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One Dog and His Boy

by Eva Ibbotson, Sharon Rentta (Illustrator)

4.0 of 5 stars 4.00 · rating details · 365 ratings · 126 reviews

All Hal had ever wanted was a dog. "Never!" cries his mother. "Think of the mess, the scratch-marks, the puddles on the floor." But on the morning of Hal's 10th birthday, the unbelievable happens. He's allowed to choose a puppy at Easy Pets, a rent-a-pet agency (a fact his parents keep from him). The moment he sees the odd-looking terrier, he knows he's found a friend for...more

Hardcover, 271 pages

Published May 1st 2011 by Marion Lloyd

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Lists with This Book

NC Children's Book Award Nominees 2013 - Junior Books

2nd out of 13 books — 4 voters

Whoopie Lee, Almost Famous by Adeline Foo

A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee

Red Dot 2012: Younger Readers: Long-list

37th out of 43 books — 18 voters

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Feb 07, 2013 Kate Quinn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Eva Ibbotson's books are always delightful, and her children's books are in particular a grand escape for an adult who feels a bit battered by the real world. Here we have a lonely little rich boy whose parents can't see why he's upset when the dog they've rented for one weekend just to give him "the dog experience" has to be returned. Hal refuses to accept this and takes off with the dog, along with a variety of other dogs from the shelter who are also yearning for homes. Adventures ensue, and...more

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Feb 03, 2013 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: audiobook

I don't have much luck with dog books as usually, they end with me in tears. This one, with a few poignant pauses from Ibbotson's writing, ends happily so my luck may be changing.

Coming from an extremely wealthy family, all Hal wants is to own a dog. His folks, thinking it is just a fad that he'll grow out of, decide that for his 10th birthday, they'll rent a dog from a company called Easy Pets— without letting Hal know that the dog needs to be returned.

Betrayed, Hal agrees to begin boarding sch...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Barb Middleton rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure

Our three-year-old daughter named her favorite stuffed dog, "pee-pee." When we got a real dog we wouldn't let her name it that so she called her, "Peach." Although "pee-pee" would have been a better name. Thirteen years I scrubbed up after that darn dog and her pea-sized bladder. Argh! But I digress. Most people have dog stories and our family is no exception, so when I started this book which is about a boy named, Hal, who begs his parents for a dog, it was a walk down memory lane. And when I g...more

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Sep 15, 2012 Victoria Whipple rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: animals, adventure

Hal has always wanted a dog, so when his father gives him a little white dog he names Fleck, he is thrilled! However, when he finds out his beloved pet was just rented for the weekend, he is so heartbroken he decides the only thing to do is steal the dog and run away to his grandparents' house. After all, they have dogs and have always believed it would be good for him to have one of his own. Hal's plan quickly gets complicated, when his liberation of Fleck from the Easy Pets pet rental store in...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Jill rated it 4 of 5 stars

All Hal Fenton ever wanted was a dog. His rich parents are never around, and in any event don’t like messes, or spontaneity, or companionship – all things he knew he could get from a dog:

"Hal didn’t mind what it looked like; it would be alive, and it would belong to him, and it would be there when his father was in Dubai and his mother was out with her friends and he was alone in the house with the maid who changed every month and was always so homesick and so sad.”

Before his tenth birthday he v...more All Hal Fenton ever wanted was a dog. His rich parents are never around, and in any event don’t like messes, or spontaneity, or companionship – all things he knew he could get from a dog:

"Hal didn’t mind what it looked like; it would be alive, and it would belong to him, and it would be there when his father was in Dubai and his mother was out with her friends and he was alone in the house with the maid who changed every month and was always so homesick and so sad.”

Before his tenth birthday he virtually bombarded his parents with pleas and notes, and finally his father said okay, but not to what Hal thought. His father was going to take Hal to the Easy Pets Dog Agency where you could rent a dog for the weekend. He figured Hal would get tired of the dog very quickly, and would hardly notice when they returned it.

But Hal and the little mutt Fleck felt immediate and mutual devotion, and Hal’s mother had to trick Hal to get Fleck back to the Agency. Hal, desperate, prepared to rescue Fleck and run away. At the Agency, he won the assistance of the little girl Pippa who was helping to take care of the dogs. She not only went with him, but she freed all of Fleck’s other dog friends in Room A. All of them headed out to Hal’s grandparents, who Hal knew would be accepting. Along the way they were chased by greedy adults who were after the large monetary reward publicized for Hal, but the two children also made a number of helpful and wonderful new friends. The dogs too found “soul mates” along the way. Thus, Hal and Pippa and all the dogs learned what it meant to feel as if you were “home,” and even Hal’s parents started to learn as well.

Evaluation: How can you not love a book about dogs that don’t die? ….Only in this case, it was the author who died, days before seeing the page proofs for this book. She left lots of adoring fans behind, including me. This book is meant for middle grade readers, but will endear readers of any age.
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Aug 09, 2012 Malik Chase rated it 5 of 5 stars

I like this book because a kid named Hal who wanted a dog asked his dad for one. Hal went to the pet store and looked around for a good type of dog to keep. Hal found a dog named Fleck, he has six or more different strains and he is caring (page 33). The other reason why I like this book is because Hal and Fleck was on the beach. Then Hal thought that Fleck was stolen, lost or drowned but he whistled and Fleck came back smiling (page 282). A person would like this book if they like dogs and want...more

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Jul 19, 2012 Claire Scott rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fast-paced, high-younger-readers

Cute, old-fashioned, predictable. Could be a nice family read-aloud.

This would have been four stars, or at least three and a half, except that I was really bothered by the weird Li-Chee-Nini storytime. Nini is Indonesian by birth, adopted by English foster parents who are twits in the grand Dahl-Ibbotson tradition, then abandoned in a foster home. She's traumatized and won't speak until she meets the dog Li-Chee, who magically heals her emotional wounds. Oh, because "golden-skinned" Indonesian...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've been reading this book with my severely disabled brother for a while now. We've been reading a chapter each day and it's been a really pleasant experience. It wasn't until recently we even knew he was interested in books but his one-to-one carer at his new day scheme said he really enjoys story time. Using this information we tested the waters, we quickly figured out the trick to funny voices, keeping him interested and bluffing your way through tongue twisters. This was his first chapter b...more

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May 29, 2012 Becky rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ages 8-10. Hal has everything a boy could want--except a dog. Finally tired of Hal's repeated requests for one, his parents rent a dog for the weekend with the hopes that he'll realize it's not what he expects it to be and be glad to return it. Hal and Fleck form an instant bond, and when he discovers his parents' plan, he runs away from home, expecting to spring Fleck from his kennel at the dog rental agency. There he meets Pippa, who is taking care of the dogs, and who helps him and even relea...more

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Apr 24, 2012 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended Age:
9+

Overall Review:
Eva Ibbotson is famous for her classic children's stories filled with adventure, fantastic characters, terrible (but hilarious!) villains, and droll humor. One Dog and His Boy does not disappoint! Ibbotson's last book—published just after her death—has all the charm and delight of her previous works. I loved Hal's story from the first word to the last. The plot was tight and compelling, the characterizations were perfect, and Ibbotson's ability to turn a wry phr...more

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Apr 25, 2012 Rebecca- Books rated it 4 of 5 stars

See full review here: http://rebecca-books.blogspot.co.uk/2...

I had my doubts whether I would like this book even if it was by one of my favourite authors.
Having got used to the serious issues and mature language of teenage or adult fiction, sometimes children's books, however good, are just TOO slow or TOO easy.
But I didn't need to worry about that for this book. Sure, the language and writing is much simpler than other more grown-up books, but this is done in such a way that you don't really n...more See full review here: http://rebecca-books.blogspot.co.uk/2...

I had my doubts whether I would like this book even if it was by one of my favourite authors.
Having got used to the serious issues and mature language of teenage or adult fiction, sometimes children's books, however good, are just TOO slow or TOO easy.
But I didn't need to worry about that for this book. Sure, the language and writing is much simpler than other more grown-up books, but this is done in such a way that you don't really notice this is a children's book and to make it universal for readers. I really had no problem with the writing - it was a nice break really.

The events in the book are pretty ridiculous really upon reflection, but because of it being a children's book, this did not distract me from reading the book itself. There are moments of sadness where I felt so sorry for the dogs and for Hal but also moments where I was smiling to myself at the funniness of the situation or the speech - it makes it an entertaining book completely.

Like many bloggers have said, this book does take you back to your childhood when you were Hal's age and had something you utterly loved and did not want to lose. For me, this is a small bear which I still own which I got when I was 1 named 'Baby Bear' - quite original, I know. This bear went everywhere with me when I was younger and when I left it at my grandparents house 45 minutes away, I cried so hard my dad had to drive back to retrieve it. Much like everyone's past experiences, there was so much relatability for me with Hal and Pippa in the book - I wanted to join them!

Although I thought most of the book would be about losing Flick, the majority is of his adventures running away with Pippa (her sister is Kayley who works at Easy Pets) and seeing the different (and hilarious) villains they encounter along the way as well as the numerous places they visit and get help from such as the circus and a children's care home. It makes you realise how really we can all help each other - there are just some 'villains' that won't allow that for their own benefit.

There are some really unique characters as well as the characters created through the dogs featured - I loved to hear the tales of Otto, Francine, Li-Chee and Honey, not only from the 'humans' in the story. The only character that annoyed me would be Hal's mother Albina - she was just too selfish and rude for me. Thankfully, she only features at the beginning and end - she did add a touch of humour and it turned out right in the end.

This is just such a wonderful read that both hosts a nice break from other fiction and also, makes me want to read more and more. It is an incredibly quick read and I think it would be best for perhaps parents and children to read together. The dogs really come to life here and you close the book at the end, having felt you made new friends for life with this animal characters. Like every children's story, there is the happy ending which it kind of inevitable, this one was really but it still came as a surprise and I was delighted with it. It is sad to think this is the last new Eva Ibbotson I will read but I think if she was still here, she should be completely happy with the finished result - for someone who is not a huge fan of children's fiction such as this, I found this book practically perfect.
Verdict: Everyone should read this - whatever age. Eva Ibbotson should be deeply remembered even if it's just for this book

I give it 4.5 out of 5(less)

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Apr 20, 2012 Jennifer Rayment rated it 3 of 5 stars

Jake's Review: It was a cute story but kinda boring and sad at times. I liked all of the dogs and wish my mom would get us one (mom's note: you have a cat and we have a one pet limit dude) Hal's parents are jerks and make me think that my mom and dad aren't all that bad. There were some funny parts that I liked. I think it would be a good book for kids a little younger than me though, as I figured out things pretty quickly.
Jake's Rating: 7/10

Mom's Review: A delightfully sweet, yet somewhat old f...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Pamela Kramer rated it 5 of 5 stars

'One Dog and His Boy' by Eva Ibbotson is her last book for children. This extraordinary writer and winner of many awards died days before seeing the uncorrected proofs of this book. She would be proud of the final result.

All Hal wants in the world is a dog. His parents have so much money they couldn't possibly spend it all, and they shower Hal with gifts, but refuse to get a dog.

"Too smelly, too messy, and liable to scratch the furniture" are just a few of the reasons his mother gives for not al...more

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Mar 15, 2012 Karen Yingling rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hal has always wanted a dog, but his spoiled, rich parents will give him anything but. When his father gets the idea to rent a dog from Easy Dogs, assuming that Hal will get tired of the animal by the time it has to go back, Hal ends up bonding with Fleck and being distraught when the dog is returned. He is so distraught, in fact, that he goes to the business with the idea of stealing the pet. Luckily, the kind assistant's sister, Pippa, is working that day, and not only frees Fleck, but lets se...more

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Feb 16, 2012 Gwen the Librarian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kidlit

The late, great Ibbotson's final novel for kids is a bit of a departure from her usual themes. It is essentially realistic fiction and is about the bond between a boy and his dog...and some other dogs.

Hal has longed for nothing in his life like he longs for a dog of his own. But his wealthy and tidy parents don't want a messy pet in the house and don't understand Hal's feelings. When Hal meets his doggy soul mate - Fleck - because his parents rent him for the weekend, he can't just let him go b...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Genevieve rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely gorgeous story that really took me back to the kind of books I read in my childhood. I found I couldn't help but like and feel sorry for the main character of Hal, whose parents totally miss what true happiness is all about (insert fantastic message for kids about money not buying everything!). When he finally gets his much longed for dog, he is ecstatic and when he fights to keep his dog, I couldn't help but cheer him on.

He sets off an adventure filled with good intentio...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-literature, contemporary-fiction, favorites, fiction

Grades 3-6: All Hal has ever wanted is a dog. His mother is far too concerned about keeping the family's huge house in pristine shape, and won't hear of it. Instead, Hal is loaded down with every gadget and expensive toy the most exclusive shops carry. Hal's father, though, absently promises his son a dog for his birthday. His parents think they have come up with the perfect solution with Easy Pets: Hal can have a dog for the weekend, and (since he will, of course, tire of the responsibility wit...more

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May 30, 2012 Betty-Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: realistic-family

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the wonderful tale of a boy whose only wish is to have his very own dog. His parents, however, do not want a dog in their expensive home where it might scratch the floor or leave hairs on the chairs. The father, Donald, is a busy executive who travels frequently and Albina, his mother, is more concerned about the latest fashion than the feelings of their son. They believe this dog business is just a fad and so for his birthday, they rent a dog for the weeken...more I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the wonderful tale of a boy whose only wish is to have his very own dog. His parents, however, do not want a dog in their expensive home where it might scratch the floor or leave hairs on the chairs. The father, Donald, is a busy executive who travels frequently and Albina, his mother, is more concerned about the latest fashion than the feelings of their son. They believe this dog business is just a fad and so for his birthday, they rent a dog for the weekend from Easy Pets. However, Hal believes it to be his forever and his heart is broken when the dog is returned while he is at a dentist appointment. Many adventures later, the dog (named Fleck) is re-united with Hal.

This story had some wonderful themes like the therapeutic value of a dog, that the best things in life can't be bought and that money cannot buy happiness. Hal's parents constantly give him things that he doesn't value as they (wrongly) believe that stuff can fulfill his deepest longing for a dog. And after his parent's betrayal, Hal does not trust them and even at the end of the novel, his parents need to prove their love and acceptance of Fleck in his life. It is not all made right with a simple apology. The author really gets into the heart and mind of this young boy. She shows that working on and creating deep and lasting relationships with people (and dogs) we love are what is important in life. Not the pursuing of more and more things.

I also really liked how the author seemed to get into the heart and mind of Fleck and the other dogs in this book. Don't we sometimes wonder what our pets think of us? What they really want to do? Eva Ibbotson so beautifully shows how dogs value a useful, fulfilling life just as we do. All of us, whether human or 4 legged, are created to work and to contribute to life. I know this sounds like it might be more fantasy than realistic fiction, but it does not come across this way.

I made some text to text connections with this title. I read earlier the book, "The Leanin' Dog" by K.A. Nuzum. This is the story of Dessa Dean who witnesses the death of her mother and so has a huge hole in her heart. As a result, she becomes afraid to leave their cabin. Along comes a dog who needs shelter in the winter but the dog deals with claustrophobia. But these two need each other and together heal each other. Just a beautiful story. Another book this reminds me of is "How I, Nicky Flynn, finally got a Dog and a Life" by Art Corriveau. Nicky's parents are going through a nasty divorce. He and his mom move to a new city, which means a new life, a new school, new friends. Along the way they pick up Reggie, a German shepherd. Reggie helps Nicky through this tough time in his life. Again, the powerful healing of a dog.(less)

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Mar 28, 2012 James Adams rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who has a heart

Recommended to James by: Librarian

I think this book has an absolutely enthrilling storyline. The author Eva Ibbotson did a fantastic book to finish her life. This story is based on this boy who's parents are millionaires and because they are millionaires you can imagine he has everything a boy could wish for. This is where your wrong! He has always wanted a dog and he has put a dog on his christmas and birthday list and he never gets one - until now.

The character building in this story and the warmth it gave me was unbelievable....more

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Oct 07, 2011 Elen Caldecott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s

I think I may have a new favourite book. This is such an elegantly written, touching, funny story. I only wish I had written it!
Hal and Fleck seem perfect for each other; the dog and his boy spend a wonderful weekend investigating the smells and sights of the local park. But when Monday comes Hal is horrified to discover that his parents have merely hired Fleck - his dog has to go back to the rental company. The smouldering rage that Hal feels towards his parents leads him to become the reluctan...more

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May 08, 2012 Beth Bonini rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-book-club

I'm not really a dog person; I say that knowing it is probably a huge flaw in my character.
And yet, I was completely charmed by this book -- which, although it is about many things, is primarily about the loyal and loving nature of dogs. The main characters in the book take a strange sort of odyssey, and the best bit of it is that a group of unique dogs all manage to find the right owner to belong to.

When I read Ibbotson's books I always feel that her character and all of her most strongly held...more

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May 28, 2012 Annaklara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-at-work-the-librarian

A librarianread. So i loved Ibbosons books as à Child, and I can gladlynstill Reccomend them.

In One dog, à boy (forgot hos name) à very fortunate boy who has everything, is still alone and unhappy. He only wants one thing, à dog of hos own.So his parents give him one for his birthday, only they dont tell him that the dog is only for rent, for à weekend. The dog lives with other dogs at à special kennel that aning other things rent out dogs.

The boy wants to find à way to knep the dog, and to he...more

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May 14, 2012 Christiane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens-fiction, read-alouds, summer-reading, boc

Hal’s parents do not want a dog that will mess up their expensive, perfect home. But a dog is the only thing in the world Hal wants. So for his birthday, they let him pick out a dog from Easy Pets, where he instantly falls in love with the small terrier mix Fleck. But what Hal doesn’t know is that the dog is only rented for the weekend. The rest of the book is an adventure story of how Hal manages to make friends, save not only Fleck but a whole room full of Easy Pet dogs, and learn about all th...more

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Apr 13, 2012 Karen Arendt rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: animals, adventure, grandparents, middle-grade, friendship, family

Such an awesome story about the power of the relationship between a dog and his human. Hal has only wanted a dog for his entire life despite his rich parents giving him everything else in the world. When Hal gets a dog for his birthday, he does not know the dog was rented and will be returned in two days. Hal manages to "steal" the dog and run away to his grandparents in the North. Pippa, who helps her sister Kayley, at the Easy Pets rental shop releases the other dogs in the same room as Fleck...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Shelley Daugherty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a really good book for younger readers to understand the real value of a dog and what one boy will go through to make sure his is taken care of. When Hal first gets his dog Fleck, he has no idea that his parents have only rented him for the weekend. His mother arranges for Hal to go to the dentist and she takes the dog back while he is gone. But Hal is determined to get his dog back. He has no idea the adventure he is in for when he decides to get him.

The story itself is a powerfully mo...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Diana rated it 4 of 5 stars

I grabbed this books off of our shelves in the library's children's dept. on my way to my break, not expecting to finish the book, just looking for something simple to read while I ate. But this, the last book that Ibbotson wrote before she passed away after a long and prolific writing career, turned out to be a delightful and entertaining novel. This book which takes place in modern day London would be a fun introduction for American kids to a world that is at once familiar, yet charmingly diff...more

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May 27, 2011 Rachel Groves rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: amazon-vine, children, light-read, read-2011, amazon-vine-uk

I was a child who begged to have a dog for years just like Hal. When Hal finally gets his dog Fleck, only to find his parents have just rented thew terrier for a weekend, both boy and dog are sick with sadness on being separated. The bond between them is strong and I think if you've had a dog, or you've ever wanted a dog, you'll understand how much they want to be together.

This is a sweet story for children that trots along nicely with adventure, a host of characters along the way (like the dete...more

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Jul 11, 2011 jazz-ee2 rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: anyone who loves dogs

Shelves: young-adult, children

I loved loved loved this book!

This is the story of how beautiful it can be when the right dog is with the right people.

My favourite quotes:
'Often and often when you wanted something and then got it, it was a disappointment ... But having a dog was completely different. He'd wanted and wanted it and when it happened it was even better than he'd thought it would be. He'd imagined some of it - the companionship and the warmth - but he didn't realise a dog would make you laugh so much, or nor that h...more

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Jun 25, 2012 Eiko Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, 4-star, audio, childrens, favorite-author, summer-reading

Fleck is a new breed of dog - a "Totteham Terrier". Well, not really but that is what Kaylie tells the owners of the rent a dog business where she works so that they will allow the little stray to stay. So when Hal comes with his dad, thinking he finally getting the dog he has always wanted,the dog and the boy find each other. It is love at first sight. This is a wonderful story of love (between human and animal)and adventure,including a circus,detectives,evil characters,orphans,monks with a tru...more

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Jan 03, 2013 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: childrens, audiobook, read2012

Cute story about a boy and his dog. All that Hal wants in the world is a dog. But when his fussy mother, and absent father don't want the bother of a pet, they 'rent' a dog and forget to tell Hal that his friend is not here for good.

But in the end both boy and dog find a way to be together! The audio version was great-I enjoyed the narrator and the English accent.

Summary: When lonely, ten-year-old Hal learns that his wealthy but neglectful parents only rented Fleck, the dog he always wanted, he...more

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About Eva Ibbotson

Eva Ibbotson (born Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner, 1925, Vienna, Austria) was a British novelist specializing in romance and children's fantasy. Eva Ibbotson was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1925. When Hitler came into power, Ibbotson's family moved to England. She attended Bedford College, graduating in 1945; Cambridge University from 1946-47; and the University of Durham, from which she graduat...more Eva Ibbotson (born Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner, 1925, Vienna, Austria) was a British novelist specializing in romance and children's fantasy. Eva Ibbotson was born in Vienna, Austria, in 1925. When Hitler came into power, Ibbotson's family moved to England. She attended Bedford College, graduating in 1945; Cambridge University from 1946-47; and the University of Durham, from which she graduated with a diploma in education in 1965. Ibbotson had intended to be a physiologist, but was put off by the amount of animal testing that she would have to do. Instead, she married and raised a family, returning to school to become a teacher in the 1960's. Ibbotson was widowed with three sons and a daughter.

Ibottson began writing with the television drama Linda Came Today, in 1965. Ten years later, she published her first novel, The Great Ghost Rescue. Ibbotson has written numerous books including The Secret of Platform 13, Journey to the River Sea, Which Witch?, Island of the Aunts, and Dial-a-Ghost. She won the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize for Journey to the River Sea, and has been a runner up for many of major awards for British children's literature. The books are imaginative and humorous, and most of them feature magical creatures and places, despite the fact that she disliked thinking about the supernatural, and created the characters because she wanted to decrease her readers' fear of such things. Some of the books, particularly Journey to the River Sea, also reflect Ibbotson's love of nature. Ibbotson wrote this book in honor of her husband (who had died just before she wrote it), a former naturalist. The book had been in her head for years before she actually wrote it. Ibbotson said she dislikes "financial greed and a lust for power" and often creates antagonists in her books who have these characteristics. Some have been struck by the similarity of "Platform 9 3/4" in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books to Ibbotson's The Secret of Platform 13, which came out three years before the first Harry Potter book.

Her love of Austria is evident in works such as The Star Of Kazan and A Song For Summer. These books, set primarily in the Austrian countryside, display the author's love for nature and all things natural.

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