Mike Dumbleton (text) and Brett Curzon (illustrator), Dandy and Dazza, New Frontier Publishing, April 2021, 32pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781913639150
This entertaining picture book is a look at a dog’s life from two very different perspectives. Dandy is large, well behaved, pampered and ‘best in show’ kind of hound, while Dazza is a rough and tumble, rule-breaking, adventurous little mongrel. When they meet at the dog park, they quickly become friends and have lots of fun together. Dandy learns how to let go and become a little bit crazy, and Dazza, under Dandy’s influence, learns to temper his antics a little bit. So, it could stimulate discussion about “all things in moderation” but, really kids will just enjoy the doggy antics.
This slight story is attractively illustrated with verve and energy that highlights the contrasts between the two dogs. Particularly appealing to children who have a dog as they can compare and contrast their own pooch with the two illustrated here. It may also have the unintended side effect of inspiring young readers to want to have a dog of their own.
Reviewed by Mia Macrossan
