寂寞的大狗

by Yoshitomo Nara, 奈良美智, 王筱玲 (Translator)

孤獨和疏離感是我創作的動力

日本最具影響力的當代藝術家奈良美智
第一本也是唯一的繪本創作

一直一直很寂寞
是一件好事嗎？
就算習慣了一個人的生活
還是想要有朋友吧？

從小就習慣了一個人獨處的奈良美智
連作畫都喜歡自己一個人
他不愛說話 但是他從不停止思考
他畫小女孩 他畫大狗
他畫的都是內心裡的自己
是自己與自己的對話
只要能一直畫畫 就很快樂

這本書將帶大家回到他的創作初期
等待了18年，終於可以收藏最動人的初衷！

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Dogs, Childrens, Japan, Friendship, Japanese Literature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 26, 2007

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wonderful Japanese artist, Yoshitomo Nara wrote and illustrated a children's book! And it's wonderful.

[Pan · Rating 4 out of 5]

تو صف نانوایی که خیلی شلوغ بود به تصاویر کتاب نگاه کردم و خوندمش، خیلی بامزه بود برای چندلحظه من هم تنها نبودم.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

yoshimoto nara is one of my favourite artists! and now he has a book using one of my favourite characters - the pup!

[Melki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe I'm giving a book about a dog, any book about a dog, only two stars, but I was underwhelmed by this one. There are much better books out there about friendship, and learning to trust . . . and most of them have much better illustrations.

[Nicholas Driscoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually read this when I visited a museum in Beppu in Kyushu where there was a big white statue depicting the main lonely dog character here. This giant dog is absolutely enormous--he makes Clifford look like a real shrimp. The story deals with the white dog that eventually makes friends with a human girl. It's kind of a cute story, though the kid looks really mischievous!

Basically, it's fine, the art is memorable.

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did I just miss the whole concept of the book? How is the rating this high? The girl looks evil (and at one point the dog looked evil too) and it seems like it's basically: dog is lonely, girl finds dog, dog and girl are friends, dog finds another girl and becomes friends? The lack of words on the last few pages left me really confused.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nara draws the most expressively determined-looking little girls and I love this book that very simply tells the story of a dog (like his sculpture featured at the Palm Springs Art Museum) and one of those fierce toddlers.

[Aguacero e Maio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunque estemos solos y tristes, como un perrito muy muy alto, no hay que dejar de confiar.
Porque, tal vez, con un pelin de suerte, una niña de ojos enormes nos encuentre y comience a acompañar.

Estuve esperando el conocerte.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! Big!

[Eva Siagian · Rating 3 out of 5]

somewhat I don't understand, somewhat I like it, somewhat I hate it, somewhat somewhat..
In the end, I don't really care what this book about. Just embrace my time with it ;D
(i NEED MY coFFee..)

[Kathy Piselli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the concept of the dog kids don’t notice because he’s too big. Nice big illustrations children can focus on.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love stories about friendship, but these illustrations were strange and distracting.

[Elizabeth♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in the kids section at my local library & it is so cute!!! I love you Nara

[Sanne Van Wanzeele · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars
The story isn't great, the illustrations are though. And my daughter absolutely loved it when I read it to hear in Japanese 😆

[mia]

what a sweet book 🫂💝

[Chahat · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9 ⭐️ im gna be real with u guys i read this thru a yt video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PU67...

[Casey Mcguire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Main Characters: Giant dog and a little girl

Grade/Interest Level: Primary/Learn to Read
Reading Level: Lexile Unknown
Genre: Science Fiction, Picture Book

Summary:
This is a very short and simple text about a giant dog that went unnoticed by everyone because of his gigantic size, which caused him to be very lonely. One day, a girl noticed him and climbed up his leg. Although the two were hesitant of each other at first, the girl began to sing to the dog and the two became very good friends. This story is accompanied with lots of illustrations; the last several pages of the book have no words, just pictures of the dog and girl together. Most of the illustrations are very unique, but I will admit I do find that the little girl is created in a way that makes her come off as evil at times. In all, this is a good book for beginning readers that will keep their attention with a simple story and enjoyable artwork.

Classroom Use:
I would use this book in the classroom to discuss the theme of making friends. All children can relate to the dog at first when he felt lonely and had no friends. It's important for young children to build relationships with their peers and try to include everyone, which this book could do a great job at promoting.

[Bobby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rather simple plot: There is a HUGE dog who is quite lonely as nobody sees him (because he is so big). Finally a little girl sees him and though she is initially scared, they become close friends and he is no longer lonely. So one message of the story is obvious: those who are different are made to feel as outsiders. In fact, the book is dedicated to "physically challenged children everywhere" and at the end it explicitly states that "no matter how alone you are, there is always someone, somewhere, waiting to meet you." However, I personally also saw the story as an allegory for how sometimes we neglect or choose to ignore the most obvious thing in front of us....which can lead to a rich discussion with kids about perception, assumptions, blending in vs individuality, and so on. The book is illustrated in the traditional Japanese style (not surprising given that the author/illustrator is apparently a famous Japanese artist), which I loved for its simplicity and stylized expressions. The book itself I'd give 3 stars but because I think there is great potential in it for a meaningful discussion with kids, I'll 3.5 stars.

[Carissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I seriously missed the point of this one because it's just about a VERY large dog and a little girl that become friends (and it is nothing like Clifford if that is something you're thinking). Why the girl looks positively evil is beyond me. And I'm not sure but she might be jealous of the dog because he becomes friends with another little girl at the end but there are no words on the last few pages so I cannot be sure.

[Jeannine Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about a giant dog who is soooooo big that he is not seen by anyone until one day a little girl comes along. This book sends a wonderful message about "seeing" and making friends with each other while embracing our differences.

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yoshitomo Nara.

Her art was all the rage when I was in, uh, high school.

But I can see how people are inexplicably drawn to her art that is simple and melancholic at times, especially that girl! What's up with that frown that is absolutely endearing!

[Jodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read what some other people wrote and agree with their thoughts. The girl does come across as sinister/evil with how she was drawn. I like the concept of the story and you can find a friend, but overall the story with pictures was just ok.

[Dest · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but good gracious was it ever terrible. The little girl looks sinister and creepy. The text is clunky and cliched. Stick to adult audiences, Nara.

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was cute and had a nice message, but I don't think I am hip enough for it. I liked and disliked the illustrations at the same time. I don't know.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute story of a VERY LARGE puppy who makes friends with a little girl. I'm thinking storytime themes would be either SIZE or friendship.

[Bobby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great illustrations, but the plot leaves a lot to be desired.

[Paula Pugliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

a children's book by my favorite artist

[Misao · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the drawing first, and the message was great too. Actually to me the Japanese message is more direct (Nara is Japanese) and better. However I like this simple picture book with love.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the artwork in this book. :)

[Pumsish · Rating 3 out of 5]

หมายักษ์น่ารัก!