Levi Pinfold

What shone here for me were the unique and lush illustrations, both the large and colorful ones and the miniature gray tone ones. I love their intricacies and their style. Just lovely and fun to view. The pictures make the book, and they’re worth the read.

The story and its message about fear and lack thereof/facing fear is okay. Actually, I’d recommend this mostly to dog lovers, many of all ages who might find this book humorous, although I suppose it could make for a good read or gift show more for anyone about to embark on a new endeavor or change they might find scary and might need or want to face. The very young might like it since here it’s the youngest character who’s the bravest.

I did think it was weird that the fearful older people in the household allowed the youngest member to venture outside.

5 stars for the pictures and 3 ½ stars for the story

4 ½ stars show less

The black dog is only as big and scary as you believe it is! Wonderfully detailed illustrations and a mildly scary plot make this really fun to share one-on-one.

This story is interesting because while the whole Hope family sees a black dog, getting larger and larger and hiding from it, the youngest member of the family is brave and actually goes outside to greet it. After being chased, Small still isn't afraid. I feel that this story promotes bravery, risk taking, and overcoming fear.

The illustrations alone make this book five stars alone for me. You can spend lots of time on each page with a child going over the details. I liked the story too.

I see the points others have made, there is some discussion that would be good to talk about, should children approach dogs they don't know? If you did want to approach a dog, how should you do it? Should you try to help stray dogs? Should you run out on thin ice? Were the parents huge wimps and only the small child the brave one? show more Good to talk about even a small person can be brave and stand up. But it is a kids book, and packs so much fun that I would highly recommend it. I don't think those discussion points should reduce the overwhelming wonder this book is, but everyone has their own opinions and that is ok. show less