A Parents Best Children’s Book of 2019 A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children’s Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.
Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can remember, and this summer, with his father away, he longs for a canine friend more than ever. Meanwhile, in his short doggy life, Oz has suffered at the hands of bad people. Somewhere out there, he believes, is an awesome boy — his boy. And maybe, when they find each other, Oz will learn to bark again. Illustrated in light charcoal by two-time Kate Greenaway Medalist P.J. Lynch, this heartwarming story by Eoin Colfer, internationally best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series, is certain to enchant.
Lynch's realistic pencil illustrations greatly amplify the story, their sensitively rendered human and dog expressions echoing the varying tones of the text...This quietly emotional tale is an ultimately triumphant one. —Kirkus Reviews
Ultimately a story about connection and trust, this offering also communicates a clear and impactful message, at times through cruel and upsetting moments, about animal treatment and the responsibility of pet ownership. —Publishers Weekly
Lynch’s softly shaded pencil drawings capture the characters’ emotions and the story’s tone beautifully. Best known for the Artemis Fowl series, Colfer offers a simply written, realistic tale with plenty of human interest. Dog-lovers will find the jacket illustration irresistible. —Booklist
Coaxed by a gentle and patient Patrick, Oz not only finds his bark again but also a loving friendship, but when an upheaval in Patrick’s life leaves the boy deflated and lost, will Oz be able to buoy his human pal through a trying time? The answer is, of course, yes, as any fan of pet/guardian stories knows, and while the classic rescue story is entirely predictable, it is on point in its earnestness, tugging heartstrings at just the right beats and giving readers an unabashedly rosy ending...Fans of Martin’s A Dog’s Life (BCCB 11/05) will find another canine to love here. —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Eoin Colfer is the New York Times best-selling author of the children’s fantasy series Artemis Fowl. His other notable works include Half Moon Investigations,Airman, and The Supernaturalist. The recipient of many awards, he lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.
P.J. Lynch has won many awards, including the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Medal three times, and the Kate Greenaway Medal twice, first for The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and again for When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest. P.J. Lynch lives in Dublin with his wife and three children.
A Parents Best Children’s Book of 2019 A warm, uplifting story about a boy, his dog, and the healing power of music marks a first-time collaboration between two former Irish Children’s Laureates, Eoin Colfer and P.J. Lynch.
Patrick has been desperate for a dog of his own for as long as he can remember, and this summer, with his father away, he longs for a canine friend more than ever. Meanwhile, in his short doggy life, Oz has suffered at the hands of bad people. Somewhere out there, he believes, is an awesome boy — his boy. And maybe, when they find each other, Oz will learn to bark again. Illustrated in light charcoal by two-time Kate Greenaway Medalist P.J. Lynch, this heartwarming story by Eoin Colfer, internationally best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series, is certain to enchant.
Praise
Lynch's realistic pencil illustrations greatly amplify the story, their sensitively rendered human and dog expressions echoing the varying tones of the text...This quietly emotional tale is an ultimately triumphant one. —Kirkus Reviews
Ultimately a story about connection and trust, this offering also communicates a clear and impactful message, at times through cruel and upsetting moments, about animal treatment and the responsibility of pet ownership. —Publishers Weekly
Lynch’s softly shaded pencil drawings capture the characters’ emotions and the story’s tone beautifully. Best known for the Artemis Fowl series, Colfer offers a simply written, realistic tale with plenty of human interest. Dog-lovers will find the jacket illustration irresistible. —Booklist
Coaxed by a gentle and patient Patrick, Oz not only finds his bark again but also a loving friendship, but when an upheaval in Patrick’s life leaves the boy deflated and lost, will Oz be able to buoy his human pal through a trying time? The answer is, of course, yes, as any fan of pet/guardian stories knows, and while the classic rescue story is entirely predictable, it is on point in its earnestness, tugging heartstrings at just the right beats and giving readers an unabashedly rosy ending...Fans of Martin’s A Dog’s Life (BCCB 11/05) will find another canine to love here. —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Author
Eoin Colfer is the New York Times best-selling author of the children’s fantasy series Artemis Fowl. His other notable works include Half Moon Investigations,Airman, and The Supernaturalist. The recipient of many awards, he lives in Ireland with his wife and two children.
P.J. Lynch has won many awards, including the Mother Goose Award, the Christopher Medal three times, and the Kate Greenaway Medal twice, first for The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski and again for When Jessie Came Across the Sea by Amy Hest. P.J. Lynch lives in Dublin with his wife and three children.
