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Gilbert
63 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1963
About the author
Eric Gurney
44 books5 followersEric Gurney (1910–1992), Canadian-American cartoonist and illustrator.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 20, 2013
Gilbert is my favorite childhood book of all time. I think Eric Gurney is a hoot. His pictures are funny and his stories are sweet.
It’s about a cute doggie, Gilbert, who’s raised by a family a cats, so he thinks he’s a cat too. His owner though wants him to be a guard dog, which doesn’t really work. Instead of barking, all Gilbert can manage is a weak meow. The other dogs make fun of him.
Of course, Gilbert ends up being a hero at the end. :D
I’ll always love Gilbert because I think of my mom making funny faces as she read it to me.
It’s about a cute doggie, Gilbert, who’s raised by a family a cats, so he thinks he’s a cat too. His owner though wants him to be a guard dog, which doesn’t really work. Instead of barking, all Gilbert can manage is a weak meow. The other dogs make fun of him.
Of course, Gilbert ends up being a hero at the end. :D
I’ll always love Gilbert because I think of my mom making funny faces as she read it to me.
July 21, 2026
Rating: 4.75/5
Gilbert is a surprisingly thoughtful little book. It is gentle, encouraging, and quietly ahead of its time in the way it approaches self-image and emotional wellbeing.
I went into Gilbert expecting something light and simple, but I was genuinely surprised by the direction it took. Beneath the humour and charm, the book carries a clear message about self-image, confidence, and the importance of encouragement. It's direct without being preachy, and warm without being saccharine.
What stood out the most was the subtle focus on mental health. For a book published decades ago, it feels remarkably modern in the way it frames insecurity and self-doubt, not as flaws, but as feelings that can be understood and gently supported. Gilbert's journey is small, but meaningful, and the tone of the book treats his emotional world with respect. It's the kind of story that quietly reassures rather than instructs.
The writing is simple and accessible, but there's a sincerity to it that makes the message land. It's a nice book, comforting, king, and unexpectedly thoughtful.
Gilbert may be short and straightforward, but its approach to self-image and emotional support feels surprisingly ahead of its time. It's a gentle, encouraging read that leaves a small but genuine impression.
Gilbert is a surprisingly thoughtful little book. It is gentle, encouraging, and quietly ahead of its time in the way it approaches self-image and emotional wellbeing.
I went into Gilbert expecting something light and simple, but I was genuinely surprised by the direction it took. Beneath the humour and charm, the book carries a clear message about self-image, confidence, and the importance of encouragement. It's direct without being preachy, and warm without being saccharine.
What stood out the most was the subtle focus on mental health. For a book published decades ago, it feels remarkably modern in the way it frames insecurity and self-doubt, not as flaws, but as feelings that can be understood and gently supported. Gilbert's journey is small, but meaningful, and the tone of the book treats his emotional world with respect. It's the kind of story that quietly reassures rather than instructs.
The writing is simple and accessible, but there's a sincerity to it that makes the message land. It's a nice book, comforting, king, and unexpectedly thoughtful.
Gilbert may be short and straightforward, but its approach to self-image and emotional support feels surprisingly ahead of its time. It's a gentle, encouraging read that leaves a small but genuine impression.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews