'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Tuesday 6 January 2015

Review: Oliver and Patch

It's the start of the new year, and what better way to celebrate than with this storybook of new beginnings?

Oliver has moved to the big city. Away from the rolling green fields. Away from his friends.

Feeling restless, he heads out in the rain, through the city streets, where he comes across a little white ball of a dog.

Patch.

The two become fast friends, and spend a glorious day together. For the first time in ages, Oliver feels happy, but in the evening, back at Oliver's apartment, Patch begins to worry. About his real home.

Oliver senses the dog's sadness. He knows, reluctantly, he must do The Right Thing. And so he whips up a FOUND poster and posts it around the city.

Will Patch and his owner a reunited? And how will Oliver deal with the loss? Will his days become once again grey?

This is a sweet story about friendship and new beginnings that children will warmly appreciate. Kate Hindley's absolutely gorgeous illustrations take kids on a whimsical adventure from the city streets to parks to Oliver's apartment and the local ice cream shop.

And of course, then there's Patch. Who wouldn't want to take him home??

Title: Oliver and Patch
Author: Claire Freedman
Illustrator: Kate Hindley
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 January 2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780857079541
For ages: 3 - 8
Type: Picture Book