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Woof! #1
Woof!
When ten-year-old Eric Banks is suddenly transformed into a playful Norfolk terrier, he must discover the reasons for the change and adapt to life as a dog
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
8 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Allan Ahlberg
312 books174 followersAllan Ahlberg was one of the UK's most acclaimed and successful authors of children's books - including the best-selling Jolly Postman series. Born in Croydon in 1938, he was educated at Sunderland Technical College. Although he dreamed of becoming a writer since the age of twelve, his route to that goal was somewhat circuitous. Other jobs along the way included postman (not an especially jolly one, he recalls), gravedigger, plumber, and teacher.
Ahlberg wrote his first book when he was thirty-seven, after a decade of teaching - a profession that he maintains is "much harder" than being a writer. He says that if he hadn't become a writer, he would have loved to be a soccer player. He was married for many years to fellow children's author Janet Ahlberg, with whom he often worked. Their daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, is also a children's author.
Ahlberg wrote his first book when he was thirty-seven, after a decade of teaching - a profession that he maintains is "much harder" than being a writer. He says that if he hadn't become a writer, he would have loved to be a soccer player. He was married for many years to fellow children's author Janet Ahlberg, with whom he often worked. Their daughter, Jessica Ahlberg, is also a children's author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 20, 2024
Woof! is a children's novel by Allen Ahlberg from 1986. As with all his books, the emphasis is on humour, a chatty confidential tone, and telling a good story from a child's point of view.
"There was once a boy who turned into a dog. The boy's name was Eric Banks; he was ten years old. The dog he turned into was a Norfolk terrier."
The story which follows is cheerfully and simply told, with situations familiar to almost every child. Friends, parents, school life - Ahlberg immerses himself in a child's world, and seems to get inside a child's skin, so that the experiences in his stories, even fantastical ones such as this, are believable and endearing to child and adult alike.
We follow Eric and his best friend Roy, his little sister Emily and his parents, through a few extraordinary weeks as he shifts between being Eric the child and Eric the dog. The typical fears of a child are there; vague fears of his parents and teachers, and of the school bully. Only his slightly dim friend Roy is "in the know" about the amazing secret, and the ensuing adventures are very funny. Everything is told with a child's logic, a child's sense of what is fair.
The two get into adventures and scrapes in all the places a child might go, such as the classroom, the swimming baths, the library, and the chip shop. Plus there are entertaining events such as the school sports day, of which the head teacher is very proud. Of course we are rooting for Eric the dog throughout. We know that he is bound to save the day, when there is a potentially dangerous situation, and we are even more satisfied and pleased when a kind of explanation of the shape-shifting is presented at the end.
The book consists of 21 chapters, and although more text-heavy than many of his books, it is a straightforward entertaining read. It would be suitable for any youngish children, who can cope with short sentences. Alternatively it is a good story to read aloud, with obvious points at which to break for dramatic effect. There are humorous line drawings by Fritz Wegner inserted into the text, which add to the pleasure of reading for both adults and children.
Allen Ahlberg is a prolific and deservedly popular British children's writer. From his origins adopted into what he calls "a very poor working-class family" in the English Black Country, he went on to try many jobs, eventually training to become a primary school teacher. He continued in this profession for over a decade, now maintaining that it is "much harder" than being a writer. Evidently it has stood him in good stead in becoming familiar with the attitudes and internal workings of the mind of a child.
He has co-authored many children's picture books and series with his wife, Janet, who also illustrated them. Examples are "Each Peach Pear Plum", which won the prestigious "Kate Greenaway" medal from the Library Association, "The Jolly Postman", which Ahlberg says, "made innovative use of envelopes to include letters, cards, games and a tiny book." "Peepo!" and "Burglar Bill". These books regularly appeared at the top of the list of most popular picture books for about twenty years. Allen Ahlberg has also written many stories and books of poetry for children under his own name, for many years, and has continued to do so since Janet Ahlberg died. Examples of these are "Mr Cosmo the Conjuror", "Please Mrs. Butler", and "The Pencil". In July 2014, Allan Ahlberg declined a "Lifetime Achievement Award" with a substantial money prize attached. The given reason was because of ethical grounds related to the award's principal sponsor.
For further examples of this author's hugely entertaining children's books, see my bookshelves.
"There was once a boy who turned into a dog. The boy's name was Eric Banks; he was ten years old. The dog he turned into was a Norfolk terrier."
The story which follows is cheerfully and simply told, with situations familiar to almost every child. Friends, parents, school life - Ahlberg immerses himself in a child's world, and seems to get inside a child's skin, so that the experiences in his stories, even fantastical ones such as this, are believable and endearing to child and adult alike.
We follow Eric and his best friend Roy, his little sister Emily and his parents, through a few extraordinary weeks as he shifts between being Eric the child and Eric the dog. The typical fears of a child are there; vague fears of his parents and teachers, and of the school bully. Only his slightly dim friend Roy is "in the know" about the amazing secret, and the ensuing adventures are very funny. Everything is told with a child's logic, a child's sense of what is fair.
The two get into adventures and scrapes in all the places a child might go, such as the classroom, the swimming baths, the library, and the chip shop. Plus there are entertaining events such as the school sports day, of which the head teacher is very proud. Of course we are rooting for Eric the dog throughout. We know that he is bound to save the day, when there is a potentially dangerous situation, and we are even more satisfied and pleased when a kind of explanation of the shape-shifting is presented at the end.
The book consists of 21 chapters, and although more text-heavy than many of his books, it is a straightforward entertaining read. It would be suitable for any youngish children, who can cope with short sentences. Alternatively it is a good story to read aloud, with obvious points at which to break for dramatic effect. There are humorous line drawings by Fritz Wegner inserted into the text, which add to the pleasure of reading for both adults and children.
Allen Ahlberg is a prolific and deservedly popular British children's writer. From his origins adopted into what he calls "a very poor working-class family" in the English Black Country, he went on to try many jobs, eventually training to become a primary school teacher. He continued in this profession for over a decade, now maintaining that it is "much harder" than being a writer. Evidently it has stood him in good stead in becoming familiar with the attitudes and internal workings of the mind of a child.
He has co-authored many children's picture books and series with his wife, Janet, who also illustrated them. Examples are "Each Peach Pear Plum", which won the prestigious "Kate Greenaway" medal from the Library Association, "The Jolly Postman", which Ahlberg says, "made innovative use of envelopes to include letters, cards, games and a tiny book." "Peepo!" and "Burglar Bill". These books regularly appeared at the top of the list of most popular picture books for about twenty years. Allen Ahlberg has also written many stories and books of poetry for children under his own name, for many years, and has continued to do so since Janet Ahlberg died. Examples of these are "Mr Cosmo the Conjuror", "Please Mrs. Butler", and "The Pencil". In July 2014, Allan Ahlberg declined a "Lifetime Achievement Award" with a substantial money prize attached. The given reason was because of ethical grounds related to the award's principal sponsor.
For further examples of this author's hugely entertaining children's books, see my bookshelves.
May 24, 2017
A very entertaining story for the 8-11 year old crowd. Definitely works as a bedtime story that can be read a chapter a night. Eric finds himself morphing into a small terrier. He has lots of worries and questions. How long before the next change comes? Will it come at all? Will it always be into the same kind of dog? What will his parents think? How will his friends treat him?
It lends itself to speculation and discussion and could be a stepping off point for discussions of being different. Three stars for the story and the extra star for the fine illustrations and aforementioned opportunities for meaningful interaction between you and the child.
It may be more suitable for boys because it is told from a boy's perspective. And you should know that it takes place in a smaller English town so there are contrasts with other cultures. People in town all seemingly pause for afternoon tea. Cricket is the game of choice. There is some significant slang to explain to the non-Brits including what is a "crisp" and what is a "chip" and what piece of apparel is called a "vest."
It lends itself to speculation and discussion and could be a stepping off point for discussions of being different. Three stars for the story and the extra star for the fine illustrations and aforementioned opportunities for meaningful interaction between you and the child.
It may be more suitable for boys because it is told from a boy's perspective. And you should know that it takes place in a smaller English town so there are contrasts with other cultures. People in town all seemingly pause for afternoon tea. Cricket is the game of choice. There is some significant slang to explain to the non-Brits including what is a "crisp" and what is a "chip" and what piece of apparel is called a "vest."
March 10, 2015
They don't write 'em like this anymore... Well, sometimes they do, but this has a nostalgic feel to it, for me as a child of the 80s, growing up with Ahlberg stories. Intended for older readers than Each Peach and Funnybones, this is a chapter book story about a boy who, somehow, suddenly finds himself turning into a dog.
A dog that his parents promptly kick out of the house! Can he persuade his best friend who he really is? Can they avoid getting into trouble? And most importantly of all, can Eric prevent himself turning into a dog in public?!
It's the sort of book I remember with great fondness from my childhood reading, a story of magic and friendship set in a reassuring background of home, school and small town. Eric has adventures in the swimming pool, on his Sports' Day, and he and his best friend Roy make a cheery and comic pair as they try and navigate the strange happenings together.
I listened to the Andy Crane audio-CD of the book, which also took me back to the Broom Cupboard days. It's only 3 hours to listen to, so without seeing the text size I am guessing it would make a good week or two's bedtime reading with the short chapters. A really good 'what if...' story for 5 to 9 year olds.
A dog that his parents promptly kick out of the house! Can he persuade his best friend who he really is? Can they avoid getting into trouble? And most importantly of all, can Eric prevent himself turning into a dog in public?!
It's the sort of book I remember with great fondness from my childhood reading, a story of magic and friendship set in a reassuring background of home, school and small town. Eric has adventures in the swimming pool, on his Sports' Day, and he and his best friend Roy make a cheery and comic pair as they try and navigate the strange happenings together.
I listened to the Andy Crane audio-CD of the book, which also took me back to the Broom Cupboard days. It's only 3 hours to listen to, so without seeing the text size I am guessing it would make a good week or two's bedtime reading with the short chapters. A really good 'what if...' story for 5 to 9 year olds.
January 15, 2016
I read this as a child and loved it, but now the passage of time changes my opinions (just as it should) and now it is just fun and quirky. I glad I re-read it as I couldn't remember everything that happens. I definitely recommend it though. Allan Ahlberg was the dude of his era.
June 9, 2021
I can remember my parents reading this to me when I was younger. As such I wanted to read it to my daughter now she is starting on ‘real’ books as she calls them.
It is a sweet story about a boy who changes into a dog...yes a dog. Like a caterpillar changes into a caterpillar!
I am not sure there is a massive outcome to the whole situation, but it is lighthearted and entertaining - especially for a young mind.
It is a sweet story about a boy who changes into a dog...yes a dog. Like a caterpillar changes into a caterpillar!
I am not sure there is a massive outcome to the whole situation, but it is lighthearted and entertaining - especially for a young mind.
May 24, 2024
This is a re-read for me as I have read this book a few times over the years and still love it today. A quirky story about a boy who turns into a dog and has some fun adventures, what's not to love. Aimed for the younger audience, this was a quick read for me as it only took me a couple of hours (with breaks) to finish. A good palette cleanser for the chunkier books I have currently got on my reading list.
June 8, 2019
Read this back in primary school. This book is so iconic. The best memory I have is how Eric wrote his name in the sand while he was a dog, and how his friend at the end became a dog as well. Really loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2020
เคยอ่านตอนเด็กที่เป็นภาษาไทยแล้วชอบมาก แต่อ่านไม่จบ เลยหามาอ่านให้จบ
หนังสือที่อ่านตอนเด็กๆ ก็ควรเก็บไว้ตอนเด็กจริงๆ พออ่านตอนโตความรู้สึกเลยเปลี่ยนไปมาก
เราสังเกตอะไรหลายอย่างแปลกๆ แต่ค้นหาอล้วไม่มีอะไร น่าจะเป็นความคิดของอายุเรา
หนังสือที่อ่านตอนเด็กๆ ก็ควรเก็บไว้ตอนเด็กจริงๆ พออ่านตอนโตความรู้สึกเลยเปลี่ยนไปมาก
เราสังเกตอะไรหลายอย่างแปลกๆ แต่ค้นหาอล้วไม่มีอะไร น่าจะเป็นความคิดของอายุเรา
April 24, 2019
Love Woof. Brilloamt and funny.
March 10, 2020
Woof woof woof woof woof. Woof woof woof woof woof woof grrrrr woof. Woof woof WOOF!
March 14, 2020
This was my favorite book when I was a child. I remember writing a report about this book and submitting my copy to my professor, and it not being returned. That made me really sad.
December 19, 2020
Lovely story about a boy who turns into a dog. I watched the movie when I was a kid, it was one of my favourites, so I was delighted to read this book.
February 8, 2021
A warm, nostalgic tale full of childhood daring and irreverent behaviour. Classic.
September 20, 2024
Super good fun,childhood when kids played out , and were free from parents at an early age...plus a problem of changing into a dog ....good friends and family tale...
February 3, 2025
Nice plot, well developed. Also the ending is not bad.
January 20, 2013
This book is all about a boy who sometimes turns into a dog. This boys name is Eric and he and his friend Roy try to find out why Eric turns into a dog. when Emily who is Eric's little sister want a dog Eric imagines if he turned into a dog and Emily had a dog of her own would they be friends would he be older then it? When Emily actually gets a dog will things turn out the way he thinks? I thought that this book was an amazing adventure and I wish I could turn mmyself into a dog and have the same adventures as he and Roy does. If I was writing this story I would let myself run wild in imagination and come up with more ideas and write another follow up to this one in which another boy can turn into a dog and he has lots of adventures and meets Eric and he turns into a dog. they could be friendsand they could stop crimes being careied out and they could create a company called Dog Detection Agency or DDA for short . They could get a phone call from the Queen telling them to come amd find her handbag. something could go wrong, how will they escape? I am going to read this again in future and make up a follow up to this great and exciting book. The reason I like tis book so much is because it is writtern as if Allan Ahlbergis looking back on something his friend did a long time ago. He might be trying to tell us something about his life that is important. He might be telling us of a great sorrow that he has had in his life he might have lost a. friend wife or child. Whatever it is we will read it again and again until I have found it out. I will now proceed to think about it in closer detail I hope you will too.
January 29, 2024
Eric Banks lives with his parents and three year-old sister, Emily. Mum works part-time in a shop, and Dad is a postman. Eric shares a paper-round with his best friend, Roy Ackerman. At ten minutes past nine on a Wednesday evening in June, Eric feels an itch under the collar of his pyjama jacket. His hands and feet begin to tingle, and his nose feels unusually cold and wet. Are his ears feeling a little flappy? He opens his eyes and sees fur and paws. Eric has become a Norfolk terrier. Unfortunately, when he wanders downstairs, his father shoos him out of the house and yard. Eric spends the night outside. In the morning, he sneaks back into his house. As soon as, he settles on his bed, he changes back into his boy form. Thus begins Eric’s transformation adventure. It’s a bit unnerving because he never knows when or where he’ll change into a dog next. Feeling that someone needs to know, Eric tells Roy. Together, they try to figure out why this is happening and what Eric can do to make it stop.
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
©2024 Kathy Maxwell at https://bookskidslike.com
April 12, 2014
A lovely book. I was pleasantly surprised by a number of things: firstly, that the tv show I enjoyed watching when I was younger was based on a book. Secondly, Allan Ahlberg writes more than just picture books and thirdly, when I was reading this I really enjoyed this bit,
"After dinner Eric and Roy avoided the dinner ladies and sneaked into the infant library. Eric found a Ladybird book on dogs. Roy got waylaid a little with a book called Where's Spot?. It was about a puppy. You had to lift the flap on each page to find where it was hiding. Roy thoroughly enjoyed it."
(page 96 of 1987 Puffin edition)
I really loved that bit because it mentions both Ladybird books and Spot books, both of which were a staple of my early years of reading. Now they form a part of my nephew and nieces library, as does Allan Ahlbergs own picture books.
"After dinner Eric and Roy avoided the dinner ladies and sneaked into the infant library. Eric found a Ladybird book on dogs. Roy got waylaid a little with a book called Where's Spot?. It was about a puppy. You had to lift the flap on each page to find where it was hiding. Roy thoroughly enjoyed it."
(page 96 of 1987 Puffin edition)
I really loved that bit because it mentions both Ladybird books and Spot books, both of which were a staple of my early years of reading. Now they form a part of my nephew and nieces library, as does Allan Ahlbergs own picture books.
December 19, 2024
Book #23 of 24 in '24
I loved watching the TV adaptation of this when I was a child; I can still remember the jaunty folksy French harmonica theme music and the crush I had on the actor who played Roy. And apparently I have already read the book, just 30 years ago! It's a wholesome and charming classic, with a keen wit and intelligence running through it, like this: "'It'd be like if everybody had two heads; nobody'd think twice about it.' 'They'd all think twice if they had two heads,' said Roy." Gah, love it! Adult readers will get just as much out of this story as children. Alas, they just don't write children's books like this anymore.
I loved watching the TV adaptation of this when I was a child; I can still remember the jaunty folksy French harmonica theme music and the crush I had on the actor who played Roy. And apparently I have already read the book, just 30 years ago! It's a wholesome and charming classic, with a keen wit and intelligence running through it, like this: "'It'd be like if everybody had two heads; nobody'd think twice about it.' 'They'd all think twice if they had two heads,' said Roy." Gah, love it! Adult readers will get just as much out of this story as children. Alas, they just don't write children's books like this anymore.
March 30, 2014
I saw Woof! in a bookshop window recently and I remembered it from my childhood. It is a fairly simple story about boy called Eric who one night turns into a dog. The story follows Eric though his life which is now complicated by his gift. Along with The Queens Nose this was one of my favorite books as a child so thought it deserved a place on my Goodreads bookshelf!
August 11, 2015
This was one of my favorite stories when I was a kid. I both read the book and watched the movie multiple times. This book made me want to be able to turn into a dog. I don't think I'll ever reread it for the fear of not enjoying it as much as I did when I was younger. This book will always hold a special place in my heart. Even though that may sound cheesy.
March 25, 2016
I read this to my daughter after remembering it from my childhood and found it a bit disappointing.
The premise is good - boy turns into dog - and I enjoyed Ahlberg's style of writing. Sadly, the plot does not really develop past the original premise and not a lot happens. The resolution is also kind of unsatisfying.
The premise is good - boy turns into dog - and I enjoyed Ahlberg's style of writing. Sadly, the plot does not really develop past the original premise and not a lot happens. The resolution is also kind of unsatisfying.
September 15, 2013
Class 2 enjoyed listening to this story about a boy who changes into a dog. Some of the concepts were a bit old for 8 year olds - a more suitable age group might be 10 year olds. Some delightful amusing moments made them laugh aloud, and they were always keen for the next chapter.
August 13, 2015
Fun little book about what it was like for a little boy to turn into a dog. My six year old son enjoyed it. (It was written in 1986 and they live in England, so some words need explaining, like a dog's lead instead of leash.)
December 15, 2014
Give me a break, I was a kid when I read this! It was awesome!
February 6, 2012
I read this when it was first published, and again recently. Still thoroughly enjoyable and almost believable! A great read.
October 5, 2012
I instantly fell in love with this book. It just had so much appeal to me. I read it a while back so I don't remember very many details only that I really enjoyed it.
April 28, 2013
I'm so biased. :) But whatever.
August 1, 2014
Imaginative and very funny.
September 6, 2015
Un libro morrocotudo de diversión.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews