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

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Review: Too Many Dogs

What a delightful romp of a book this is.

In Too Many Dogs, Maura Finn and Lucinda Gifford have created a naughty - but nicely naughty - classic.

The clever, endearing rhyme with marvellously funny illustrations come together as a perfect match to create this wonderful and hilarious story.

Little Percy is used to being Top Dog in a household full of cats. 

So when he is turfed out yet again for his bad behaviour, he decides that enough is enough. He will leave this rude, messy group of felines with their wicked contortions and very undignified positions.

And so, Percy ventures into the big wide world to find himself a new group of friends. At the dog park.

There are many delicious things about Too Many Dogs. One is that its rhyming words roll fabulously off the tongue. Another lies in anticipating the page turns – for which we, the readers, are set up beautifully. Children will adore guessing exactly what will happen next, and the words and illustrations definitely don’t disappoint.

Magnificent, colourful double spreads with delightful and truly side-splitting illustrations give readers young and old something to pore over at every turn.

Gifford’s masterful characterisation of each and every canine and feline, elicit joy and delight. I can just see little hands and stubby fingers across the country, stabbing at the pictures with glee. The endpapers, too.

Such a treat.

Such a delight.

Do yourself a favour!

 

Title: Too Many Dogs
Author: Maura Finn
Illustrator: Lucinda Gifford
Publisher: Affirm, $24.99
Publication Date: 29 April 2025
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781922992253
For Ages: 3 - 7
Type: Picture Book