Badly Drawn Dog

by Emma Dodson

Badly drawn dog is fed up with his looks, so he decides to visit his friend, Doodle the Poodle. But on the way, he sees an artist's studio and here -- the fun begins. The artist rubs him out -- legs, head, even sketchy eyebrows, and starts again. The results are the first style which the artist uses is cubist. Looks good -- but on his way to Doodle the Poodle's house, Badly Drawn Dog finds that walking in a straight line is just impossible -- never mind playing football. Pop art and post impressionist follow. Finally of course, Badly Drawn Dog goes back to his friend -- the child who drew him in the first place. Boy...is he glad to be back to normal. This book will make children laugh out loud. In addition, it demonstrates different art styles with admirable simplicity.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Childrens

Paperback

First published December 13, 2004

About the author

Emma Dodson has worked as a prop designer for film and television as well as an illustrator for magazines, greeting cards, and more recently, children’s books, including THE BADLY DRAWN DOG. She lives in Surrey, England.

Reviews

[Isaac · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's okay to be scraggly

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the art styles represented in this book. That might be fun to explain to kids. It's also a story about appreciating yourself as you are, and that changing yourself doesn't always make you happier.

[Liz Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

He was perfect just the way he was created..

[Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

BookTree
S&E loved and a family favorite. Might need to buy.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

We can all relate to Badly Drawn Dog. We all want to look our best, and will go to great lengths to do so. Then you may not be totally pleased with the result. Teaches children that it's ok to be yourself, even if you are ""scribbly, scrawly and sketchy round the eyes"", and also that children's drawings will look like that, and are special even so.

[Aramis Troche · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute introduction to the idea of art styles through a story of a badly drawn dog that looks to get a makeover. Several failed attempts later he realizes that he'd rather be himself, badly drawn, than a copy of someone else.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Accepting ourselves as we are. The grass is not always greener. etc etc. Great themes with different artistic styles thrown in for discussion. I rather liked this story, and probably any child who enjoys drawing will take to it too. Early primary.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super-cute with a sweet message.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute and funny book about a dog's quest for a new look and his final self-acceptance of his badly drawn, smudgy original self.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Will be sharing with the art teacher to see if we can do something collaborative re: styles.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun art. could teach different styles of art or self acceptance.

[Jax Goss · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little story about being yourself.