John A. Rowe

The most accessible of Rowe's work that I've read so far. Not dumbed-down, but the text is more concise and the illustrations less likely to disturb someone raised on sweeter picture-books. I might, personally, give it only 3.5 stars because it just wasn't as provocative and original as, say, [b:Smudge|3914782|Smudge|John Rowe|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267046679s/3914782.jpg|3000511].

See if you can share it with your child the way I read it, without knowing until the ending that Jack is dreaming. The distinctly un-lovely, un-sweet illustrations work much better as of dreams than as of a bizarre adventure. As is typical of Rowe, the text is, shall we, say, 'nicer' than the art, though this text is a little more odd than the others I've read. Original, fun, as are all 4 of Rowe's books that I've read so far. Interestingly though, despite some real similarities among his show more work, all you really know for sure when picking one up is that you need an open mind that's ready for an artistic departure from typical children's books. show less

Original. The illustrations are a bit intense, modern, like Lane Smith, Emily Gravett, or Shaun Tan etc. Try reading the text alone without being distracted by the illustrations, and it reads, it seems to me, almost as sweet as Margaret Wise Brown. A rhythmic flow fits the patterned story arc. Very cool/ fun/ different. Read a library copy before you buy it as it may not suit your taste. See also my review for Rowe's [b:Peter Piglet|2974394|Peter Piglet|John show more Rowe|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1267412976s/2974394.jpg|3004713]. show less

This is a wonderful book, it is well written and has a very clever story. I really enjoy the vocabulary as well as the characters.

Jack the dog, is wandering around England and becomes lost in a fog....searching for home he stumbles down a yellow ladder, finds a bed and goes to sleep, only to wake up on a ship bound for Japan. What happens in Japan, while searching for a cup of tea & a bowl of food is the wondrous part of the story , I will not tell the rest.

Delightful!