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Be More Dog

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Book Synopsis

“My dog Sam has a superpower. He doesn’t wear a costume. He can’t fly. And he definitely can’t make himself invisible.
Sam’s superpower is happiness.”

Sam can find happiness in the most unexpected places: a smelly old boot, a deflated ball, even in a muddy puddle! When Dad leaves for work, Sam’s young owner needs a little help to be happy again. Can Sam show his best friend how to be a bit less sad and a bit more dog?

This is a funny and heart-warming picture book about finding joy in the simplest things. With uplifting text from Caroline Crowe and engaging, lively illustrations from Carlos Velez, this feel-good story celebrates the connection between children and pets and encourages us all to be more dog!

Our Review Panel says...

Perfect for dog lovers, this book causes a smile with the ‘Tail of Happiness’- a wagging tail!

The main character, whose name we never find out, has a special bond with his dog ‘Sam’ – whose superpower is happiness. When the main character’s dad goes to work, he feels sad and the story is about the journey of following Sam to help him find happiness. They do all the usual fun games for a dog such a sniffing a shoe and chasing a ball. Once his dad comes home, he feels very happy but realises that he can now find happiness on his own, although it is even better to find it together.

The illustrations throughout the story stand out due to the white background. For children who prefer a less busy background, this story is ideal. The main character has a hearing aid, which is not mentioned during the story, supporting positive representations of characters with hearing loss.

This story is a celebration of man’s best friend as well as taking joy from all around us. Sam the dog is a great role model in finding happiness in both likely and unlikely places. This story is a wonderful addition to an Early Years/ KS1 classroom to read aloud or have in the book corner.