Michelle Blanchard Ardillo

WHAT A CHARMING BOOK! I am a relatively newish dog lover, acquiring my very first dog in late 2011, but as with many things in my life, when I fall, I FALL HARD. I now know all the dogs in our neighborhood, dog-sit for friends (hi to my favorite Golden, Chubbs), pet random dogs whenever I’m allowed, and dream of the day when I am seated next to a pampered, bejeweled French poodle with her own seat on an overseas flight.

This book is adorable, and when I saw the cover, I just had to request it from NetGalley! NorthSouth Books consistently publishes the most eye-catching picture books out there.

What’s to love about Fancy Dogs? First of all, the main character of this picture book is a stylized version of some sort of terrier I think. I know this because I am currently the proud owner of a Yorkie, and I recognize a lot of the antics shown in the second half of this book! Secondly, there are only a few words on each page, so the illustrations really shine!

But back to Fancy Dog himself! He is personality personified! The illustrations in this book make this sassy orange dog leap right off the page. He is shown in several different outfits as well as showing off a fancy collar. My favorite page is where we see Fancy Dog curled up on his sweet little fancy bed with stars glittering over his head!

This book isn’t just about all the wonderful things about Fancy Dogs; it also shows that Fancy Dogs, in the end, are just — wait for it — dogs, and even Fancy Dogs do things that not-so-fancy dogs do frequently, like chewing up a shoe, grabbing food from your plate, and even drinking from the toilet!

If you love dogs, buy this book, if just to amuse yourself when you are having a blue day. If you have a little one in your life who loves dogs, buy this book and read it with them. I guarantee giggles and glee will ensue. If you have a little one in your life who is maybe a little bit afraid of dogs, buy this book and see if you can show them a different side of dogs. Just maybe, they will be less afraid next time they encounter a dog, fancy or not!

Thank you to NetGalley, NorthSouth Books, and the brilliant team of Tini Malina (author) and Tammi Reichel (translator) for the advanced reading copy of this charming book!