Happy Dog

by Lisa Grubb

On a very rainy day, Jack Cat is bored with loneliness and so paints a new friend, Happy Dog, to share in all his imaginary adventures, including a trip to outer space and a ride on a fire engine.

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Dogs, Cats

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 2003

Reviews

[Alison Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

A colorful, simple book about the power of imagination. Jack Cat can't go out to play with his friends because of the rain (I'm not really clear on why rain should stop him but that's besides the point) so using his paints he creates a new friend he calls Happy Dog. The two of them use art and imagination to go on adventures. A sweet, somewhat-forgettable story.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the interaction between the "real" and the imaginary is not a new concept in picture books, here the edges are blurred in such a way that readers will buy into this fantasy within a fantasy. The energy of both worlds is consistent, having been established principally through the art. Jack Cat and Happy Dog are equal in their largesse and childlike personalities. Swirls, dots, heavy brush strokes, and plenty of movement lines combine with dense primary and secondary colors to create dynamic acrylic paintings that pop off the page. This exuberant book will ignite readers' senses and imaginations. They might well wish they had a big blue dog to call their friend and a paintbrush by their side.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Cat paints a friend on a rainy Saturday, a happy dog who enjoys his adventures. Imaginative book that children will enjoy again and again.

[Annie]

great book with illustrations that are like paintings - kids really like, uses imagination:)