Scruff

by Alice Bowsher

Which came first, dogs that look like their owner or owners that look like their dogs?

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Dogs, Humor

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 6, 2020

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very simple picture book about a man, who is scruffy, who wants a scruffy dog to match.

And then he realizes there is more than looks.

I suppose it is a picture book at looking at things below the surface.

But, hey, you get to look at a scruffy dog, so it can't be all bad.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Linda Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scruff and his owner need a haircut.

I always like to comment on the physical properties of children’s books and Alice Bowsher’s Scruff is robust and durable with a cover that would easily wipe clean from sticky fingers, making it ideal for home or school use. The illustrations are naive in style, appealing to young children, whilst being entertaining and supportive of the text, helping language acquisition, as well as being funny. I loved the fact that Scruff’s owner is not Caucasian as this helps celebrate diversity and shows young children that people of all ethnicities have status. The majority of the other people in the book are multi-cultural in appearance too.

There’s a smashing story in Scruff that celebrates being different and helps children explore how we judge (quite literally) by appearances. Scruff does not behave like ‘normal’ dogs and I very much liked the concept of being individual because too frequently children are expected to behave as an homogeneous mass. The ending to the story shows clearly that we all have a talent for something even if it isn’t necessarily what we set out to do so that children can learn to accept themselves and find their own winning ways.

Scruff is an entertaining and informative book that could lead to all kinds of further child development as well as being enjoyed just as a story. I could envisage counting the dogs and owners at the dog show, looking for pictures of animals that look like people and finding out about them, talking about how to look after pets, producing artwork of pets and animals and so on. Scruff is a small book that packs a punch.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...

SCRUFF is a cute picture book story of a man who gets a scruffy dog, which suits his scruffy style just fine. However, his dog doesn't seem to care for playing in the mud like other dogs. The owner soon learns that Scruff likes to be pampered, so they both get haircuts and get cleaned up. They enter a contest in the dog show - but can they win a prize?

What I loved: The story is simple and short, but cute. This is great for toddlers who love dogs and will enjoy the simplicity of the story paired with lots of fun images of a dog. The book has few words, and there are several pages without any at all, which makes it great for young kids with short attention spans. The idea of pets looking like their owners is cute, though the book mostly felt like it was about the companionship and value of having a pet and bonding over shared experience (eg, the feeling of being pampered).

Final verdict: Simple and cute, SCRUFF is a simple story about pet ownership and the fun of sharing experiences.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read articles hypothesizing that dogs and their human companions often resemble one another, and I've seen some photographs that made me think that might indeed be the case. That's the premise of this picture book, originally published in the United Kingdom. A scruffy man goes in search of the right canine companion for himself. While others have passed over a little scruffy dog at the pet shelter, he knows this is the right dog. But Scruff doesn't play like the other dogs. Only when the dog leaps into the bathtub with him does the man realize that Scruff likes being groomed. So that Scruff doesn't feel confused, the man grooms himself as well. Everything he does to Scruff, he does for himself so that by the time, the two of them enter a dog show, they look quite spiffy. Youngsters will smile when they see what sort of prize the two win. I was amused by how these two scruffy friends were transformed in the end. A little love and care go a long way, whether one is discussing dogs or humans.

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What came first - dogs that look like their owners or owners that look like their dogs?" Scruff is a sweet tale of a perfectly matched dog and man. In warm, homey, hand-drawn-looking illustrations, we follow both in their blooming relationship and learn that for most creatures, there's more than meets the eye.

I read this book aloud with my 3.5 yr old son. We've never had a family pet of any sort, but my son still understood and loved this tale. Upon completing a first read through, he immediately wanted to read it again. There are pages without words that invite imagination and conversation for the readers. The illustration utilizes facial expressions for the story line which is an important facet of teaching emotional intelligence through picture books to little children.

My favorite thing about this book is that it highlights of pet adoption! Especially ones that may not look like winners at first sight.

Thank you netgalley and Publisher Spotlight for a digital copy of Scruff in exchange for my unbiased review!

[Storywraps · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scruffy guy spots a scruffy dog in the pound and discovers it's a match made in heaven. The new find is perfect! He soon learns that this ragged mutt doesn't like to jump, roll, play, swim or get muddy like other dogs. That's strange.

His owner is puzzled as to why Scuff is acting that way. Then he is very surprised to find out that his new dog doesn't want to be disheveled and dirty but loves to be bathed, brushed, groomed and polished... he adores the pampered life. The narrator emulates Scuff's desires and cleans himself up too. Together, in their impeccable, sparkly, new state they seek out a dog show and enter in. Do you think they have a chance of winning any type of trophy?

The story is beautifully told and the illustrations are whimsical with a homespun vibe. The text is sparse and the story is simple, short and charming. It's a fun read to share.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scruff is a scruffy dog, and his owner is scruffy too. But Scruff likes to be polished and pampered and clean. So Scruff's owner gets polished and clean too. But is it enough for them to win a prize at the dog show with all the fancy dogs?

This book is adorable! It is told in a few comical words, and the writing is just perfect for little readers. The story is engaging and fun!

The illustrations really add a lot to the story! I like the art style with thick lines and bright colors. It is sure to capture the attention of little kids. Each scene is clean and simple without a lot of clutter on the page, and I like that.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Literature Lattes · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Scruff" by Alice Bowsher is a book about an new dog owner getting to know his new dog. Scruff isn't like other dogs, and that is perfectly okay! Our family loved this short and sweet little book. We enjoyed seeing Scruff get to know the owner and liked watching him get pampered! The kids especially liked seeing all of the different dogs and discussing how cool it is that there is so much variety. This book is perfect for young kids and dog lovers in general! Our only wish was that it was longer so we could enjoy more of Scruff's adventures!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, light-hearted for-sharing title, of a dog and the man who takes it from the rescue centre, because they have being hairy scruffs in common. I suppose it's enjoyable to see the transition both characters make, but it would have been nicer to have seen reinforcement and praise for the mutt before getting a trim, shampoo and polish. The fact it gets spruced up kind of defeated the object of the lesson, for me.

[Ashley Dang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cute story about a guy who gets a new dog who is scruffy, just like him. This was a sweet story about getting a dog who just suites you. I had a lot of fun reading this and I think it would make a fun read for kids too! The artwork was charming and the story was simple and short! Perfect for kids!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scruff is a sweet story about not making a judgement based upon appearance. That by looking below the surface you can not only find your best friend, but a little of yourself as well.
The illustrations are sweet and homey.
Thank you Netgalley and publisher Spotlight for a digital copy of Scruff in exchange for my unbiased review!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just a cute story about a POC man who adopts a scruffy dog no one else wants. They go about removing both of their scruffy appearances on a trip to being forever friends. This book was short, in the best possible way. It has a simple lesson that appearance isn’t everything, but that heart and confidence is all anyone needs.

[Etienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5/5. Nice little book. It looks a bit «low budget» for not saying cheap, with very casual artworks, but it suits it well. A book that is all about putting the appearances aside and going beyond that to discover people, or dog. I like the message. Simple made good!

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute! Scruffy dog meets scruffy man story. With the help of a dog show, they both clean up real nicely. Littles will enjoy his getting clean and neat. The illustrations were a hoot! I loved the transformation!
I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!
A scruffy man adopts a scruffy dog, and they both clean up well and enter a dog show. The illustrations are wonderfully done and really draw the reader in.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scruffy guy loves his new scruffy shelter dog.

[Re • · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so dang cute and I loved it so much defs in my to buy list! But makes me ponder if I’m gonna look like my dog or will they look like me lol

[A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like it'd be a good fit for a pet themed storytime?

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scruff is a cute story about a dog and his owner. Its simple, but any young dog owner will enjoy it.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, gentle, and funny story about a scruffy man who adopts a scruffy dog. There's a fun surprise ending that young readers will enjoy.

[zOdAê aKAê · Rating 4 out of 5]

fun book about looking like your d0g

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.