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A Boodle the Doodle
Adventure
Authors:
Jane & Christopher Ambler
Reviewed by:
Sasha Shelley & Annie Leslie
 Description:
Boodle is a loveable Golden Doodle who has lots of adventures. This is her
second book when she goes to a playground for dogs and learns lots of
new games. A new Boodle book Boodle Goes to Town has just been published.
Specifications
Why did you agree to review this book?
With Agility running in the family, it seemed
about time to get Sasha (4) familiar with the sport. After she attempted a few
runs with Bracken, a supersonic, ball mad collie, we thought that perhaps a
gentler (slower) approach was required!
So when
Grandma Ellen asked if we wanted to review a new children's book by a lady in
her training class, it seemed the perfect way for her learn more about our sport
and why our furry friends
like it so much.
 What
specifically did you like about the book?
After reading the book to Sasha, I first asked
her what she liked about it and she said, 'I like the pictures of Boodle and
when she learns to wiggle,'
We then
read it several times more and I encouraged Sasha to 'read' it back to me, using the
pictures as guidance. As a mummy, I liked that after reading it twice, Sasha was
finishing the sentences off for me as she recognised the actions from the
pictures.
She also
took it to 'big school' to show her friends.
The large
writing and jolly text would be good for slightly older children who are starting to read books
by themselves.
What do you think could
be improved?
As
the
story was quite simple and I think would appeal to a younger age demographic, but I think
it might not have the excitement that older children need to hold their
attention. I would say this book is best aimed at 3-6 year olds.
I liked the book but thought it had
limited appeal as you have to know something about agility to understand it. As
this is a niche market, I was surprised from a marketing point of view that the
word Agility was never used.
 What do you think of
the design and format and quality of reproduction of the book?
Jane Ambler's original photographs in the
book are excellent - bright and cheerful. And I like the fact that they were
obviously taken at a real agility field.
As with many books for small people with
sticky little hands, a hardback or a board book might be longer lasting but that
would make it more expensive so probably isn't practical.
Overall
rating:
8/10
This is a fun book that both Mummy and child can enjoy especially those in the
agility community, but it is a nice, gentle read for anyone.
Price:
:
£4.99 each plus £1.80 p&p. There is a special Oodles of Boodle package,
consisting of all three books for £11.95 plus £2.95 p&p which is a saving of
over £3 on buying the books individually. Boodle would be very happy to sign
copies of books purchased online. People should email the publishers (Christopher@boodlethedoodle.com)
with the name of the person the book is for.
Value for money:
It costs less
than a bag of dog food and lasts longer!
Would you recommend to your family and
friends?
Definitely. It would make a great Christmas present or birthday gift for
children in agility families.
All
three Boodle adventures are available either
on-line
or from the Gift Shop at The Grange at the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
charity (Saunderton)
About
the authors...
Jane and Christopher Ambler live in
Buckinghamshire with Walter, their Korthals Griffon and, of course, Boodle the
Golden Doodle. Jane is a professional dog photographer (see her work at
photographmydog.com) and Chris works in advertising and publishing. When not
dreaming up new adventures for Boodle, they love walking with their dogs in the
beautiful Chilterns.
 About
the reviewers...
Sasha Shelley is four years old and has
just started 'big girl's school. She is a dog lover - what choice did she have -
and her best friend is the family Rottweiler Oscar or 'Ozzy Baby' as she refers
to him.
As the granddaughter of Ellen Rocco, founder of Agilitynet and John Leslie, a publisher
and editor, Sasha is set up well for a future in journalism and dog-related
activities.
Annie Leslie
grew up as an agility orphan. She dabbled in
Agility with one of the family's Standard Poodles many years ago, but now just
comes along to shows and training as a support and cheerleader for the family
dogs.
Annie and
Sasha live in West London with their dog Oscar and two cats.
First published 8th November 2019 | |
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