Mr. Scruff

by Simon James

A sweetly silly story of a little boy and a dog who make an unlikely (but perhaps perfect) pair.

Everyone knows that owners and their dogs belong together in a unique way. Polly belongs to Molly, Eric belongs to Derek, Berry belongs to Terry. But poor Mr. Scruff, alone in the rescue shelter, doesn't belong to anyone. Then a boy named Jim walks in, and they seem to get along. Jim and Mr. Scruff don't look anything alike, and their names certainly don't rhyme, but they may end up belonging to each other just the same. From author-illustrator Simon James comes a warm, winning story about friendship and finding a home.

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Animals, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2019

About the author

Simon James is the award-winning author-illustrator of many children’s books, including such favorites as DEAR GREENPEACE, LEON AND BOB, and the Baby Brains series. His stories often concern a child’s relationship with the natural world. Simon James lives in England.

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick fun read with a line of rhyming text on each page and lively animated illustrations. Dogs are shown with their various owners until at the end of the book two dogs await a home. Although these two dogs buck the trend of rhyming with their owners like the previous dogs in the story they find their perfect human match.

Perfect for those looking for a quick fun read about canine friendship and rhyming names.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, fun read! The first few dogs are introduced and we note that not only do they resemble their owners, their names rhyme also. Then, Jim bucks the trend. I smiled as Jim knows his own mind.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and humorous look at how love doesn’t always follow rhyme (or reason). Love rescue dogs!

[Shaye Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming, rhyming picture book about dogs and humans who've met their match. Most of the pairs we meet have rhyming names, like "Mick" and "Rick." But when young Jim visits the pet shelter, he meets an older, large dog named Mr. Scruff and he wants to adopt him. Jim's mom and dad are quick to point out that the dog is so big and old while the boy is so small and young and "Surely a puppy would be more fun?" But Jim is happy to have met his match, even if it breaks a pattern that most people expect. What we also see is that Jim appears to be from a biracial family. Whether intended, or not, this artwork may add another layer to the discussion of how we all find deep and meaningful connection, despite our outward differences. There's a cute little twist at the very end that's not to be missed -- keep an eye out for this adorable book (and maybe purchase a copy for your local dog rescue)! The illustrations were done in ink and watercolor.

For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun rhyming book, perfect for my toddler.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warm, clever picture book about how dogs and their people find each other. Plays with rhyme. Love the illustrations, conjure the 60s and 70s glory days of picture books.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poetic play on words as perfect matches between human and dog are made, like "Minnie & Vinnie" and "Polly & Molly", all except Mr. Scruff. It's all good, however, and readers will discover how at the clever end. Black outlined watercolors, a bit cartoon-like, help tell this happy story. (I think every animal shelter needs a copy of this book!)

Thanks to Candlewick Press for the copy.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is Polly.
She belongs to Molly.
Then there’s Eric,
who belongs to Derek,
and Minnie, who belongs to Vinnie.
But then there’s Mr. Scruff.”
And who does he belong to? No one.
But who is this coming along?

A delightful little story about connection and belonging, despite one’s differences.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book about dog adoption that rhymes...until it doesn't. Clever ending!

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[Liz Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A-freaking-dorable.

[Nadina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful. So super simple. The rhyming was great, I loved how little text was on each page. Loved that the boy took an older dog. The ending was also perfect.

[Guilherme Semionato · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xQp8...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGZ6C...

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yay for fun children's books. My kids laughed about the witty rhyming and coordinating illustrations throughout the book. The creative twist to the book's ending made the plot wrap up with a satisfying conclusion. Cute and enjoyable!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable book about a boy who chooses a dog, Mr. Scruff, to adopt from a dog rescue agency, despite others who think they may not be the best pair. This is a fun, rhyming story about dogs and their owners, and finding others to befriend despite our differences. The dogs in this book all have names that rhyme with their owners, so you could ask children to guess what they think an owner’s name will be after hearing the name of a dog. This is a bright and silly book, and a great choice for dog and animal lovers.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mr. Scruff is in the animal shelter until Jim claims him. The rest of the dogs rhyme with their owners but this makes their partnership more special.

[Psicoleggimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

🐶“Questo è Bobi e il suo amico è Robi. Questo è Pulcione e per Pulcione non c’è nessuno.” In poche righe questo dolcissimo albo illustrato dal titolo “Pulcione” di Simon James, edito @pulceedizioni, ci catapulta in un argomento importante, sempre attuale e che accomuna tutti, dai più piccoli ai più grandi: l’importanza di scegliere e trovare le giuste amicizie.

⚽Lo sviluppo della personalità e dell’identità dipendono fortemente dall’interazione con gli altri. Durante i primi anni di vita, coloro i quali entrano maggiormente in contatto con il bambino sono i genitori, ma, col passare del tempo, le interazioni sempre più rilevanti avvengono con il gruppo dei pari. Più tali relazioni si evolvono, più l’individuo è chiamato a sviluppare competenze sociali, cognitive ed emotive sempre più complesse per poter costruire dei legami significativi, positivi e duraturi. Inoltre, instaurare amicizie profonde e significative ha un grandissimo effetto positivo sull’autostima, in quanto contribuiscono anche alla conoscenza e alla valutazione di sé stessi.

💔D’altro canto, bisogna scendere a patti col fatto che non tutte le amicizie che si faranno saranno positive e gratificanti e questo porterà a confrontarsi con sentimenti di autosvalutazione, solitudine e situazioni conflittuali.

🐾Come succede a Pulcione, che nell’attesa di trovare il suo amico-padrone, si sentiva solo, abbandonato e passava il tempo a guardare i suoi coetanei con i loro “amici perfetti”. Finchè non incontrerà Rolando, che seppur molto diverso da lui sarà il compagno che lo renderà felice.

[Shannon Bedore · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short and simple story, children will see different dog and owner pairings that all appear to be the perfect fit due to rhyming names and similar qualities, but will be surprised when introduced to two new pairings that they wouldn't maybe predict. After the constant rhyming and repetition pattern of dogs and their owners, readers will meet Mr. Scruff, a dog who has no one. That is, until a little boy named Jim decides to adopt him. The pair may seem a little strange, but there is still the same love and friendship between the two. Then, readers meet Mr. Gruff who adopts a tiny dog named Jim, which also seems odd, but the two do become loving companions. This story proves that we don't all have to be the same to become friends or to be compatible, and that unlikely pairings can work out beautifully.

I would either keep this book in my classroom library, as it is fairly a simpler read, or I would read it when discussing pets for a short read-aloud session because children would enjoy the rhyming and repetition patterns in the storytelling. I also think they would find the break in patterning to be surprising and interesting, so this could be a more social read-aloud session still.

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explore the bond of dogs and their owners in this funny picture book. All of the dogs’ names rhyme with their owners. There is Polly and Molly. Eric belongs to Derek. But Mr. Scruff, well he has no one. He’s in a cage waiting to be adopted. Mick has Rick. There is Lawrence and Florence. When Jim comes to pick a dog, he likes Mr. Scruff and Mr. Scruff likes him too! But Mr. Scruff is big and Jim is small. Mr. Scruff is old and Jim is young. None of that matters though to a boy and his new dog. But wait, who is this entering the dog adoption center? It’s Mr. Gruff! What will happen now?

James keeps this picture book oh so simple. He fills it with a collection of dogs and their owners. And yes, everyone’s names rhyme which makes it a galloping read. There are wonderful moments of hesitation built into the text, where the lack of rhyme gives room to pause and wonder a bit. Masterful and playful. The watercolor illustrations have loose lines and are filled with dogs of all breeds. There is a sense of loneliness in the adoption center, but not neglect at all.

This one rhymes its way into your heart. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

First off, I love the cover art. It caught my attention right away.

Everyone loves a story about a dog and a boy? Right? If you don't, then you will after reading this one!

This book is mostly in verse about pets and their owners, how there is one for the other. Poor Mr. Scruff has no owner because he's big and old and no one wants him. Along comes Tim and whereas all the other dog owners have names that rhyme with their owners, Tim has... Mr. Scruff. An emphasis is put on all dogs need a home.

Then, you meet Mr. Gruff. Mr. Gruff is old but he picks a puppy. The conclusion is quite fun and brilliant! The artwork is adorable and compliments the story immensely. The wording, sentence length and large print are just perfect for the beginner picture book reader, or, for the older reader that struggles with reading.

I great story, lovely illustrations and a clear and needed message, not to mention an unexpected ending!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's one of their many abilities humans find uncanny. (If we are wise, we pay attention.) They do not make this decision without careful thought. A variety of questions and the answers are weighed in their minds. Then a selection is made. This choice, when a dog chooses you, will create the best kind of life possible for two individuals. It's an opportunity to explore possibilities you never imagined.

Some will look at you and your canine companion remarking on similarities in physical traits and unique characteristics. You will be called a perfect pair. Considering the individual (the dog) responsible for this match, this is to be expected. As revealed in Mr. Scruff (Candlewick Press, September 24, 2019) written and illustrated by Simon James, this perspective of perfection is not always true.


My full recomendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Diane D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet little boy and his dog story told in delightful and comical rhyme. The dogs in this book are - "Polly - who belongs to Molly", "Eric who belongs to Derek", "Minnie who belongs to Vinnie" (well you get the picture). But, poor Mr. Scruff, is still in a cage and belongs to none. Little Jim wants to adopt him and we all know that names don't matter.

Then comes Mr. Gruff, whose big like Mr. Scruff, but, Mr. Gruff has his eyes on a tiny puppy names Tim, a tiny dog that would have been perfect for Little Jim. You guessed it - it all worked out perfectly, in the end! Sweet story, fun to read, a definite kid pleaser. I enjoyed the story and the illustrations.

[superawesomekt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the perfectly paired rhyming world of picture books, grizzled rescue doggy Mr. Scruff should find his person in Duff or Mr. Gruff. And puppy Tim should, of course, belong to a young spunk named Jim or perhaps Kim.

But sometimes we choose each other in spite of—nay! because of—our differences.

Children will delight in the matching people and pets... Watch and see how they react when that pattern is upset.

I especially love that this book features rescue animals, a multi-racial family, and loving a special one without having to "match." :) Cute illustrations and short playful text make this a fun, breezy read aloud for all ages.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Scruff is a book about an old dog named mister Scruff who wants to be adopted. All of the other kids have dogs that have a name which rhymes with theirs. An example of this is a dog name is Minnie and its owner is named Vinnie. A kid named Jim comes to adopt Mr. Scruff even though their names dont match. And at the end of the book, a man named Mr. Gruff comes to adopt a puppy named Tim.
This book is really cute and it subverts your expectations. The art style is cute and well done. There is a good underlying message about not having to be like everyone else, and that concept is given in a way that children could understand.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Simon James, you will always have my heart! This one might be the best yet. Great for preschool storytime, with the rhyming text, large illustrations with lots of white space, and the heartwarming and unexpected twist at the end. I hope this plants a seed in the hearts of potential dog-adopters out there:

"He's so OLD," says Mom,
"and you're so young.
Surely a puppy would be more fun?"

"No," says Jim.
"He needs a home.
A place to call his very own.
That's what he needs.
And that's enough
for me--
and Mr. Scruff."

[Lucy Rosser]

Mr. Scruff by Simon James is a heartwarming story about different owners and their dogs. All these dogs have owners who perfectly suit them. But then there is Mr. Scruff who is different than all the other dogs. A little boy ends up taking him home and loves him despite their differences.

This book would be great for young readers. There is a lot of rhyming which could help younger kids learn. The author tries to show in this book that you don't have to be perfect to find your perfect fit. It also shows the companionship between a dog and a human.

[Norah C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, fun book that can be very nice to read aloud to younger grade levels. For almost the entirety of the story, the book has lots of rhyming words that can be pointed at and sounded out for a child learning about this sort of occurrence in books. The story of a dog all alone in a world where most dogs have owners whose names all rhyme, but is adopted by a boy who loves him all the same, is such a sweet one. I heavily enjoyed the illustrations, as they're not too simplistic but still appealing to younger ones who can make sense of the detail.

[Eve Costarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adorable book about people and their pets will grab attention with its fun rhymes and super charming ink & watercolor illustrations that will definitely elicit giggles. What is really special about this book is its compassionate story of diversity, acceptance and love. Kindness for animals, understanding that our choices have a resounding affect and that love is what makes the world go round. I highly recommend this heart-warming, heart-felt story.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding your perfect match? Very sweet. Loved the matches (and how they looked alike) and loved the rhyming. Children will enjoy the similarities. And then...STOP! The perfect match isn't always perfect for obvious reasons or rhymes! Older dogs need chances and homes too. Very good. Loved this. Clever and lovely.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story in rhyme about dogs and their owners who look the same and have rhyming names such as Minnie and Vinnie. But little Jim comes along and knows what he likes and picks a dog that looks nothing like him and gives it a name (Mr. Scruff) that does not rhyme with Jim. Simon James never disappoints with his illustrations.