Nina Goes Barking Mad! by Anita Pouroulis
| Nina Goes Barking Mad! by Anita Pouroulis | |
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| Category: For Sharing | |
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Reviewer: Lorraine McDonald
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| Summary: Nina and George are Jules' dogs. When Nina won't stop barking, Jules needs to think like a dog to solve the mystery. Find out why 'Nina Goes Barking Mad'. Another good read in the Jules, Nina and George series. | |
| Buy? Maybe | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 32 | Date: June 2015 |
| Publisher: Digital Leaf | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 978-1909428522 | |
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Nina and George are Jules' dogs. George is badly behaved. He once dug up the entire front lawn. Mum said she wanted to give him away. It's Nina who is in the dog house though in this edition of the Jules, Nina and George series. She just won't stop barking. Mum, Jules and even George are being driven crazy. Inspired by a TV show, Jules sets out to think like a dog and pin down what on earth the matter can be.
'Nina Goes Barking Mad' is the second Jules, Nina and George book that toddler and me have been lucky enough to review. Digital Leaf are a very modern publisher, combining printed books with apps. I love these books though for very traditional reasons; they are strong on plot and character. The standout here, again, is the characterisation. In a picture book world of upbeat, motivating and relentlessly cheery children's characters, it's refreshing to see a Mum who practices empty threats, moans until her face turns purple and scowls so severely her eyebrows literally become a single hairy caterpillar. There is plenty of humour here but the negative emotions and character traits still feel slightly subversive in literature for the very young.
Like the other books in the series, 'Jules and Nina Dine Out' is illustrated in a collage/ photo montage style reminiscent of Lauren Child's Charlie and Lola series. It's not a cutesy style and it's not a style that I personally find particularly appealing. Jules herself is a bit twiggy and scraggy. The dogs are a bit rough around the edges too. That said, my toddler enjoys the textures, the embedded photos and the complexity of each page. Whilst the style may not be unique, it certainly feels different.
This is my third Digital Leaf book. I still haven't downloaded an app to see what this offers in comparison to the hard copy. Though a slightly older child might appreciate the more modern digital format, for toddler and me, Jules, Nina and George are engaging enough just on paper.
Just as pleasing is Jules and Nina Dine Out. For more strong characters and montage style illustrations, you must try I Can Do Anything That's Everything All on My Own (Charlie & Lola) by Lauren Child. You might also enjoy Nina The Pretty Ballerina by Anita Pouroulis and Agata Krawczyk.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Nina Goes Barking Mad! by Anita Pouroulis at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Nina Goes Barking Mad! by Anita Pouroulis at Amazon.com.
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