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Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog
Michael’s dream is to go from being an unknown pup to a Hollywoof sensation and global su-paw-star. But becoming famous is no walkies in the park…
How long will it take Michael’s fellow inhabitants of Snuffles-by-Sea to recognise his amazing talent? And with the help of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, what can possibly go wrong?
Heartwarming and humourous, this title for 7-9 features fun ‘paw-written’ entries by Michael himself and brilliant illustrations by Tim Budgen.
How long will it take Michael’s fellow inhabitants of Snuffles-by-Sea to recognise his amazing talent? And with the help of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, what can possibly go wrong?
Heartwarming and humourous, this title for 7-9 features fun ‘paw-written’ entries by Michael himself and brilliant illustrations by Tim Budgen.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2023
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 17, 2023
*I received a free copy of this book, with thanks to the author, Firefly Press and Graeme Williams Marketing. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
We absolutely ADORE this book; both adults and both children agree… for once! This is such a fun and imaginative story, featuring dogs that act like humans in some ways (eating in cafes, designing their own waistcoats) and like dogs in others (fetching sticks, digging and peeing on trees). Michael has a memorable and distinctive narrative voice as he recounts his adventures directly to the reader, but his assistant Stanley Big Dog steals the show repeatedly and to great comic effect.
And that’s another thing we all agree on – this book is really funny! From the toilet humour (the aforementioned weeing on trees, for example) that tickles Babybows and Mr Shine, to the tongue-in-cheek wit and punny word play that entertains myself and Minishine, this book has some funny to spare for everyone.
Here’s what Minishine (10) and Babybows (7) had to say about the book:
Minishine: It’s FUNNY!!! Stanley Big Dog is THE BEST!!! It’s a bit crazy because the dogs wear clothes and stuff. I would give it 5 stars though, because it is really funny!
Babybows: It is funny, silly and very, very, very, very more funny! I like how Michael the Sausage Dog tries to show off and I like his assistant Stanley Big Dog and his stick, and how he does what Michael says but also thinks about his stick and food and he wees and scratches his bum!
Mr Shine: [nodding] It IS funny. I like Michael best. Because he is funny.
Clearly our eloquent analysis speaks for itself about this book and I can confirm that we have now purchased our very own paperback copy to keep. Because it is funny!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
We absolutely ADORE this book; both adults and both children agree… for once! This is such a fun and imaginative story, featuring dogs that act like humans in some ways (eating in cafes, designing their own waistcoats) and like dogs in others (fetching sticks, digging and peeing on trees). Michael has a memorable and distinctive narrative voice as he recounts his adventures directly to the reader, but his assistant Stanley Big Dog steals the show repeatedly and to great comic effect.
And that’s another thing we all agree on – this book is really funny! From the toilet humour (the aforementioned weeing on trees, for example) that tickles Babybows and Mr Shine, to the tongue-in-cheek wit and punny word play that entertains myself and Minishine, this book has some funny to spare for everyone.
Here’s what Minishine (10) and Babybows (7) had to say about the book:
Minishine: It’s FUNNY!!! Stanley Big Dog is THE BEST!!! It’s a bit crazy because the dogs wear clothes and stuff. I would give it 5 stars though, because it is really funny!
Babybows: It is funny, silly and very, very, very, very more funny! I like how Michael the Sausage Dog tries to show off and I like his assistant Stanley Big Dog and his stick, and how he does what Michael says but also thinks about his stick and food and he wees and scratches his bum!
Mr Shine: [nodding] It IS funny. I like Michael best. Because he is funny.
Clearly our eloquent analysis speaks for itself about this book and I can confirm that we have now purchased our very own paperback copy to keep. Because it is funny!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
May 8, 2023
Amusing pun-filled dog-lover's dream.
He's always dreamed of being a big star, and now sausage dog Michael discovers he might have a way to manage this - he can read the minds of other dogs!!
Accidentally reading the slightly vapid and meat-filled thoughts of Stanley Big Dog one day, he sees his name in lights and enlists his bemused sidekick into entering a competition with him. Surely nothing can wow an audience and scouts more than a real-life mind reader?!
Let's offer our apawse (get it?!) at this stage for the many groanable doggie-based puns throughout, which my six-year-old thoroughly enjoyed spotting, spelling out and laughing at. I think he also understood that Michael is a rather self-absorbed and selfish animal to start with, but a few incidents provided him to have at least a little heart, conscience and need for friends more than sparkly waistcoats. Just about.
We read this over a few bedtimes, the few illustrations there are were welcome and gave personality to the featured characters.
The question of just HOW Michael develops his talent is never considered, but it didn't matter in the slightly of course.
Silly, enjoyable fare with the requisite lessons about teamwork, friendship and sausages.
For ages 4-9.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
He's always dreamed of being a big star, and now sausage dog Michael discovers he might have a way to manage this - he can read the minds of other dogs!!
Accidentally reading the slightly vapid and meat-filled thoughts of Stanley Big Dog one day, he sees his name in lights and enlists his bemused sidekick into entering a competition with him. Surely nothing can wow an audience and scouts more than a real-life mind reader?!
Let's offer our apawse (get it?!) at this stage for the many groanable doggie-based puns throughout, which my six-year-old thoroughly enjoyed spotting, spelling out and laughing at. I think he also understood that Michael is a rather self-absorbed and selfish animal to start with, but a few incidents provided him to have at least a little heart, conscience and need for friends more than sparkly waistcoats. Just about.
We read this over a few bedtimes, the few illustrations there are were welcome and gave personality to the featured characters.
The question of just HOW Michael develops his talent is never considered, but it didn't matter in the slightly of course.
Silly, enjoyable fare with the requisite lessons about teamwork, friendship and sausages.
For ages 4-9.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.
April 2, 2023
Micheal - The amazing mind reading sausage dog
By Terrie Childers
Published by Firefly Press Ltd
What a fabulously funny, chapter book this is!
Full of “doggie” wit and puns to temp and tickle your “paw-fect” reading experience.
Michael - a sausage dog of small statue has big dreams. Not only to be “su-paw”famous but to be part of the “Holly-woof” hero’s. But becoming famous is no “walkies” in the park... Not only does he need to discover his talent, but he needs to prove his worth. And as we all know becoming famous has its ups and its downs. So with the help of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, Micheal discovers his mind-reading talent!! What can possibly go wrong?
Well there are a host of difficulties along the way. Not to mention some tricky characters who want the lime light for themselves. So it is with true grit, determination and companionship, that Micheal follows his dream.
Will he find fame and fortune?
Will he be that amazing mind reading dog he dreams of?
Or will the pit falls dampen his spirits?
A “paw-fect” read for all dog lovers!
A page turner of a chapter book for young readers that will keep you and your audience laughing out loud!
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
By Terrie Childers
Published by Firefly Press Ltd
What a fabulously funny, chapter book this is!
Full of “doggie” wit and puns to temp and tickle your “paw-fect” reading experience.
Michael - a sausage dog of small statue has big dreams. Not only to be “su-paw”famous but to be part of the “Holly-woof” hero’s. But becoming famous is no “walkies” in the park... Not only does he need to discover his talent, but he needs to prove his worth. And as we all know becoming famous has its ups and its downs. So with the help of his trusty sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, Micheal discovers his mind-reading talent!! What can possibly go wrong?
Well there are a host of difficulties along the way. Not to mention some tricky characters who want the lime light for themselves. So it is with true grit, determination and companionship, that Micheal follows his dream.
Will he find fame and fortune?
Will he be that amazing mind reading dog he dreams of?
Or will the pit falls dampen his spirits?
A “paw-fect” read for all dog lovers!
A page turner of a chapter book for young readers that will keep you and your audience laughing out loud!
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley
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May 29, 2023Thanks to NetGalley and Firefly Press for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I'm sorry, but a book with a sausage dog as the main character? I'm in!
Goodreads says the audience range is 7-9 years old. And I'm nearly 30. And I don't care! There's only so many thrillers you can read before you need a story about a magic dog.
My 8-year-old nephew has a sausage dog and I think this book would be perfect for him.
My digital version only had a few illustrations in it, and I'm assuming the finished copy will be full of Tim's gorgeous images, but even what I could see showed they were very cute and I think kids are going to love it.
It's not the heaviest of plots but it really shows the importance of friendship, perseverance, and believing in yourself, even if the odds are stacked against you.
It's quick and easy to read, I think or all ages, particularly youngsters, either to themselves or with a grownup, or even a sibling or friend. It's fun and funny, heart warming, hopeful and slick. It's a very original plot, especially with the book written from the dog's perspective.
I think grownups are going to have great fun picking out all the parody words such as supawstar, Hollywoof and Snuffes-by-Sea.
I'm sorry, but a book with a sausage dog as the main character? I'm in!
Goodreads says the audience range is 7-9 years old. And I'm nearly 30. And I don't care! There's only so many thrillers you can read before you need a story about a magic dog.
My 8-year-old nephew has a sausage dog and I think this book would be perfect for him.
My digital version only had a few illustrations in it, and I'm assuming the finished copy will be full of Tim's gorgeous images, but even what I could see showed they were very cute and I think kids are going to love it.
It's not the heaviest of plots but it really shows the importance of friendship, perseverance, and believing in yourself, even if the odds are stacked against you.
It's quick and easy to read, I think or all ages, particularly youngsters, either to themselves or with a grownup, or even a sibling or friend. It's fun and funny, heart warming, hopeful and slick. It's a very original plot, especially with the book written from the dog's perspective.
I think grownups are going to have great fun picking out all the parody words such as supawstar, Hollywoof and Snuffes-by-Sea.
June 28, 2023
I was given a copy of Michael’s book in order to recreate him in plush for school visits, and author events. I do this as a part time job, and I always, always read the whole book. Maybe this book is just for kids but I identify completely with Michael. Others seem to realise their dreams before me and EVERYONE thinks I’m tiny!
This author sure knows dogs though… and the illustrator Tim Budgen can draw them all, the greyhounds of sound being my personal favourite.
I read an extract of this book to a class of year 4s and every child wanted to get their hands on a copy. They wanted to know if there was a sequel too. Well, good news for fans … there will be!
This book is funny, doggy, and carries an important message for us, as we see Micheal face bigger and bigger odds against him. And then Steve … oh dear. Imparts a new appreciation of short legged beings.
This author sure knows dogs though… and the illustrator Tim Budgen can draw them all, the greyhounds of sound being my personal favourite.
I read an extract of this book to a class of year 4s and every child wanted to get their hands on a copy. They wanted to know if there was a sequel too. Well, good news for fans … there will be!
This book is funny, doggy, and carries an important message for us, as we see Micheal face bigger and bigger odds against him. And then Steve … oh dear. Imparts a new appreciation of short legged beings.
July 2, 2023
Lively read for chap-book audiences, of a dog's autobiography as he tells us of his growth as a mind-reading dog. The first time he discovers the craft it's with a ridiculously goofy mutt, and their first entry into a local talent show doesn't go down as perfectly as planned, but surely things will swing around to justify the book's title? The book could have laboured its moral, of collaboration, perseverance, and having the drive to stick to your own talents no matter what other dogs say, but luckily that's all done lightly enough, leaving the heavily anthropomorphised world of canine talent shows to be wrung for as much quippage as possible. Daft kind of cliffhanger ending, however, which almost drags this down to three and a half stars. I'll pretend I'm more generous than that, mind.
April 28, 2024
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
MICHAEL THE AMAZING MIND-READING SAUSAGE DOG is a humorous lower middle grade novel full of doggish puns (apawse).
This is a fun, easy read for dog lovers in a world where everyone is a dog and some are celebrities. Michael wants to be one and discovers a talent for mind-reading. But with a hopeless assistant and the world obsessed with a dog who can balance a peanut on her nose, will he ever make it?
It is a tale of big dreams and discovering you don't have to pursue them alone. It is looks at jealousy and being a good sport even if you really don't like the other person. Tim Budgen illustrates it, showing off a wide range of fabulously dressed dogs.
MICHAEL THE AMAZING MIND-READING SAUSAGE DOG is a humorous lower middle grade novel full of doggish puns (apawse).
This is a fun, easy read for dog lovers in a world where everyone is a dog and some are celebrities. Michael wants to be one and discovers a talent for mind-reading. But with a hopeless assistant and the world obsessed with a dog who can balance a peanut on her nose, will he ever make it?
It is a tale of big dreams and discovering you don't have to pursue them alone. It is looks at jealousy and being a good sport even if you really don't like the other person. Tim Budgen illustrates it, showing off a wide range of fabulously dressed dogs.
April 19, 2023
I am usually not that keen on books featuring anthropomorphism, or animals acting like humans. I often find those stories a bit difficult to grasp, especially not ones in which animals have dreams that are more commonly found among humans.
This book is an exception though. It is very well-written with a lot humour and puns. It is about Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog (who else could it be about??!) discovering his special talent and his search for stardom in Hollywoof.
It is a book that both children and adults with a childlike heart would enjoy.
This book is an exception though. It is very well-written with a lot humour and puns. It is about Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog (who else could it be about??!) discovering his special talent and his search for stardom in Hollywoof.
It is a book that both children and adults with a childlike heart would enjoy.
September 26, 2023
I read this to my 9 year old daughter at bedtime. When I explained that we had reached the end she let out a long AWWWW, disappointed that there would be no more Michael, Stanley and sausage dog waistcoats. Funny characters, charming story, easy to read and understand. Has a sausage dog as the main character which is a winner in our Dachshund occupied house. We'll be keeping an eye out for the sequel :-)
June 15, 2023
We’ve loved reading an early copy of this su-paw story about Michael’s quest for Hollywoof fame and fortune. With a hilarious and adorable cast of canine characters, gorgeous illustrations, and a heart-warming message about fame and friendship, it’s sure to be a big hit with younger readers. As Michael says, sometimes you have to be the bigger dog, even when you’re the smaller dog.
May 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this! Michael is a dog with a talent… and he’s desperate to show it off to the world and become FAMOUS! When a local talent competition is auditioning, he steps up… but will they be impressed? I think one of my god daughters will love this. I also dove straight into the sequel when I finished… which I think is a great sign!
December 7, 2024
Very funny. Perfect for early readers. A lot of fun.
June 6, 2023
Michael The Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog tells the hilarious story of a small dog with big dreams. This hilarious, pun filled adventure takes Michael and his sidekick, Stanley Big Dog, from the small town of Snuffles-by-Sea to Hollywoof!
Sausage Dog Michael wants to be famous but he doesn’t know how. When he meets Stanley Big Dog in the park he accidentally discovers that he can read Stanley’s mind! Michael enters a local talent show with Stanley Big Dog as his assistant but his attempt to read another dog’s mind is unsuccessful. A chance meeting with Stanley’s Uncle Humphrey leads them to Hollywoof but when they get there Michael is dismayed to learn that he won’t be mind reading. He’ll be assisting his rival, Susan, the chocolate labrador in her peanut balancing act. But after all the dogs in the show get kennel cough things start to change…
Ambitious Michael reminds us of Buster Moon in Sing and Sing 2, he’s determined to make it big but his road to fame doesn’t go smoothly and his initial experiences in Hollywoof are frustrating. His attempts to make his dream happen drive the story and show that with enough persistence and determination even a small dog can make it big!
Tim Budgen’s black and white illustrations are fabulous. The body language and the expressions on the dog’s faces are brilliant and evoke so many different emotions. We love the gold waistcoats and snazzy bowties that Michael and Stanley wear for their act.
Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog, a heartwarming story of friendship, rivalry and pork chops., is a fun story for a beginner reader who is transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
Sausage Dog Michael wants to be famous but he doesn’t know how. When he meets Stanley Big Dog in the park he accidentally discovers that he can read Stanley’s mind! Michael enters a local talent show with Stanley Big Dog as his assistant but his attempt to read another dog’s mind is unsuccessful. A chance meeting with Stanley’s Uncle Humphrey leads them to Hollywoof but when they get there Michael is dismayed to learn that he won’t be mind reading. He’ll be assisting his rival, Susan, the chocolate labrador in her peanut balancing act. But after all the dogs in the show get kennel cough things start to change…
Ambitious Michael reminds us of Buster Moon in Sing and Sing 2, he’s determined to make it big but his road to fame doesn’t go smoothly and his initial experiences in Hollywoof are frustrating. His attempts to make his dream happen drive the story and show that with enough persistence and determination even a small dog can make it big!
Tim Budgen’s black and white illustrations are fabulous. The body language and the expressions on the dog’s faces are brilliant and evoke so many different emotions. We love the gold waistcoats and snazzy bowties that Michael and Stanley wear for their act.
Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog, a heartwarming story of friendship, rivalry and pork chops., is a fun story for a beginner reader who is transitioning from picture books to chapter books.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews