My Friend Andy

by Emma Chinnery

The big city is a scary place for Fluffy, the little lost dog—until she makes a friend who will help her in this carefully observed story that challenges readers to re-evaluate perceptions of homelessness.
Fluffy wants to befriend Andy, but his owner never lets them play together. Only after he gets separated from his family at the park is he able to truly interact with his new friend. With the help of Andy and his owner, Fluffy finds his way back home and makes a new best friend in the process.

Emma Chinnery combines a gentle approach and a strong narrative to help guide authentic conversations around a complex issue in this heartwarming story about compassion and inclusion.
 

Genres: Picture Books, Dogs, Juvenile, Childrens, Animals, Friendship, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 26, 2024

About the author

I’m Emma, a British illustrator and writer living in Suffolk.

My debut author-illustrated children’s picture book My Friend Andy was published in March 2024 with Little Tiger.

After working as a graphic artist in London for several years, I followed my passion for children’s books and studied on the MA Children’s Book Illustration course at the Cambridge School of Art, graduating with a Distinction in 2021.

I love to work with children and run workshops and live drawing sessions in schools and libraries.

I enjoy sketching people out and about and looking for those little stories going on everywhere around us!

When I’m not drawing or writing, you’ll find me on a bike, cycling the country lanes of Suffolk.

Reviews

[lea ❦ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i almost cried so that is that 👍🏻

[Ellee Nichols · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copyright date: 2024
Star rating: 3
Award:
Genre: picture book
Summary w/ themes: This book is about a dog who always sees another dog and wants to play, but never does. Then one day, the main dog gets lost and spends time with the homeless dog until he is reunited with his people.
Use for future classroom: classroom library
Thoughts of book: I thought this book was okay, I enjoyed the art style and some of the ideas in the story.

[Jacaranda21 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a well written story to spotlight homelessness, and that the people can be kind, thoughtful. Told through the eyes of the dogs it tells how Andy’s owner ‘dad’ helps find the lost dog’s family. And after how they acknowledge the homeless man and Andy (the dog). Sweet story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book written from the dogs point of view. It got lost and an "unhoused " person with a dog took care of it and tried to find the little girl who owned it. They were finally allowed to play together.

[maria]

Tem muito potencial revolucionário que não foi de todo explorado. Livros para crianças podem e devem ser críticos

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sweet!

[Heidi Yates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sweet little friendship story!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not me, tearing up at a picture book....

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet book with a dedication that gives a clue to its message: “for all the unhoused people and their canine friends.”

[I'mogén · Rating 5 out of 5]

This brought tears to my eyes. This was so beautiful!

Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Appreciated the sweetness and humanity. A bit confusing at first to get perspective.

[Rrrr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming story with a beautiful, cheerful illustration style

[Mary Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is utterly delightful. In a simple, clear story, it captures an innocent, child-like ability to re-imagine what is into how things should be. The text is filled with the feeling of being lost and at the same time, it is comforting and reassuring. Help will arrive; all will be fine. The lovely, fresh watercolour illustrations move through the pages, effortlessly displaying the subtleties of day-to-day life in the city. Quietly joyful and wonderfully poignant, this is a real gem from a debut author.
(Full review on the Childrens Books Ireland site.)