Still magic after all these years
|
This was one of my favourites as a child. I recently re-read "A dog so small" and was gripped again by the story, the beautiful writing and the atmosphere that the author conjures up.
The story is simple: a boy longs for a dog but is disappointed when all he receives for his birthday is a rather obscure cross-stitch picture from Mexico. But Ben soon uses the power of his imagination to fill the dog in the picture with life. While at first this is fun, Ben's obsession starts to have more negative effects as the boundaries between reality and fantasy become blurred.
What I like about this book is its emotional depth. Young readers are not shielded from the quite intense sometimes negative emotions that children can have. I read that Philippa Pearce had difficulty at first getting this book published as it was judged "depressing". But, although there are definite low points in the story, it does end on a beautiful high which stays with you for years.
I would recommend "A dog so small" to any imaginative child aged 8+ who wants a change from constant action, slapstick and gimmicks.
|
|
|
A wonderful book about a boy and his imaginary dog.
|
This book is simply brilliant. Ben, a boy living in London, is desperate for a dog but he is pretty sure that his granddad is getting him one for his birthday. When he gets a picture of a dog instead, he is digusted and annoyed. Soon however, he starts seeing a little imaginary dog everywhere he goes and the two become very attached. Neither of them guess that the little dog will bring Ben so much harm.
This book is guaranteed to bring tears to your eyes. It is also guaranteed to bring smiles of happiness. A must-have book!
|
|
|
Beautiful, haunting and deeply moving
|
|
Someone bought me this book for my ninth birthday just before I got a dog of my own. For any child who has ever really, really wanted a pet, not just as a passing fad because their mates have got one or because they think all dogs are like Timmy from the Famous Five, but because they desperately want something to love and care for and be their companion, this book is for you. I'd wholeheartedly recommend it for any child who's the sensitive, thoughtful type. The plot itself is by no means intricate, it's the ideas that count. It deals with the Ben, the main character, and the way he compensates for his own shortcomings and the gaps in his otherwise happy life by inventing an imaginary dog, the fearless chihuahua Chiquitita. But when he is finally presented with his dream of a real flesh and blood puppy, he learns that fantasy and reality are very different things. I cried buckets the first time I read this aged nine and then did it all over again when I revisited it in my 20s for a university essay. I defy anyone to read the last few pages without being tempted to shout at loud at Ben to make him see sense...
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada