Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

This book is one of my all-time favourite books and tells the story of a young boy named Jack opening up to his teacher Miss Stretchberry who urges and then teaches Jack to write poetry. Slowly he reveals more about himself, after being asked by his teacher to write about his pet dog, Sky.

You might wonder why I love this book so much. I know I’m always curious as to what makes someone recommend a book! Before ever reading a book, I will always read the blurb and any comments on the back, plus the first few pages. First, this book’s blurb: it’s original, quirky and intriguing and that made me want to know more.

The comments on the back of the book give an insight into what is to follow. One particular comment really strikes me every time I look back at it:

‘Is it a diary? Is it poetry? Is it a novel? Who cares? It’s simply the most original book I have read for years, and I see it as my duty to tell the world that the ‘book that cannot be pigeonholed’ has been written. Long live the author, may her imagination touch us all.’

In my opinion, this unusual comment by Benjamin Zephaniah is true to the spirit of the book, (which you can’t always say!) and is exactly how Love That Dog should be described. I would tell you more, but I don’t want to spoil it for you!

I am recommending Love That Dog to anybody looking for a book to take them on an emotional journey, up mountains and down canyons as they watch Jack exploring the world of growing up.  Particularly aimed at those aged 9-14, but if you are an adult, don’t be ashamed - get reading!

FictionFan1 Rating: 9.5/10

If you liked this author you might like: Michael Morpurgo, Eva Ibbotson, Rebecca Stead.

About the author: Sharon Creech has written several other books, including an equally amazing sequel, Hate That Cat which describes Jack’s changing emotions towards cats and getting over an emotional obstacle that has been in his way for some time. At the end each of some of her books Sharon includes a list of some of the real-life poems used in her book. To all you budding poets, these might be of interest!

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Coming up soon: Stay tuned for reviews of First Light by Rebecca Stead and The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White...