Black Dog

I bought this book on a very bleak day. I went into a bookstore to work on one of my own picture book manuscripts and found myself surrounded by hyper, over-marketed, glittery swag and "book-toys". I actually found a hidden corner and wept, lamenting not only the lack of picture books with an authentic voice and sense of respect for children's deep and complex emotional lives, but also the seeming lack of a place for my own work in the current market. Where were the new, contemporary Lewises, the Sendaks, the Wise-Browns, who belonged to a golden age of writing and illustrating for children that did not talk down to them emotionally, visually, verbally or spiritually?Then I saw Levi Pinfold's Black Dog. Now, this is not published by an American house, but by the British Templar. European children's books still retain that childlike darkness which is very real, more real sometimes than the hyper-fun. I think this book is one of the best to come out in years, both for its stunning, rich, detailed illustrations and its emotional respect. Both hold to the best values in picture books. Bravo.

The illustrations are quirky, yet beautiful. The pictures hold my toddler's attention long enough that I can get through all the words on each page before she loses interest. I appreciate the underlying message from the story as well. This book will always have a place on our shelves.

This story is a brilliant metaphor for the potential power of fear in our lives and the ability to shrink problems by facing them head-on. Beautiful illustrations and simple, fitting prose make this an enjoyable read, and the book can stimulate great dialog with children. A worthy addition to every child (and teacher's) bookshelf!

One by one the members of the Hope family see the black dog lingering outside of their home... and cower. And with every sighting from different family members of the household, the dog grows in size and fearsomeness until he is larger than the house itself! However, the youngest and smallest member of the Hope family (Small) expresses curiosity and courage, and this metaphorically shows readers what it means to be afraid and what it takes to conquer those fears.It's a great read, and I always read it with a British accent to my children, LOL.

Sweet book for preschoolers. The family lets fear of an unknown dog blow their descriptions and imaginations of the dog out of proportion. The little one knows you need to get to know something or someone before you make up your mind about it and that what you learn may have some nice outcomes.

A lovely book - fun to read to my 2 & 4 year old grandkids. The pictures always capture their attention and the story is entertaining as well as thought-provoking even for young children.

What a great children's book! Absolutely love it! Great pictures and cute story about a girl confronting her fears! Can highly recommend this book and will probably buy it many more times for different kids!

This book is super cute with great text, message, and illustrations. It is a little bit over my daughters head, so I have to explain what happened at the end of the book but the message is worth it. Sometimes things seem scary but if we are courageous and face them then we might find out that there was really nothing to fear.

The art work and inventive story

La historia es buena, original e interesante. Las ilustraciones son deliciosas. Para contemplarlas una y otra vez y seguir encontrando matices nuevos en ellas. Lo recomiendo.

Geschichte mit aha-effekt für erwachsene (I just say "small hope"!!!!), einfühlsame+lustige phantasiewelt für kinder, wunderschöne Bilder mit gaaanz dicht dran Effekt - EINFACH STAUNENSCHÖN.BITTE ANEIGNEN ODER VERSCHENKEN UND GENIEßEN!

I bought this book (Hardback) for my granddaughter, nearly 3 yrs old, after seeing an interview with Levi Pinfold on BBC Breakfast TV.She was entranced with it from the moment she saw the cover. Between 3 pm and 7pm on the day I gave it to her she insisted that we read it six times. She concentrated every moment from beginning to end each time. She takes it everywhere with her. She speaks French but very little English. She has learnt more English words however with this book than any other. My daughter translates it and we slot in English words. The result is 'Monsieur 'ope' but she says 'Small' with a true Brit accent even though 'Big Black Dog' is still a bit of a struggle. Even at this tender age she gets the idea of the story with the help of the beautiful illustrations to illuminate its ideas. I'm sure this is why she loves it so much.One of the best buys I've ever made. I've already bought two other copies for gifts. Thank you Levi Pinfold!!

This is a really great book for stimulating discussion. The text illustrates the way a story can gather momentum in the re-telling as the black dog gets bigger in the minds of each person who sees it, until the baby comes along and puts everything into perspective! This is a beautifully illustrated book which tells a simple, but very effective tale reflecting many aspects of human nature. It is a sophisticated book, suitable for inspiring art and creativity in older primary children (7-11 years).