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What’s That in Dog Years?
Gizmo has been my best friend since the day I was born - he's always been around. But now they're telling me he might not always be around which completely sucks.
I'm determined that me and Gizmo will have lots more fun and adventures before he goes - I mean, he loves parties, deserves pampering, and needs a break by the seaside. And as for that old saying about how you can't teach an old dog new tricks - it's true, you really can't!
Gizmo's bucket list is up and running - unlike Gizmo who is totally lazy and demanding to be carried . . .
All the laugh-out-loud humour you'd expect from a Ben Davis book but with added heart and poignancy . . . and a four-legged character you'll fall in love with!
I'm determined that me and Gizmo will have lots more fun and adventures before he goes - I mean, he loves parties, deserves pampering, and needs a break by the seaside. And as for that old saying about how you can't teach an old dog new tricks - it's true, you really can't!
Gizmo's bucket list is up and running - unlike Gizmo who is totally lazy and demanding to be carried . . .
All the laugh-out-loud humour you'd expect from a Ben Davis book but with added heart and poignancy . . . and a four-legged character you'll fall in love with!
304 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2019
About the author
Ben Davis
100 books10 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 30, 2023
(4) I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to dogs dying or something. My eyes won’t stop watering.
July 15, 2020
Samen gaan Lukas en Gizmo nog een laatste avontuur beleven. Of eigenlijk avonturen, want Lukas heeft een hele lijst gemaakt met wat hij nog wil doen. Onder andere wil hij ijsjes eten met Gizmo, naar een feest gaan, hem laten verwennen en nog één avontuur beleven als Wonderjongen en Wonderhond.
Lukas krijgt hulp van Liv, een iets ouder meisje. Ze zitten op dezelfde school en komen elkaar tegen bij de (veel te dure) hondenschool. Liv wil hondentrainer worden en helpt Lukas met zijn grote droom: meedoen met een hondenwedstrijd. Maar bij zo’n wedstrijd moet Gizmo trucjes doen, en Gizmo luistert niet naar Lukas. Dat is dus een grote uitdaging.
Er komen vele thema’s aan bod in dit boek: vriendschap, gescheiden ouders, pesten en natuurlijk liefde voor (huis)dieren. Voor 9-jarigen zijn dat best pittige onderwerpen. Ik zou adviseren om het samen te lezen, of het je kind laten lezen als hij/zij ouder is dan 10 jaar.
Het boek is zo mooi, ik heb het 5 sterren gegeven. Ik kon mij helemaal inleven in Lukas bij het einde van het verhaal. Nu moet ik bekennen dat ik wel een dierenvriend ben, het boek is misschien minder interessant voor kinderen die niet van dieren houden. Overigens hoef je niet bang te zijn voor Gizmo, hij is de liefste hond ter wereld.
Lukas krijgt hulp van Liv, een iets ouder meisje. Ze zitten op dezelfde school en komen elkaar tegen bij de (veel te dure) hondenschool. Liv wil hondentrainer worden en helpt Lukas met zijn grote droom: meedoen met een hondenwedstrijd. Maar bij zo’n wedstrijd moet Gizmo trucjes doen, en Gizmo luistert niet naar Lukas. Dat is dus een grote uitdaging.
Er komen vele thema’s aan bod in dit boek: vriendschap, gescheiden ouders, pesten en natuurlijk liefde voor (huis)dieren. Voor 9-jarigen zijn dat best pittige onderwerpen. Ik zou adviseren om het samen te lezen, of het je kind laten lezen als hij/zij ouder is dan 10 jaar.
Het boek is zo mooi, ik heb het 5 sterren gegeven. Ik kon mij helemaal inleven in Lukas bij het einde van het verhaal. Nu moet ik bekennen dat ik wel een dierenvriend ben, het boek is misschien minder interessant voor kinderen die niet van dieren houden. Overigens hoef je niet bang te zijn voor Gizmo, hij is de liefste hond ter wereld.
October 16, 2024
This was one of those random audiobooks, I picked up as I wanted to listen to something different.
And of course, since I love dogs, I told myself why not.
This is the story of George and his pet dog Gizmo.
Gizmo has been with George, since he was a young boy and Gizmo in dog years is quite a senior dog now. At his last check up George is told that Gizmo has a short time to live, as he's getting old.
Its then, that George draws up a bucket list of all the things he wants Gizmo to enjoy.
The book has views from George and Gizmo in separate chapters.
Its how gizmo helps George with this anxiety / shyness and how George helps gizmo with his bucket list. The author, writes about his friends, and school life, with some cute stories.
Its a book for young kids, but I loved it :)
And of course, since I love dogs, I told myself why not.
This is the story of George and his pet dog Gizmo.
Gizmo has been with George, since he was a young boy and Gizmo in dog years is quite a senior dog now. At his last check up George is told that Gizmo has a short time to live, as he's getting old.
Its then, that George draws up a bucket list of all the things he wants Gizmo to enjoy.
The book has views from George and Gizmo in separate chapters.
Its how gizmo helps George with this anxiety / shyness and how George helps gizmo with his bucket list. The author, writes about his friends, and school life, with some cute stories.
Its a book for young kids, but I loved it :)
March 30, 2026
3⭐️
my daughter read this and enjoyed ot and recommended it to me as we are both dog lovers.
it was a really enjoyable read full of friendship loss and much more.
I felt really sorry for him getting bullied especially by a former friend. Gizmo was adorable and glad he got his bucket list completed before he passed.
my daughter read this and enjoyed ot and recommended it to me as we are both dog lovers.
it was a really enjoyable read full of friendship loss and much more.
I felt really sorry for him getting bullied especially by a former friend. Gizmo was adorable and glad he got his bucket list completed before he passed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2019
This is possibly the book Ben Davis was born to write. Look at his author picture of him and dog both dressed in superhero costumes, then read this loving story about a boy and his dog who also have adventures together as their alter egos, Ultra Boy and Wonder Dog. Any similarities?
This is a sentimental tale about a boy, George, and his love for his dog, Gizmo. Early on in the book Gizmo becomes ill and George has to take him to the vet where he gets some bad news. “Gizmo is at an advanced age, and illnesses like this are going to become more frequent… It means he might not have much more good quality life left. You should make the most of it.” For George this is grave news. “I don’t know how I’ll cope if he dies now. He’s been my best friend since I was born. Mum and Dad got him when he was a puppy and he’s always been there. We’ve had adventures together in our Ultra Boy and Wonder Dog costumes, we’ve been on holiday together. When Mum and Dad split up, Gizmo was the only one I could talk to about it. I’m not ready for that to end.”
George decides to take the vet’s advice to make the most of it and devises a bucket list for Gizmo to complete before he dies, a list that ranges from easy things like “have an ice cream” through to harder ones like “have fifteen minutes of fame”. And that’s what this book is about, the ticking off of Gizmo’s bucket list. But it is about more than that too. George is dealing with a lot of issues. Not only is his best friend dying but his mum and dad have split up, he’s suffers “freakout” incidents, he’s losing his best human friend, he’s getting bullied… but at the same time he and Gizmo are doing fun things and George also makes a new human friend along the way too.
The book isn’t just a sad one though, there are some jokes along the way, some a bit cliched – you can see what is going to happen to George at the fancy dress party a mile off – but there are probably less jokes here than in the author’s other books as the tale is more about the love of a boy and his dog during the last period of that dog’s life before the inevitable, and emotional, ending. The ending is built up more too because the story is interspersed with bits written from Gizmo’s point of view, these covering his life to date and the important incidents in his and George’s life, including “the” incident, the one that led to Dad and Mum splitting up.
If you liked this book then you may also like “A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron, a tale told from a dog’s point of view as it tries to find its purpose in life.
This is a sentimental tale about a boy, George, and his love for his dog, Gizmo. Early on in the book Gizmo becomes ill and George has to take him to the vet where he gets some bad news. “Gizmo is at an advanced age, and illnesses like this are going to become more frequent… It means he might not have much more good quality life left. You should make the most of it.” For George this is grave news. “I don’t know how I’ll cope if he dies now. He’s been my best friend since I was born. Mum and Dad got him when he was a puppy and he’s always been there. We’ve had adventures together in our Ultra Boy and Wonder Dog costumes, we’ve been on holiday together. When Mum and Dad split up, Gizmo was the only one I could talk to about it. I’m not ready for that to end.”
George decides to take the vet’s advice to make the most of it and devises a bucket list for Gizmo to complete before he dies, a list that ranges from easy things like “have an ice cream” through to harder ones like “have fifteen minutes of fame”. And that’s what this book is about, the ticking off of Gizmo’s bucket list. But it is about more than that too. George is dealing with a lot of issues. Not only is his best friend dying but his mum and dad have split up, he’s suffers “freakout” incidents, he’s losing his best human friend, he’s getting bullied… but at the same time he and Gizmo are doing fun things and George also makes a new human friend along the way too.
The book isn’t just a sad one though, there are some jokes along the way, some a bit cliched – you can see what is going to happen to George at the fancy dress party a mile off – but there are probably less jokes here than in the author’s other books as the tale is more about the love of a boy and his dog during the last period of that dog’s life before the inevitable, and emotional, ending. The ending is built up more too because the story is interspersed with bits written from Gizmo’s point of view, these covering his life to date and the important incidents in his and George’s life, including “the” incident, the one that led to Dad and Mum splitting up.
If you liked this book then you may also like “A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron, a tale told from a dog’s point of view as it tries to find its purpose in life.
September 20, 2021
Ik heb ‘Alles wat ik nog met Gizmo wil doen - De bucketlist van mijn hond’ gelezen van Ben Davis. Dit is een kinderboek, vanaf 10 jaar, maar ik heb er als volwassenen ook van genoten. Heb zelfs een traantje moeten wegpinken! Het gaat over Lucas en zijn hond Gizmo die al sinds Lucas geboorte samenzijn. Maar nu is Gizmo oud en daarom stelt Lucas een bucketlist op om samen met Gizmo te doen voor hij …. De hoofdstukken zijn kort en wisselen elkaar af, de ene keer is Lucas aan het woord, de andere keer Gizmo. Het is ook een coming of age verhaal waarin Lucas meer in zichzelf gaat geloven (hij draagt een trauma met zich mee) en hij nieuwe mensen leert kennen. Wat Lucas zo aimabel maakt is dat hij in zijn kinderlijkheid volwassener is dan zijn wannabe puberende klasgenoten. Dit is een ontroerend verhaal over echte vriendschap.
November 13, 2020
This tale of friendship, bullying and the love between a boy and his dog, is a delight to read. Emotional and entertaining, you can't help but love Gizmo and George, cheering them on along their journey of adventures and heartbreak. Julia Christians' illustrations add a quirky touch to it all, helping to bring George's superhero stories to life.
Perfect for dog lovers, readers of all ages, and especially those who don't always fit in with what others expect of them.
Perfect for dog lovers, readers of all ages, and especially those who don't always fit in with what others expect of them.
February 5, 2022
George loves his dog, Gizmo. They've done everything together. However, Gizmo is getting on a bit and George has to come to terms with his passing. Before that day arrives, George creates a bucket list for Gizmo and together they go on several adventures.
Things I liked:
- I loved the relationship George had with Gizmo.
- I really enjoyed the story segments told from Gizmo's point of view.
- Liv was such an excellent character and I liked her and George's dynamic.
- The ending, although heartbreaking, was really good.
- That bit where Gizmo pooed in a horrid boy's shoe.
Things I didn't like:
- At times there felt like too much was going on which meant not all characters got their due.
- The bank robbery was a bit on the nose and perhaps too much for this little book.
This is a brilliant book for readers aged 8-13. It covers many issues like divorce, coming of age, bullying, child caring, and death. Yet, these issues are never thrust upon the reader and they are handled with such delicate care that is never too heavy to read. The lightness of this book does not detract from its serious core; it was the perfect blend. After recently losing a family dog I really bonded with this story and especially loved the stories written from Gizmo's side of things. This book is wholesome and heartwarming but expect to shed some tears.
Things I liked:
- I loved the relationship George had with Gizmo.
- I really enjoyed the story segments told from Gizmo's point of view.
- Liv was such an excellent character and I liked her and George's dynamic.
- The ending, although heartbreaking, was really good.
- That bit where Gizmo pooed in a horrid boy's shoe.
Things I didn't like:
- At times there felt like too much was going on which meant not all characters got their due.
- The bank robbery was a bit on the nose and perhaps too much for this little book.
This is a brilliant book for readers aged 8-13. It covers many issues like divorce, coming of age, bullying, child caring, and death. Yet, these issues are never thrust upon the reader and they are handled with such delicate care that is never too heavy to read. The lightness of this book does not detract from its serious core; it was the perfect blend. After recently losing a family dog I really bonded with this story and especially loved the stories written from Gizmo's side of things. This book is wholesome and heartwarming but expect to shed some tears.
September 1, 2021
What's that in Dog years?, is a book by Ben Davis. The book was published in 2019, and is told from first person. This book is a realistic one.
The book is about a boy, who has an old dog that is sick, and is worried about his dog dying. His best friend plays with his school bullies and his parents are divorced. He finds a friend who is not rich and she is the only one that helps him.
The book was very emotional and realistic. It made me think about the boy being bullied and how sad it was to have a friend who was fake. Many mean things happen in this book and that made me coutious about what was happening. It made me feel that this is how life can be. I think everyone should read this book.
The book is about a boy, who has an old dog that is sick, and is worried about his dog dying. His best friend plays with his school bullies and his parents are divorced. He finds a friend who is not rich and she is the only one that helps him.
The book was very emotional and realistic. It made me think about the boy being bullied and how sad it was to have a friend who was fake. Many mean things happen in this book and that made me coutious about what was happening. It made me feel that this is how life can be. I think everyone should read this book.
May 10, 2020
What's That in Dog Years?
was slow moving to begin with, however I'm glad I stuck with it, as it told a lovely story about a boy, George, who was trying to cope with many changes to his life; like parents separating, dad with a new girlfriend, loss of friendship and bullying (even from his childhood friend). However, his dog, Gizmo has been his one constant in his life. Now Gizmo is getting older and sicker, so George makes a bucket list for the dog - with the most important event to tick off being going to Golden Beach; which is the point where the parents' break up seemed to start.
This is a great coming of age book and the character if Libby is wonderful.
This is a great coming of age book and the character if Libby is wonderful.
September 26, 2024
George's best friend is his dog Gizmo. They are the Intergalactic Power Squad! When he struggles to wake one afternoon George insists Dad takes him to the vet. It's not good news, but George decided Gizmo should have a bucket list of things to do before he passes over that rainbow bridge.
George's desire to fulfil the bucket list sits alongside the story of George's family, friendship and anxiety issues. But on the way he makes a new friend and perhaps regains an old one.
The story also includes parts told by Gizmo, so we learn more about his life with the family and particularly with George.
Loved it. Beautifully written.
George's desire to fulfil the bucket list sits alongside the story of George's family, friendship and anxiety issues. But on the way he makes a new friend and perhaps regains an old one.
The story also includes parts told by Gizmo, so we learn more about his life with the family and particularly with George.
Loved it. Beautifully written.
July 31, 2021
Verrassend leuk boekje over vriendschap tussen jongen Lukas met zijn hond Gizmo.
Gizmo heeft nog korte tijd te leven en hij gaat bucketlijst afvinken. Dat lukt wonderwel goed.
De vriendschap tussen Lukas en Gizmo wordt mooi beschreven waardoor het een warm verhaal is.
Er is ook iets in het verleden iets gebeurd wat alles heeft veranderd en dat wordt gaandeweg steeds meer onthuld. Daardoor heeft het verhaaltje een extra laag. Ik vind het een leuk en warm overgangsboek voor kinderen in de bovenbouw basisschool die bijna naar middelbare school gaan.
Gizmo heeft nog korte tijd te leven en hij gaat bucketlijst afvinken. Dat lukt wonderwel goed.
De vriendschap tussen Lukas en Gizmo wordt mooi beschreven waardoor het een warm verhaal is.
Er is ook iets in het verleden iets gebeurd wat alles heeft veranderd en dat wordt gaandeweg steeds meer onthuld. Daardoor heeft het verhaaltje een extra laag. Ik vind het een leuk en warm overgangsboek voor kinderen in de bovenbouw basisschool die bijna naar middelbare school gaan.
October 2, 2019
A lovely story of a boy and his dog - but with more depth and emotion. When George realises that his faithful dog is coming to the end of his years, he decides to make him a bucket list which includes amongst other things:- 15 minutes of fame, climbing the big hill and eating ice cream.
It's a story of bravery, friendship, family and change. I'll admit that I cried, the depiction of Gizmo was perfect and his diary entries were very well articulated.
It's a story of bravery, friendship, family and change. I'll admit that I cried, the depiction of Gizmo was perfect and his diary entries were very well articulated.
February 7, 2023
this was an epic book, I started it then left it for a bit but I started from where I left off today and once I got into it I read it pretty quickly. it was quite wholesome. I loved George and gizmo, so the bits where they get bullied are kind of heartbreaking and it also gets quite sad as dog books usually do, but it also had a sweet ending. worth the read in my opinion. another randomly picked library book turned success.
February 11, 2024
This made me have to read out loud, while crying. Sad dog stuff does that to me. The story itself was interesting; it is set in London and written by an Englishman, it dips into the issues of class and divorce, in a middle grade way, and the characters are quite likeable. An English 'Diary of a Whimpy Kid', with heart. Madame 8, who picked this herself at the library, gives it a 3.5 out of 5.
May 9, 2025
An emotional roller coaster especially if you’re a dog lover like me. I listened to the audiobook version today and it’s been a day well spent.
George and Gizmo make a really dynamic duo. Great writing moving from hard life lessons to tear jerking moments. A really good tale written by the author and read brilliantly by the narrator.
George and Gizmo make a really dynamic duo. Great writing moving from hard life lessons to tear jerking moments. A really good tale written by the author and read brilliantly by the narrator.
August 20, 2020
Ik heb misschien een beetje moeten huilen door dit boek.
Maar wat wil je, een jongen die gepest wordt en afscheid neemt van zijn beste vriend, zijn hond, door middel van een bucketlist.
Wat een mooi, bijzonder verhaal. Dikke aanrader.
Maar wat wil je, een jongen die gepest wordt en afscheid neemt van zijn beste vriend, zijn hond, door middel van een bucketlist.
Wat een mooi, bijzonder verhaal. Dikke aanrader.
October 24, 2022
5 Stars
I did spoil myself with this book by looking at reviews and looking at the end, but even then it did not stop me from crying. This is truly one of the best books I've read - if not the best.
Read 24/10/2022 - 24/10/2022
15 Years Old
I did spoil myself with this book by looking at reviews and looking at the end, but even then it did not stop me from crying. This is truly one of the best books I've read - if not the best.
Read 24/10/2022 - 24/10/2022
15 Years Old
May 29, 2019
Read & reviewed for The Bookbag: http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/i...
March 2, 2020
Have tissues handy when you get to the end.
A great read. Recommended for dog lovers both young and old.
A great read. Recommended for dog lovers both young and old.
May 9, 2020
A heart warming story - funny, gritty, emotional, good pace. Really enjoyed it.
July 24, 2021
Vlot geschreven jeugdboek. Mooi verhaal om kinderen te laten nadenken over thema's als 'pesten', 'huisdieren' en 'scheiding'.
August 8, 2021
Like the Soup Movement, this story didn't let us down. Fun characters and a good storyline.
January 23, 2022
Uitgelezen in een dag!
February 4, 2022
Gelezen tijdens nederlands
November 26, 2022
Yet again Ben has completely smashed it out of the water!! From beginning to end I was just pulled in. I have laughed, gasped, ahhhed and cried. Another amazing book added to the collection.
February 28, 2024
It was a nice story and made me want to do something with my dog before it dies. They made a list of things to do and I liked them watching a movie the most.
May 12, 2024
Ik heb een traantje gelaten ❤️🐶
April 19, 2026
Lief boek dat ik getipt kreeg om om te gaan met mijn ouderwordende hond. Onderweg gelezen. Het lief, grappig, aangrijpend, maar wel een beetje te voorspelbare/ongeloofwaardige verhaallijn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews