Give the Dog a Bone

Funnybones

by Allan Ahlberg

Dog Skeleton is off for a walk through the dark dark streets...

But when bits of him are dropping off, bone by bone, what is he to do?!

Despite being set in a dark dark house, this brightly coloured book is perfect for early readers!

Have you read the other classic Funnybones stories?

Bumps in the Night
The Pet Shop
The Black Cat
Skeleton Crew
Mystery Tour
Dinosaur Dreams
Give a Dog a Bone

''There can be few families in the British Isles who do not possess at least one well-thumbed Ahlberg''- Independent

Genres: Childrens, Audiobook

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 1994

About the author

Allan 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.

Reviews

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this it took me back to my childhood.

[Amy Hoang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just one of many fabulous books in the “Funnybones” adventures range. Allan Ahlberg books are true classics, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed as a child and now read to my own cousins aged 3-5. Although I feel can be enjoyed by all ages. It tells a story of a little skeleton dog who goes on a walk all alone at night and encounters other skeleton animal friends along the way. All while losing bits of bone! The big skeletons have a bit of a problem on their hands when they try to piece him back together! Every “Funnybones” adventure is continually set in a “dark dark” place, with the same characters throughout, which gives the reader a sense of familiarity and fondness towards the characters in the book. Each page made is made up of short rhyming poems which are fun and engaging to read. There is a nice flow to each paragraph- ensuring the reader reads on to see what happens next! I highly recommend this book to Reception and Year 1 classes.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful read from my childhood, one I’d certainly suggest for other youngsters. Whilst it is not my all-time favourite childhood read I can still recall all the details of this one meaning it certainly left a lasting impression upon my young mind.

And isn’t that what we want with children’s books, for them to leave a positive lasting impression?

[I'mogén · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5 / 5

Following quickly on the heels (see what I did there) of The Black Cat, I read Give The Dog a Bone on a particularly quiet library shift. What better way to spend working at a library when you've done all your jobs, than to sample all the produce, ay?


The dog skeleton is falling apart! Who will put him back together again??


I didn't realize this was set in a whole town of bone beings - I love that. The little dog gets up to quite a bit of mischief.


Another speedy read for some dark delight and cute entertainment. I can't wait to read these to any future children I may have!

Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy!

[Raven Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book loved it when I was wee and now my toddler loves it too

[Filiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it😍😍😍😍😍

[Jemma Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it but the 🐶 didn’t have a good 😊 🦴 😟
By Marshall age 6

[Emma Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review by my toddler when asked what you would give the book out of 5, ‘5!’

When asked what did you like about the book, ‘skeletons!’

[Stephen Coleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early reading in school. This felt so fun to me as a kid.

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever rhyming adventure (first I’ve noticed in this series), staring the dog. There are some fabulous illustrations here too.

[George Brown]

it was a very exciting book to read