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Black Dog
An enormous black dog and a very tiny little girl star in this offbeat tale about confronting one’s fears.
When a huge black dog appears outside the Hope family home, each member of the household sees it and hides. Only Small, the youngest Hope, has the courage to face the black dog, who might not be as frightening as everyone else thinks.
When a huge black dog appears outside the Hope family home, each member of the household sees it and hides. Only Small, the youngest Hope, has the courage to face the black dog, who might not be as frightening as everyone else thinks.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
1196 people want to read
About the author
Levi Pinfold
35 books83 followersLevi Pinfold was born in the Forest of Dean. From a young age he loved books and comics and spent many of his days drawing and writing his own stories.
At the age of seven, Levi went to watercolour classes where he was introduced to the medium that he still works in. His love of stories, painting and the work of illustrators such as Maurice Sendak, Alan Lee and Dave McKean led him to study Illustration at the University College Falmouth, where he developed narrative illustrations in his own style - a stunning, stylised realism - creating his imagery from imagination.
Alongside painting, Levi writes stories in his spare time. Since graduating from University in 2006, Levi has worked as a self employed illustrator. The Django, his debut picture book, is inspired by Levi's love of music.
Levi won The Booktrust Early Years Award in the Best Emerging Illustrator Category for 2010 for The Django.
Levi is also one of 10 illustrators to win the Booktrust Best New Illustrators Award 2011.
His second picture book for Templar, Black Dog, was published in November 2011 to critical acclaim.
Levi is now living in Australia and working on a new picture book for Templar slated for 2014 publication.
Illustration Technique
Creating stories is an organic process for Levi. Sometimes he does a drawing and then the story might come afterwards which is common with people who write and illustrate. He likes to get the text finalised before he starts on illustrations.
Levi works up detailed roughs to arrange the order of illustrations so that both he and his publisher know what they are getting before he starts the long process of painting. He typically takes from one to three weeks on each illustration as he likes to paint a lot of detail as he enjoyed detailed illustrations as a child. As a child he absorbed himself in books and comics which were big influences on him as he grew up, as well as fine art as an adult.
Levi grew up on Roald Dahl and Morris Sendak, John Burningham, Pat Hutchins, and was obsessed with Clocks, Clocks and More Clocks. He now loves painters like Breugel, David Friedrich and the Romantics. He says that if you cast your net as wide as you can you can take bits from other artists. You can see what’s possible.
The Django was painted in watercolours and gouache and his latest book, Black Dog, is painted in tempera – a mix of pigment with egg and water which has the same light touch as gouache but you can lay down dark underwashes with.
At the age of seven, Levi went to watercolour classes where he was introduced to the medium that he still works in. His love of stories, painting and the work of illustrators such as Maurice Sendak, Alan Lee and Dave McKean led him to study Illustration at the University College Falmouth, where he developed narrative illustrations in his own style - a stunning, stylised realism - creating his imagery from imagination.
Alongside painting, Levi writes stories in his spare time. Since graduating from University in 2006, Levi has worked as a self employed illustrator. The Django, his debut picture book, is inspired by Levi's love of music.
Levi won The Booktrust Early Years Award in the Best Emerging Illustrator Category for 2010 for The Django.
Levi is also one of 10 illustrators to win the Booktrust Best New Illustrators Award 2011.
His second picture book for Templar, Black Dog, was published in November 2011 to critical acclaim.
Levi is now living in Australia and working on a new picture book for Templar slated for 2014 publication.
Illustration Technique
Creating stories is an organic process for Levi. Sometimes he does a drawing and then the story might come afterwards which is common with people who write and illustrate. He likes to get the text finalised before he starts on illustrations.
Levi works up detailed roughs to arrange the order of illustrations so that both he and his publisher know what they are getting before he starts the long process of painting. He typically takes from one to three weeks on each illustration as he likes to paint a lot of detail as he enjoyed detailed illustrations as a child. As a child he absorbed himself in books and comics which were big influences on him as he grew up, as well as fine art as an adult.
Levi grew up on Roald Dahl and Morris Sendak, John Burningham, Pat Hutchins, and was obsessed with Clocks, Clocks and More Clocks. He now loves painters like Breugel, David Friedrich and the Romantics. He says that if you cast your net as wide as you can you can take bits from other artists. You can see what’s possible.
The Django was painted in watercolours and gouache and his latest book, Black Dog, is painted in tempera – a mix of pigment with egg and water which has the same light touch as gouache but you can lay down dark underwashes with.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
November 3, 2021
A reread today, enjoyed this even more on the second reading!
The illustrations are wonderful, a very talented artist. The dog in this story is beautifully observed and the ramshackle gothic house was imaginatively depicted.
There's a couple of slight downsides with the plot for me. Everyone is scared of a massive dog outside the house. The tiniest child goes out to befriend the beast. As this is a book aimed at small children I wasn't sure this was an altogether good message, there's a massive dog that everyone is scared of so you could be seen as a hero to go and make friends with it? However much you love dogs small children do need to know that you can't just go up to a dog you don't know like that. A good opportunity to discuss this maybe. Another part where the child lures the dog onto thin ice is a bit problematic too, not a good idea for little ones to walk on frozen ponds and there is some name calling about the dog being fat and having a big tum. I do get a bit tired of the clever child/ silly adult storyline, I think this is patronising to children and misleading, they do need to listen to adults sometimes, especially in dangerous situations. But those things aside this is a lovely and inventive story of a child befriending a dog. The change of size throughout the story was fun and the illustrations of the dog are very endearing.
It's lovely that the dog shrinks to a normal size and comes to live with the family. I like the idea that the story could be about confronting your fears and realising that your problems can be seen as bigger than they actually are.
The illustrations are wonderful, a very talented artist. The dog in this story is beautifully observed and the ramshackle gothic house was imaginatively depicted.
There's a couple of slight downsides with the plot for me. Everyone is scared of a massive dog outside the house. The tiniest child goes out to befriend the beast. As this is a book aimed at small children I wasn't sure this was an altogether good message, there's a massive dog that everyone is scared of so you could be seen as a hero to go and make friends with it? However much you love dogs small children do need to know that you can't just go up to a dog you don't know like that. A good opportunity to discuss this maybe. Another part where the child lures the dog onto thin ice is a bit problematic too, not a good idea for little ones to walk on frozen ponds and there is some name calling about the dog being fat and having a big tum. I do get a bit tired of the clever child/ silly adult storyline, I think this is patronising to children and misleading, they do need to listen to adults sometimes, especially in dangerous situations. But those things aside this is a lovely and inventive story of a child befriending a dog. The change of size throughout the story was fun and the illustrations of the dog are very endearing.
It's lovely that the dog shrinks to a normal size and comes to live with the family. I like the idea that the story could be about confronting your fears and realising that your problems can be seen as bigger than they actually are.
July 3, 2016
What shone here for me were the unique and lush illustrations, both the large and colorful ones and the miniature gray tone ones. I love their intricacies and their style. Just lovely and fun to view. The pictures make the book, and they’re worth the read.
The story and its message about fear and lack thereof/facing fear is okay. Actually, I’d recommend this mostly to dog lovers, many of all ages who might find this book humorous, although I suppose it could make for a good read or gift for anyone about to embark on a new endeavor or change they might find scary and might need or want to face. The very young might like it since here it’s the youngest character who’s the bravest.
I did think it was weird that the fearful older people in the household allowed the youngest member to venture outside.
5 stars for the pictures and 3 ½ stars for the story
4 ½ stars
The story and its message about fear and lack thereof/facing fear is okay. Actually, I’d recommend this mostly to dog lovers, many of all ages who might find this book humorous, although I suppose it could make for a good read or gift for anyone about to embark on a new endeavor or change they might find scary and might need or want to face. The very young might like it since here it’s the youngest character who’s the bravest.
I did think it was weird that the fearful older people in the household allowed the youngest member to venture outside.
5 stars for the pictures and 3 ½ stars for the story
4 ½ stars
June 24, 2016
Read this one to my sister and cousin as well and this one was my favorite! The illustrations were amazing and the detailing just made this so much more better. The story was so cute and funny. I will need to own this one too for sure. I was putting on his British-Harry Potter Dobby voice while reading this and my sister loved it so much she made me read the book 3 more times to her. :)
November 24, 2015
I was looking for a gift for a friend's 5-year-old child and I stepped into this little gem.
Black dog is a delicate, lovely story about facing fears and about friendship.
The little ones will adore it and its marvelous, evocative illustrations, while the big ones will feel their heart warming.
Black dog is a delicate, lovely story about facing fears and about friendship.
The little ones will adore it and its marvelous, evocative illustrations, while the big ones will feel their heart warming.
February 3, 2014
I see a lot of reviews regarding facing one's fears, and I definitely see that in the book. But there is a story in the dog that is happening concurrent with Small's fearless actions.
I see the dog as the pursuit of love, of family, of belonging. He was, after all, a stray that happened by. The first thing he did when he saw Small was he put his big face right down in front of her and snuffed at the little girl. For those of us that are dog lovers, we know a good snuff communicates a lot. When my big ol' black lab puts her face just an inch from mine and makes that soft, earnest sound, I know she needs love right in that moment. When she addresses a cat in the same fashion, she is trying to make friends. We see in this book the black dog pursuing the child, willing to follow her through all manner of obstacles. Ready to be a loved and faithful companion.
I'm a dog lover. I read this as a 5-star story about a dog.
I see the dog as the pursuit of love, of family, of belonging. He was, after all, a stray that happened by. The first thing he did when he saw Small was he put his big face right down in front of her and snuffed at the little girl. For those of us that are dog lovers, we know a good snuff communicates a lot. When my big ol' black lab puts her face just an inch from mine and makes that soft, earnest sound, I know she needs love right in that moment. When she addresses a cat in the same fashion, she is trying to make friends. We see in this book the black dog pursuing the child, willing to follow her through all manner of obstacles. Ready to be a loved and faithful companion.
I'm a dog lover. I read this as a 5-star story about a dog.
August 5, 2021
تصویرسازی فوقالعاده، داستان معمولی به نظر من. داستان رفتن سگ سیاه افسردگی به خونهی خانوادهی hope. احساس میکنم یه ذره بخش استعاری ماجرا رو به زور به خورد داستان دادن.
August 8, 2014
An odd story about how fear magnifies what it is you fear. Each family member in this tale looks outside and sees a black dog that gets bigger and bigger as their fear of it increases. Only one little girl isn't afraid to confront it. What happens to her? Read and find out!
I loved the detailed illustrations here. A little green toy octopus, assorted cats, little figurines also looking scared, and carved toy owls are a few of the objects strewn about and peeking around corners. The house has a cozy feeling, which contrasts with the cold winter whiteness outside. No wonder this won the Kate Greenaway Medal! Recommended for a wintry day read.
I loved the detailed illustrations here. A little green toy octopus, assorted cats, little figurines also looking scared, and carved toy owls are a few of the objects strewn about and peeking around corners. The house has a cozy feeling, which contrasts with the cold winter whiteness outside. No wonder this won the Kate Greenaway Medal! Recommended for a wintry day read.
November 29, 2019
A good tale about how confronting your fears can make them seem smaller, and more manageable.
The author's illustrations outshine the story here.
The author's illustrations outshine the story here.
December 9, 2022
Cane nero lo definirei Il libro sulla paura per antonomasia, da scegliere assolutamente se vi appassiona il tema. https://ilmondodichri.com/cane-nero/
November 24, 2012
Four stars for the illustrations. Which are a fantastic mix of Grimm, Bosch, and American Gothic. They really set the mood and make the fear of the big black dog seem very real. Only three stars for the story. It is also fun and I like that Small is the one to go out and face the big dog. But her little song and the subsequent shrinking of the dog did not quite make sense. Being a silly story juxataposed against such beautifully atmospheric illustrations may be the point - but it felt like the author was going for some larger statement about facing fear. And unfortunately for that something is missing.
July 18, 2013
Wonderful story about how fear can cause something to grow out of proportion and about confronting fears. The name of the heroine, Small Hope, is a little obvious but works nonetheless.
So much to explore, so many details, in the illustrations from the small panels on each of the two-page spreads to the large color illustration (except for when Small first meets the Black Dog, which of course needs to dominate the two pages). Warm colors for the interiors help convey the coziness and safety of the house and family contrasted with the starker colors of the cold, snowy outside. Small with her yellow coat and green boots offers the only spot of color when she first meets Black Dog, but as she leads him around outside and he becomes smaller, more spots of color appear (love the playground with the elephant slides!).
By the way, can you find the toy octopus on each two-page spread showing the inside of the house (except the very last page)? The first page is the hardest because the octopus isn't in color.
So much to explore, so many details, in the illustrations from the small panels on each of the two-page spreads to the large color illustration (except for when Small first meets the Black Dog, which of course needs to dominate the two pages). Warm colors for the interiors help convey the coziness and safety of the house and family contrasted with the starker colors of the cold, snowy outside. Small with her yellow coat and green boots offers the only spot of color when she first meets Black Dog, but as she leads him around outside and he becomes smaller, more spots of color appear (love the playground with the elephant slides!).
By the way, can you find the toy octopus on each two-page spread showing the inside of the house (except the very last page)? The first page is the hardest because the octopus isn't in color.
October 20, 2021
The illustrations alone make this book five stars alone for me. You can spend lots of time on each page with a child going over the details. I liked the story too.
I see the points others have made, there is some discussion that would be good to talk about, should children approach dogs they don't know? If you did want to approach a dog, how should you do it? Should you try to help stray dogs? Should you run out on thin ice? Were the parents huge wimps and only the small child the brave one? Good to talk about even a small person can be brave and stand up. But it is a kids book, and packs so much fun that I would highly recommend it. I don't think those discussion points should reduce the overwhelming wonder this book is, but everyone has their own opinions and that is ok.
I see the points others have made, there is some discussion that would be good to talk about, should children approach dogs they don't know? If you did want to approach a dog, how should you do it? Should you try to help stray dogs? Should you run out on thin ice? Were the parents huge wimps and only the small child the brave one? Good to talk about even a small person can be brave and stand up. But it is a kids book, and packs so much fun that I would highly recommend it. I don't think those discussion points should reduce the overwhelming wonder this book is, but everyone has their own opinions and that is ok.
December 8, 2016
I needed help with this odd and original work of art. Fortunately Logan was able to provide it; see their review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show.... I will consider more by Pinfold.
November 18, 2014
In a word: classic.
WONDERFUL children's book. This would be a joy to read aloud. The family's dialogue has a comforting feel to it, with just enough repetition so kids can get familiar or help in the storytelling. There are even a few rhymes that could be put to a tune, if you chose to do so.
The look of this book was absolutely enchanting. With its frosty cover and thick pages, it could be a cherished favorite in anyone's home, to be experienced time after time. Color is used in a soft, subtle way to convey the anxiety, terror, and finally relief. The illustrations were incredibly cozy. I want to dive right in!
Without a doubt, the story-line itself is perhaps the book's greatest triumph. Panic and anxiety can be so easy to spread, especially when (as it was in the Hope family) the true circumstances have been distorted. It's great for children to know that there are times when someone has to just stop the madness and see what all the fuss is about. Truth, whether harsh or forgiving, is more restful than any propaganda.
'Black Dog' was a delight, and a beautiful picture-book that I plan to share with children in the future.
WONDERFUL children's book. This would be a joy to read aloud. The family's dialogue has a comforting feel to it, with just enough repetition so kids can get familiar or help in the storytelling. There are even a few rhymes that could be put to a tune, if you chose to do so.
The look of this book was absolutely enchanting. With its frosty cover and thick pages, it could be a cherished favorite in anyone's home, to be experienced time after time. Color is used in a soft, subtle way to convey the anxiety, terror, and finally relief. The illustrations were incredibly cozy. I want to dive right in!
Without a doubt, the story-line itself is perhaps the book's greatest triumph. Panic and anxiety can be so easy to spread, especially when (as it was in the Hope family) the true circumstances have been distorted. It's great for children to know that there are times when someone has to just stop the madness and see what all the fuss is about. Truth, whether harsh or forgiving, is more restful than any propaganda.
'Black Dog' was a delight, and a beautiful picture-book that I plan to share with children in the future.
February 10, 2014
Lovely story about a couple of different things. One is about seeing the world through fear. A stray dog comes to a house and each family member who sees it thinks it's bigger and bigger, until they are barricading themselves behind the furniture, trying to make sure the apparently T-Rex size dog doesn't know they're home. The other is about the power of love and acceptance to overcome fear. But really, for us, the story was about the sweet collection we can have with animals, especially animals in need. The pictures were wonderful and we went through the book several times, spotting all the cats and bunnies, the Totoros, the recurring toys like the octopus, and the interesting furnishings. There's a lot going on in each picture. Despite their initial flaws, this is a family we could live with!
May 9, 2018
An intricate insight into human instinct when it meets something unusual, to react with fear and distort the reality beyond proportion, or to bravely investigate the source. Some very interesting use of physical perspective used to illustrate internal feelings, and the process of a problem escalating out of control.
November 9, 2013
So well-imagined. And those illustrations are incredible!
Feels like a fable.
Nicely done.
Feels like a fable.
Nicely done.
November 20, 2018
A brilliant story depicting the ‘blackness’ of depression and how scary it can be!
November 23, 2018
Great book. I liked how there was usually the main illustration on the right-hand side of the page and then small frames around the text giving a bit more detail to the story. I think it has an important message for children and could be applied to lots of things that children could be scared of such as the dark, monsters under the bed, ghosts etc. I think it would be great as a read aloud, perhaps as part of a PSHCE lesson to discuss. I would recommend this book to children
January 25, 2016
Ho adorato ogni singola pagina di questo libro, e non mi stancherei mai di sfogliarlo.
Le illustrazioni sono qualcosa di fenomenale, ricchissime di dettagli ed estremamente suggestive, proprio come in una fiaba. Si potrebbe guardare ogni disegno per ore, perché i dettagli sono così numerosi e particolareggiati, interessanti, curiosi, simpatici che anche il più piccolo angolo della pagina racchiude una storia in sé. Le illustrazioni colorate sono bellissime, con il loro contrasto tra i colori caldi e saturi degli interni e il freddo delle ambientazioni esterne, dove a prevalere sono il bianco della neve e il nero del cane ,con la sola eccezione del puntolino giallo che è il cappottino di Small Hope, che sembra quasi dipingere con i suoi saltelli e le sue corse il paesaggio, portando il colore e il calore della famiglia anche nei luoghi desolati e freddi dove si trova il cane nero.
Questo libro parla di paura e di apparenza, di inganni,di come le difficoltà non faranno altro che crescere e ingigantirsi sempre di più se non vengono affrontate né conosciute, ma parla anche di amore, di coraggio e di affetto. La famiglia Hope è terrorizzata da un cane nero che ai loro occhi appare enorme, e più cresce il loro sgomento, maggiori sembrano diventare le dimensioni di questo bestione. Un bestione che però sembra non avere bisogno d'altro che di affetto, che quando si trova davanti alla piccola Small Hope non fa altro che portare il suo nasone all'altezza del suo viso e soffiarle delicatamente in faccia, che pur di seguirla supera ogni ostacolo che la bimba gli pone davanti.
Questo libro è veramente bellissimo, sento di poterlo consigliare a chiunque: a chi ama le belle illustrazioni, a chi vuole leggere una storia commovente e ironica allo stesso tempo, a chi vuole leggerlo ai propri bimbi oppure da solo, a chi ama i cani e a chi ne è spaventato.
Le illustrazioni sono qualcosa di fenomenale, ricchissime di dettagli ed estremamente suggestive, proprio come in una fiaba. Si potrebbe guardare ogni disegno per ore, perché i dettagli sono così numerosi e particolareggiati, interessanti, curiosi, simpatici che anche il più piccolo angolo della pagina racchiude una storia in sé. Le illustrazioni colorate sono bellissime, con il loro contrasto tra i colori caldi e saturi degli interni e il freddo delle ambientazioni esterne, dove a prevalere sono il bianco della neve e il nero del cane ,con la sola eccezione del puntolino giallo che è il cappottino di Small Hope, che sembra quasi dipingere con i suoi saltelli e le sue corse il paesaggio, portando il colore e il calore della famiglia anche nei luoghi desolati e freddi dove si trova il cane nero.
Questo libro parla di paura e di apparenza, di inganni,di come le difficoltà non faranno altro che crescere e ingigantirsi sempre di più se non vengono affrontate né conosciute, ma parla anche di amore, di coraggio e di affetto. La famiglia Hope è terrorizzata da un cane nero che ai loro occhi appare enorme, e più cresce il loro sgomento, maggiori sembrano diventare le dimensioni di questo bestione. Un bestione che però sembra non avere bisogno d'altro che di affetto, che quando si trova davanti alla piccola Small Hope non fa altro che portare il suo nasone all'altezza del suo viso e soffiarle delicatamente in faccia, che pur di seguirla supera ogni ostacolo che la bimba gli pone davanti.
Questo libro è veramente bellissimo, sento di poterlo consigliare a chiunque: a chi ama le belle illustrazioni, a chi vuole leggere una storia commovente e ironica allo stesso tempo, a chi vuole leggerlo ai propri bimbi oppure da solo, a chi ama i cani e a chi ne è spaventato.
January 16, 2015
This is an odd, but entertaining story about a family who perceives a dog to be bigger and bigger until the smallest child finally goes out to meet him. It is a wonderful tale about confronting fears and how some things can appear to be more terrible than they really are.
The narrative is fairly short, filled with dialogue and rhyming little couplets. But the highlight of the book are the wonderful illustrations. Most of the two-page spreads have a full page of color illustrations, paired with smaller, sepia-toned pictures that frame the narrative.
The pictures are nicely detailed and really help tell the story. I loved the figurines scattered throughout the house, especially the numerous little owls and the two shisa dogs posted outside the front door.
Overall, we thought this was a very humorous tale and we enjoyed reading it together. I liked it even more when I read it a second time the next morning. There are so many details in the pictures that I simply overlooked when I read it the first time. Such a charming little story.
interesting quote:
"You've got a lot of courage, facing up to a big, fearsome thing like that" (p. 27)
The narrative is fairly short, filled with dialogue and rhyming little couplets. But the highlight of the book are the wonderful illustrations. Most of the two-page spreads have a full page of color illustrations, paired with smaller, sepia-toned pictures that frame the narrative.
The pictures are nicely detailed and really help tell the story. I loved the figurines scattered throughout the house, especially the numerous little owls and the two shisa dogs posted outside the front door.
Overall, we thought this was a very humorous tale and we enjoyed reading it together. I liked it even more when I read it a second time the next morning. There are so many details in the pictures that I simply overlooked when I read it the first time. Such a charming little story.
interesting quote:
"You've got a lot of courage, facing up to a big, fearsome thing like that" (p. 27)
June 25, 2013
1. I confess to a great deal of sentimentality here: my two beloved 100+ pound black dogs are no longer with me, but when they were still alive, they definitely frightened people. In reality, they were HUGE teddy bears who liked nothing better than to sit on your lap and cuddle.
2. The illustrations are amazing in this book: details, rich colors, perspective--it's all here. Every time I read it, I notice something new.
3. The approach: I love that the parents are part of the group that's afraid of the dog and that the little girl is the one who sees past it all.
2. The illustrations are amazing in this book: details, rich colors, perspective--it's all here. Every time I read it, I notice something new.
3. The approach: I love that the parents are part of the group that's afraid of the dog and that the little girl is the one who sees past it all.
July 5, 2018
Quite simply one of my favourite books for children from the last few years. Yes, I am biased, as I love dogs. I love this story about a family who encounter a large, enormous hound. Pictures are fab!
November 2, 2014
5 estrelas pelas ilustrações absolutamente perfeitas
December 7, 2023
This book is very creative. I like the illustrations and the message of the book. It’s very endearing too when you have an enormous black dog of your own.
September 29, 2022
I ordered this book from the library bc it made me think of my own ginormous dog. It lived up to all my expectations. Big black dogs are the best. 🤩
November 15, 2020
عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: سگ سیاه
July 29, 2021
This one really tugged at my heartstrings, both story and art. My favorite of the year. Just ordered a copy for myself. I rarely do that.
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May 21, 2023Çooook sevdiğim kitaplardan birisi oldu. Nasıl anlatsam bilmiyorum... Hikayeyi sadece görselleştirmekle kalmamış, resmin imkanlarını kullanarak anlatıyı sözle yapılamayacak şekilde derinleştiren bir kitap mı demeli, ne demeli? Etkilendim :)
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September 18, 2023Really beautiful illustrations, but I thought the story was lacking. I liked how on the pages with writing there were small illustrations the led up to the main one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews