Selby's Secret

Selby #1

by Duncan Ball

Selby's secret is that he is the only talking dog in Australia and, perhaps, the world. Practising his pronouns in front of the mirror, he has wonderful dreams of cosy fireside chats with is owners, the Trifles. But, almost too late, Selby realises that his remarkable gift could change him forever from family pooch to family servant. He must keep it a secret at all costs and that isn't always easy.

Selby's zany misadventures with odd characters such as Bazza the boa constrictor, the terrifying Screaming Skull and Barney the Balancing Miracle Dog,, all the while struggling to pretend he's just a perfectly ordinary barking dog, will leave you howling with laughter.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Australia, Humor, Chapter Books, Short Stories

124 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

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

[Birdie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was a child, I believed in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Selby the talking dog. I fully believed that, somewhere in Australia, there was a talking dog who had numerous zany mishaps and adventures, and would call up an author named Duncan Ball who would publish them in books that I would read at school over, and over, and over again. I cannot tell you how many times I read the Selby books, but it would be in the dozens.

That was over ten years ago, and I had since given up on finding the Selby books, which are rarely sold where I live (and are only available online via Ball's website) --until my boyfriend found the first book in a new edition while we were shopping one day. I was so excited to come home and take a trip down nostalgia lane.

Now, I know I gave this book three stars because the first book is undoubtedy one of the weakest of the series. It's still pretty enjoyable, even now that I'm an adult, although Selby definitely comes across as more of a jerk now with his whole, "I don't want to help out around the house and that's why I refuse to tell the Trifles I can talk." deal.

I can't wait until I have the chance to buy the rest of the series, particularly Selby Surfs and Selby Splits, which were my favourites when I was in primary school.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

i thought selby was real back in the day

[Jess Elford]

One of my all time favourite childhood series - the cover is so full of nostalgia of borrowing these from getting a book each birthday and Christmas from this series and it being the best thing ever 🥲

[Hannah Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a kid Selby was my go to book series, I waited patiently for new books to come out and once went in the store to buy one simply because they were giving away a toy with the book. I was flicking through one recently and it came back to me just how good these books were. They were funny and inventive, and they got better and weirder as the series continued (I remember it blew my mind as a child that Duncan Ball became a character). Also these books introduced me to peanut prawns, though I have got to say that I am not as big a fan as Selby. If I were to have kids then they'd definitely be reading these books.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Selby series was the first I ever read and deeply fell in love with. I remember eagerly awaiting the release of each new book at my local Angus and Robertson bookstore, and so began my obsession with collecting and devouring books. It holds a special place in my heart.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

On of the best series ever written

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of the Selby books about the only known talking dog in the world. The book is quite funny and is made up of a series of somewhat interlinked short stories. Well done and very engaging.

[Caleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

well its good except i only have one (selby scrambled) and i really want to get more

[Janelle]

Dnf. I didn’t like the audio quality.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

My kids said it was silly a few times while reading. I agree. It’s okay reading, but not the greatest tales.

[Ruushii · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book from my childhood.
Absolutely wicked to read it with my kids and experience then loving it as much as I used to!!

[Lucille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember finding these books hysterically funny when I was a kid. I'm kind of tempted to go back and re-read them to see what I think now. Selby is a talking dog that tries to hide his ability from everyone, and (I think) always has close calls where his owners almost find out that he isn't an ordinary dog.

[Jill Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bogusville could be a real town and Selby could be a real dog. The only dog in Australia and perhaps the world who can talk, but that's his big secret. This is a collection of short stories that become a humour filled book.

Duncan has written over 70 children's books. He lives in Sydney and this is a fun filled book for young readers.

[Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

In every Selby secret there is more than just one story.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book as a kid! Always wanted my very own talking dog!

[XXK · Rating 4 out of 5]

._.

[Anna Ryan-Punch · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 6yo son is a big fan of Selby now, just like I was as a kid :)

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of my childhood.

[Natalie Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The NOSTALGIAAAAAA :D

[Samar Saluja · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5.0

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books were awesome!

[Aria-Joshes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first novel I ever read and I remember it so fondly. I really grew to love Selby and I laughed and enjoyed the book a lot. It kind of makes me want to read the book again one day just for old timeys sake.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great! Hilarious, although there was a chapter that wasn't that great-the horror story one.