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

Monday 1 November 2021

Review: Jingle Belly

Add some fabulous (and hilarious) Christmas cheer to the end of your year with Jingle Belly by debut author Jacinta Froud and illustrator extraordinaire Gabriella Petruso.

It all starts with Eddie the wonder dog and his love for getting into mischief. Eddie loves chewing things, and he simply ADORES eating things. EVERYthing!

So, when the Christmas angel is just sitting there on top of the tree on Christmas Eve… I mean, how can you resist?

Eddie certainly can’t, so he gulps the decoration and bolts out the door. Shenanigans ensue as Eddie knocks into people, trips people over and gets tangled in all sorts of things along the way.

He pushed a family over, singing carols by a tree.

Then cocked his leg as nature called and did the longest pee!


Finally, Eddie’s adventure comes to an end when his own family catch up to him, but he’s still got that Christmas angel in his belly! How on earth will they get it out?

Jingle Belly is a perfect picture book for the upcoming festive season. Delivered in delicious rhyme, it's a wonderful read-aloud and sure to have the kids in giggles with its doggy calamity and a healthy dose of animal bathroom humour weaved throughout.

Petruso’s illustrations — which are funky, fun and filled with colour — are perfectly paired with this story. I adore the detailed characters that feature throughout, as well as their detailed (and comical) expressions as Eddie creates havoc in the neighbourhood.

If you’re looking for a Christmas read to share with the family, I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Jingle Belly. It will bring Christmas cheer to everyone who opens the cover and have you smiling, laughing and reflecting on your own funny doggy stories.

Title: Jingle Belly
Author: Jacinta Froud
Illustrator: Gabriella Petruso
Publisher: Larrikin House, $19.99
Publication Date: November 2021
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922503503
For ages: 3 - 8
Type:  Picture Book