Publication February 13, 2024
Remembering my own dog's first trip to what my dog owning friends have dubbed the "doggie spa", this book definitely brought a smile to my face. Like many children's books, too, it also conveys much in its simplicity. Just like puppies, children are exposed to new things and experiences every day and that can be scary. The author has a puppy named Sally that inspired this story, so I imagine he well remembers the days of his Sally learning to live and thrive in this great big, occasionally scary world. It also showcases not only some aspects of proper pet care but helps show children that new things may be scary but they aren't necessarily always going to be that way. Sally seems to handle it all with a bit of wonder but seems to take it all in stride. That's a sign of a pet that has learned to trust its humans, just as children come to trust the adults in their life.
The illustrations are colorful and fun. I absolutely loved the big "O" on Sally's face on the cover as she begins her new beauty regime. This picture book is aimed at children 3-5, so the ideas are broad but common to the experience of growing up and learning to deal with new things. One of the cutest illustrations in my mind, however, is seen before they even leave for the doggie spa. We see Sally's home, complete with her human child and a childish drawing of Sally on the wall. This is obviously a well loved dog.
For the most part, the grooming tools at the groomers are suggested, made to appear innocuous, which they truly are. I do think Sally enjoyed the dryer more than my girl, though. Loved that look with her fur flying backward in the air current. Sally even notices the smells, I noted, a good reminder of how very, very sensitive to smell dogs are. Nice touch. She's adorable in her bows when her humans arrive to pick her up and, hey, they have a surprise for her, made all the better since the groomer praised her with a treat just before they arrive. Yes, even humans need their hair tended to at times.
Bottom line, this book is only simplistic on the surface. Look beneath and you'll find many concepts to use with children as well as your pets. Sally's need for a nap even hints that a child, after experiencing the new, may need time to recharge, too. Thanks #NetGalley and #OrcaBookPublishers for giving me the chance to catch up with Sally again after her experiences at puppy training classes. My neighbor has a new puppy that is fascinated with her mirror image, btw, so that was a very realistic connections to Sally. Ha
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