500 Book Reviews 80% Reviews Published Professional Reader

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Jack the Runaway Terrier, by Gill McLean


 Publication April 4, 2023

I tend to overuse the term "sweet" on reviews for children's books, so let's call this one "sweet with a beat". Written in rhyme, there's a rhythm to the tale of the wayward Jack that had me envisioning children's eyes dancing as they read or listen to Jack's misadventure. Jack, like many dogs, has a bit of the wanderer in him, one that gets him in serious trouble this time. I mean, has your dog ever run away and gone to sea?

Soft colors show the contrast between Jack's serene, peaceful home and the darker blues, frothing about, of the water during his misadventure at sea. The drawings are detailed enough to draw you in while still giving your imagination room to roam. Needless to say, this being a child's story, Jack returns safely home, having, hopefully, learned a lesson. Even his canine brother hopes that's true. Jack's human seems to have learned the need to keep her beloved pets on leash and close to her, too, another good lesson. 

Nicely done and I enjoyed the flow and rhythm of the tail, not to mention the artist's rendering of the sadder but wiser Jack. Thanks #NetGalley and #NorthStarEditions - #JollyFishPress for letting me spend some time with Jack and his family. Having owned a dog that took flight all too often despite my best efforts, this one hit home.

No comments:

Post a Comment

History Smashers: Earth Day and the Environment, by Kate Messner

  Publication March 11, 2025 Earth Day is every day. In fact, it's been going on for much longer than the official proclamation of an Ea...