated television series.
Duck in the Truck (published in 1999) heralded the start of another bestselling series, this time featuring the irrepressible Duck and his three friends - Frog, Goat and Sheep. There are currently nine books in the Duck series and almost than 1.5 million copies have been sold.
In 2000 Jez created Hug - a powerful and touching book of only three words about a baby chimpanzee called Bobo who loses his Mom. Oprah Winfrey raved about it on her show when she chose it for her recommended reading list while Richard Curtis (the writer and director of Four Weddings and a Funeral) selected it as one of his ‘Best Books’, calling it ‘classic family drama which holds up well next to Jez’s other masterpieces.’ Bobo went on to star in thee more classics; Tall ( which along with Hug won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Book Award) Yes and Play. The series has sold almost 3 million copies.
Jez lives in West London. You can read more about his books for children in the JezAlborough.com library and about The Story of 'You' at LifeBeyondPersonality.com.
Jez's Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/jezalborough and you can follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jezalborough
"Our Personality creates its own dream from the deep-seated beliefs and emotions it harbours; a dream that can be full of emotional distress, over-thinking and the constant investment in a future which never quite delivers on the belief: ‘When I get this I’ll be happy.’ The Story of ‘You’ suggests it’s possible to wake up out of that dream. When that happens, a whole new adventure begins in a life beyond the Personality."
The Infinite Journey, the second Book in the series, is published in early 2019.
Children's Books
His Eddy and the Bear trilogy (which began with the much-loved Where's My Teddy in 1992) has sold nearly four and a half million copies and was made into an BAFTA award-winning animated television series.
Duck in the Truck (published in 1999) heralded the start of another bestselling series, this time featuring the irrepressible Duck and his three friends - Frog, Goat and Sheep. There are currently nine books in the Duck series and almost than 1.5 million copies have been sold.
In 2000 Jez created Hug - a powerful and touching book of only three words about a baby chimpanzee called Bobo who loses his Mom. Oprah Winfrey raved about it on her show when she chose it for her recommended reading list while Richard Curtis (the writer and director of Four Weddings and a Funeral) selected it as one of his ‘Best Books’, calling it ‘classic family drama which holds up well next to Jez’s other masterpieces.’ Bobo went on to star in thee more classics; Tall ( which along with Hug won the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Book Award) Yes and Play. The series has sold almost 3 million copies.
Jez lives in West London. You can read more about his books for children in the JezAlborough.com library and about The Story of 'You' at LifeBeyondPersonality.com.
Jez's Facebook page is: http://www.facebook.com/jezalborough and you can follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jezalborough
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
September 9, 2011
'When Sid set off for School one day, a happy feeling came his way.' A happy feeling comes my way too every time I read this story. This beautifully illustrated book 'Some Dogs Do' tells the story of Sid as he literally soars with happiness. However he looses his ability to fly when he looses self belief. 'Miss Mare the teacher shook her head. 'Now Sid you shouldn't lie she said'..dogs don't fly - it can't be done.' Thankfully an understanding Dad is on hand to help.
This charming book begs to be read aloud to children in reception and key stage 1, and the big bright illustrations can be enjoyed by all during story time. The flowing rhythm of the words tumble from the tongue in a satisfying sing song flow, and the positive message that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it gives the reader and the listener a lovely warm feeling.
This charming book begs to be read aloud to children in reception and key stage 1, and the big bright illustrations can be enjoyed by all during story time. The flowing rhythm of the words tumble from the tongue in a satisfying sing song flow, and the positive message that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it gives the reader and the listener a lovely warm feeling.
May 10, 2021
Watching the joy on my sons face the first time we read this together was brilliant! He was amazed and thrilled to think he was being told a big secret . We love the big bold pictures too.
July 2, 2021
I bought this for my godson's 3rd birthday. I love dogs, so couldn't resist getting him this. This is such a short, but sweet story, with a little bit of magic thrown in. Loved it.
October 26, 2017
Summary: "Some Dogs Do" tells the story of Sid, a dog, that learns how to fly. He goes to school, excited to tell his friends, but no one believes him.
Evaluation: The book is extremely kid friends and has some great illustrations. Sid is extremely happy and that plays off as a good example to the students. The book also gives off the meaning that children should believe in themselves.
Teaching: This book could be used to teach about rhyming words. I would do an echo read with this book, allowing the students to read each page after I do. After we read the book, we would look at each page and write down the rhyming words on the board. Once we have found the rhyming words, the students would be placed in small groups. Each group would be given a set of words and given the task to come up with some more rhyming words to match and a sentence.
Evaluation: The book is extremely kid friends and has some great illustrations. Sid is extremely happy and that plays off as a good example to the students. The book also gives off the meaning that children should believe in themselves.
Teaching: This book could be used to teach about rhyming words. I would do an echo read with this book, allowing the students to read each page after I do. After we read the book, we would look at each page and write down the rhyming words on the board. Once we have found the rhyming words, the students would be placed in small groups. Each group would be given a set of words and given the task to come up with some more rhyming words to match and a sentence.
September 20, 2011
This is a heart-warming story of a little dog named Sid who from sheer happiness manages to fly to school one day. Once there no-one will believe him and his happiness quickly disappears. Back at home his Dad shows a loving concern for his sons’ unhappiness, which is quickly dispersed when a secret is revealed!
The story is very entertaining, with a fun bouncy rhyme and repetition to enthrall and engage the participation of your audience.
My son always follows the story, repeating crucial points throughout. We especially enjoy Sid’s ‘long and lonely walk home’ as we talk about his walk through fields and over hills! I could easily recite it by heart now and having read it so often (usually 4 times every night), my son nearly does too – which only adds to the amusement and enjoyment we both get from our nightly rendition of ‘Sid’!
The fantastic colourful illustrations delight with their emotionally expressive characters – we witness Sid’s elated happiness at flying, his disbelief at the response of his classmates and teacher and the loving concern of his Dad and family.
This book is about believing in yourself and shows that anything is possible if you believe in it enough, despite what others around you may think! In addition to studying the actions and adventures of Sid through the story, his emotions provide excellent opportunity to explore feelings and the reasons for them.
Verdict: I think I love this book almost as much as my 3 year old son and it’s certainly a firm favourite in our house! I would strongly recommend this delightful book to anyone looking for a book for a child.
Jane.
The story is very entertaining, with a fun bouncy rhyme and repetition to enthrall and engage the participation of your audience.
My son always follows the story, repeating crucial points throughout. We especially enjoy Sid’s ‘long and lonely walk home’ as we talk about his walk through fields and over hills! I could easily recite it by heart now and having read it so often (usually 4 times every night), my son nearly does too – which only adds to the amusement and enjoyment we both get from our nightly rendition of ‘Sid’!
The fantastic colourful illustrations delight with their emotionally expressive characters – we witness Sid’s elated happiness at flying, his disbelief at the response of his classmates and teacher and the loving concern of his Dad and family.
This book is about believing in yourself and shows that anything is possible if you believe in it enough, despite what others around you may think! In addition to studying the actions and adventures of Sid through the story, his emotions provide excellent opportunity to explore feelings and the reasons for them.
Verdict: I think I love this book almost as much as my 3 year old son and it’s certainly a firm favourite in our house! I would strongly recommend this delightful book to anyone looking for a book for a child.
Jane.
July 18, 2018
One day Sid the dog discovers he can fly and he excitedly tells everyone at school. He is met with ridicule by his friends and reprimand by his teacher. When asked to prove it, Sid tries hard but he cannot fly anymore. Unhappy and deflated he slowly walks back home after school. At home his parents, realising something was amiss, let him in on a “secret”- some dogs do fly!
Cleverly written in rhyme, it is a simple story with a very strong message- always believing in ourselves and never giving up. Beautifully illustrated, a range of emotions are very clearly depicted by each character from their facial expression to their bodily posture (Sid sitting slumped when he didn’t feel right). This book is ideal for reading to children in the EYFS. However the combination of rhyme, picturesque illustrations and simple meaning makes it a favourite with my nine year old as well. According to him the message is "when you are happy you feel like you are flying" which is what makes this book even more wonderful. It can be interpreted in whatever way the reader wants. Another way of interpreting the story is that you can always trust and rely on your parents to make you feel better.
I feel this book would be ideally suited for a EYFS setting but equally lend it self well for a PSHE or P4C session in a KS1 or a KS2 classroom. It will enable children to think deep and encourage discussion.
Cleverly written in rhyme, it is a simple story with a very strong message- always believing in ourselves and never giving up. Beautifully illustrated, a range of emotions are very clearly depicted by each character from their facial expression to their bodily posture (Sid sitting slumped when he didn’t feel right). This book is ideal for reading to children in the EYFS. However the combination of rhyme, picturesque illustrations and simple meaning makes it a favourite with my nine year old as well. According to him the message is "when you are happy you feel like you are flying" which is what makes this book even more wonderful. It can be interpreted in whatever way the reader wants. Another way of interpreting the story is that you can always trust and rely on your parents to make you feel better.
I feel this book would be ideally suited for a EYFS setting but equally lend it self well for a PSHE or P4C session in a KS1 or a KS2 classroom. It will enable children to think deep and encourage discussion.
May 8, 2012
Some Dogs Do is a lovely rhyming story where Sid discovers he can fly. Deflated from his friends belief that he is lying about his flying experience Sid is cheered up when his Dad shares his secret. It is a story which childrens imagion can be encouraged as well as set in contexts which children can also relate to.Jez Alborough writes and creates the illustrations for this book. Illustrations are inviting, colourful and expressive all of which will encourage children to return to this book time and time again.
July 13, 2013
This cute little story is full of fun rhymes and an inspirational message to continue to believe in yourself even when no one else does. This book would be great as a read aloud before a poetry lesson or a lesson that explores fiction vs. nonfiction. A large group activity for the fiction/nonfiction lesson would be to create a chart and have the students list what dogs can realistically do and what they would not be capable of doing.
December 31, 2016
Believe it or not I can recite this book from start to finish, its a good thing its a great story with good rhythm and rhyming. Again with all the best children's book the moral seems a little unclear, you can only get high at home with mum and dad?
May 5, 2020
Some Dogs Do is a lovely story about Sid the puppy who discovers he can fly when he is walking to doggy school one morning! Unfortunately, none of his doggy friends believe him and his teacher even suggests that he might be telling a lie. When Sid goes home he is sad that none of his friends or teachers at school believe him. When daddy dog asks Sid what's wrong, he surprises him by letting him in on a secret. Daddy dog can fly too! Hence the title- Some dogs do. The text is simple yet flows in a beautiful rhyming pattern. I think that this story would be lovely to read to a class of EYFS children at the end of the school day.
February 14, 2022
Read this book to Nursery aged children and they loved the book. It’s a good book to bring up different topics such as children’s differences and bring up class discussion about what their families traditions and differences might be. Also the nursery children loved the concept of dogs flying and we had a discussion whether they think their dog can fly! Overall such a fun book to read, will always be my favourite childrens book!
July 24, 2018
This is a belting little story that my two year old absolutely loves. Perfect bed time reading. The only problem is that she repeats some of the lines when she has been put in her cot and she is meant to be getting to sleep. "Dogs don't fly! " lol.
July 13, 2021
Some Dogs do is a quick winner- Brilliant illustrations and a very enjoyable storyline of a Dog who continues to follow his dreams when he is faced with adversity from his peers. The book would benefit KS1 pupils, with its short sentences and big, bold pictures.
May 12, 2022
A sweet little story about a dog who flies to school but then gets told that dogs can't fly. The story seemed to touch on a lot of big issues but then didn't really give the kids any strategies for dealing with them.
July 1, 2022
This book has been a favourite in our house this past week and I have to admit, it makes my daughter and I smile. A cute look at how happiness can affect us and make us feel. This is definitely a book to read to your little.
August 2, 2025
Enchanting storyline and illustrations, telling the story of young Sid, a happy little puppy with a special talent - until the other dogs disbelieve him. With that, comes a lonely, unhappy feeling which Daddy Dog picks up on - and knows exactly what to do.
A heart-warming, amazingly illustrated book that has many layers of meaning and delight for young and old.
A heart-warming, amazingly illustrated book that has many layers of meaning and delight for young and old.
October 13, 2025
A short book about a dog who believes that he can fly even though all of the other dogs in his class do not believe that he can. A sweet story about accepting your differences and that you are not alone.
September 19, 2017
Never figured out what it all meant, but my boy loves it.
October 25, 2017
A dog discovers that he can fly, but none of his friends believe him. It wasy okay.
February 7, 2019
A cute rhyming picture book about people not believing what you say.
September 6, 2019
This rating is given by Garv (6.7 years old). It's good.
September 9, 2019
Sweet but no they don't
October 15, 2019
Used as part of Jez Alborough focus in Reception class.
June 1, 2020
One of my children’s absolute favourites !
October 14, 2020
Teaching children to follow their dreams no matter how made they seem.
June 17, 2021
Stunning book, the artwork is fantastic and the story is loved by my children, we can recite every word by heart, and often do.
September 12, 2021
Good book for years 4-6.
Key themes: Family, self-belief, animals.
Book highlights how you need to believe in yourself to succeed, in a way which is comical for the child reading.
Key themes: Family, self-belief, animals.
Book highlights how you need to believe in yourself to succeed, in a way which is comical for the child reading.
February 20, 2024
A story about Sid, a dog who flies to school one day. Did he really or was it his imagination? Bold, colourful illustrations.
3 stars.
3 stars.
October 24, 2024
The rhyme scheme, the story, the illustrations! This has to be one of the most charming picture books of all time.
February 3, 2019
This is not the kind of book we usually get from the library, but we liked the rhymes and the flying dog. It was a little longer than our usual board books, but a good story is a good story right?🐶
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews