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

Wednesday, 30 July 2025

Review: My Name Is Jemima - A Tale Of A Guide Dog Superstar

There is so much to love about this delightful book featuring a guide dog and her person – written by Jemima the guide-dog’s real-life handler!

Meet Jemima, a loveable Labrador with a very important job!

Jemima is a very good dog who loves all the usual doggy things such as going to the park, playing games, a good old tummy scratch and of course, dinner.

But she’s also got a very, very important job to do – being the eyes and ears for her blind handler, who she loves more than anything in the world.

From busy street crossings to cosy moments at home, Jemima balances her fun-loving nature with the focus and dedication needed to be an extraordinary guide dog. 

And so, we are delivered into the hands of this delightful canine who takes us on a journey through her world, and shares with us the very specific do’s and don’ts of meeting a guide dog out in the community.

With its glorious, vibrant and marvellously lively illustrations (those little splotches of neon colour work a treat!), this book is just beautifully designed and crafted.

A variety of perspectives allow us to see from both human and dog’s eye views, and the clever use of blocks of background colour and textural, coloured vertical or horizontal lines are brilliantly effective. 

Special mention must go to Jemima’s ears, which are simple, scribbly triangles either side of her square head and fabulous, expressive face.

As children, putting ourselves in the shoes of another to see the world from a different perspective is an essential part of cultivating empathy. Happily, this interesting and reassuring book opens the door into a new way of seeing things, for both young and old.

You will love Jemima. The world will love Jemima. Jemima forever!

Highly recommended.

Title: My Name Is Jemima – A Tale Of A Guide Dog Superstar
Author: Olivia Muscat
Illustrator: Alison Colpoys
Publisher: Scribble, $24.99
Publication Date: 1 June 2025
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781761380457
For Ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book