A Pack of Your Own

by Maria Nilsson Thore, Annie Prime (Translator)

En ensam tax, drömmer om en vän. Men hur gör man för att få en kompis när man är en liten vovve?

Varje gång taxen går till rastgården i parken där de andra hundarna håller till, känns det tokigt på något sätt. Taxen passar inte in och det känns till och med lite jobbigt att vara bland de andra hundarna. Men alla de andra ser ju ut att ha så roligt tillsammans.

Maria Nilsson Thore har med varm och slagfärdig humor skapat en underbar allegori om vänskap i en hundvärld. Med utsökt mysiga och detaljrika illustrationer bjuds läsarna in till fantasier och vänskapsfunderingar som: Hur mycket måste man anpassa sig för att accepteras och uppskattas av andra? Vad är en flock? Och måste man verkligen vara lika varandra för att vara vänner? Kan det fungera lika bra om man är lite olika – som en tax och en pudel – till exempel?

Illustrationer i svart/vitt men enstaka färginslag.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Animals, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published August 3, 2020

Reviews

[Polly Batchelor]

"The best and worst things in the world is other dogs."

A lonely dachshund who is different from other dogs. Through his love of coffee and crosswords, isn't sure how to fit in with other dogs. He soon finds another dog with similar interests, where they end up becoming friends. This story helps teach children that it is ok to be different and what makes you different is what makes you special. You might not be the same as your friend but you are able to learn from each other.

The Story is perfect for any dog lovers. I loved the illustrations they are beautiful and they help bring the story to life. They are fun and charming. It is an easy read and ideal for children who are learning to read as there aren't a lot of words.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book for an honest review

[Mallory]

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc of " A Pack of Your Own"!
Delightful is the best word to describe this book! The story follows a dachshund, who doesn't quite fit in with the other dogs. All seems lost, until a poodle ask to hangout with him. At last, the dachshund has a friend, with whom he can be himself.

While this is a children's story, the message that is within is one that can resonate beyond the intended audience. I really enjoyed the story because of this it felt like more than a children's book. Sometimes we all need a reminder that it is okay to be ourselves, and express our likes or dislikes. Sometimes we need a reminder to not conform to the expectations of our peers.

Also, can we talk about the illustrations! This illustrations in this book were absolutely gorgeous! I really enjoyed how expressive each dog was, there emotions were so visible. The detail within the dachshund's house were so cute, and added to the personality of him.

[Ilona]

[Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.]

-

It's not easy to be a dachshund who doesn't fit in with all the other dogs—because you like coffee, funny hats, crosswords, which are not usual dogs' activities. It's actually very lonely.

Then one day, a dog who seems different from the others too notices the lonely dachshund, and they both decide to hangout together—allowing the other to be himself without the fear of being judged.

-

It was a very lovely story, beautifully brought to life by the illustrations. It conveys a truly heartwarming and much-needed message about friendship, and finding people who will love you no matter what.

[Lata]

Mostly monochromatic illustrations show us the story of a lonely dachshund who longs to have someone to spend time with. He watches other dogs from his window, then decides to try his luck at meeting someone who will enjoy crosswords and coffee, just like him. And wouldn't you know it, there is someone, not just like him, but someone who enjoys things he does and can be a friend.

The story is sweet, a little silly, a little whimsical with beautiful artwork. Lovely!

Thank you to Pushkin Press and to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Kaitlin Lewis-Jones]

I received access to a free digital ARC of this last week during the Penguin Random House Winter Book & Author Festival. It’s adorable! The illustrations are cute and capture the wild spirit of dogs in play. They also capture what it is to be a quieter dog, with an interest in things that a normal pack wouldn’t much think about. It shows kids that it’s okay to be different, but also to appreciate the differences in others. A cute and easy read.

[Książkomanka]

4.25/5 ⭐

Smutna i urocza zarazem. Kocham te ilustracje!

[Bibliotekstanten]

En liten hund, som kanske har aspergers längtar efter en vän. "Det bästa och värsta som finns är andra hundar" tänker vovven och försöker närma sig de andra. Men det går så dåligt! "Suck... Varför är det så svårt att passa in?"

Men i parken finns det en hund som blir nyfiken på den-där-som-går-på-två-ben. Full av energi och liv, kanske med adhd, närmar sig de två ovanliga varandra.

Det är så dumt att jag så sällan läser bilderböcker! Det är den bästa slags bok som finns. En egen flock är en underbar, varm och fin berättelse med bilder att älska. Mer bilderböcker till folket!

[Cheri]

’The best and worst thing
In the world is other dogs.’

This is a picture book for young readers that is about a dog who sits on a windowsill watching the other dogs in the neighborhood playing, and how much fun they are having together, wishing he could be friends with other dogs and part of their pack. Still he isn’t a fan of dogs that bark whenever they like and pee wherever they want, and they are always running around on all fours, perhaps worst of all, they sniff each other’s behinds.

He, the dog who sits inside watching, wonders if there is something wrong with him, since he is nothing like them. He wishes he could find a friend more like himself, so he decides to copy what they do. But he fails when he tries to be like them, and so he goes home, sad that he will never fit in, and will just have to do what he has done and keep himself company, and be content with that.

When he hears a knock on his door, he finds another dog telling him that she saw him in the park, standing on two legs, and more or less lets herself inside, and they become friends.

The illustrations in this children’s book are filled with charm, some silly, some sweet, which really add to the story, as well as the message that it’s more than okay to be yourself, it’s wonderful!


Pub Date: 28 Nov 2023


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Pushkin Press, Pushkin Children’s Books

[Alice]

A Pack Of Your Own by Maria Nilsson Thore got my attention when I saw the cover!
I loved the dog illustrations and just had to read it... although it's a children's book and I'm an adult. But I guess as a dog lover it's still okay to read children's books. Hehehe.

So, I really really loved ALL the illustrations by Maria Nilsson Thore and the whole story is so heart-warming and has a great message.

The organised and different little dachshund wants to have friends, but all the things the other dogs do are really strange to the dachshund. He's more the cultivated dog. He likes crosswords and hats, but also would love to have a friend. Then one day there's this poodle who would like to spend time with the dachshund.
If this could be the start of a good friendship?

This book was a really cute story! There's so much you can learn from it - even if you're already an adult!
It's important to stay true to yourself and it's possible to get friends - you don't have to try to change yourself. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not... and you don't have to be exactly the same to others to have friends. Everyone's unique and that's awesome.

Thanks a lot to Maria Nilsson Thore and Pushkin Press for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.

[Kelly | Bookmarks 'n Blankets]

This was a really cute and funny picture book with a great message. As we follow along this dachshund, we see how different he is from other dogs. He acts more like a human than a typical dog, which is humorous and creative. There are some pretty funny scenes. He tries to act like other dogs, but he can’t seem to fit in with them, even when he tries really hard. It’s not who he truly is. So he wonders if he’ll ever find someone who will accept him for the way that he is. Then, he does, and they have such a great time together.

This is the type of book with a message about being yourself and accepting who you are, even if you don’t fit in, but it didn’t feel preachy. They weaved it within the story in a fun and playful way. I’m glad he found a friend who accepted him and all his uniqueness.

This short book is easy to read and doesn’t have a lot of words, which is perfect for kids learning to read.

I also really loved the illustrations. They were beautiful and had a lot of detail. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Tiana]

Thank you Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the ARC. All thoughts are my own!

First off I must say that I love dogs! So I acknowledge my bias in that regard. However I thought this was such a cute children's story. It tells the story of a dog that has an old soul. So they don't fit in at the dog park. However one day the dog decides to go to the dog park again to try to find a friend. Soon the dog realizes why he doesn't go to the dog park and heads home. Little does he know there is another dog that noticed them. This other dog follows the dog home from the dog park and they become friends.

I loved everything about this book. The illustrations are stunning and beautiful. I thought they did a great job! I loved the message that this book gives, that just because you feel like you don't fit in doesn't mean you can't have friends. You do not have to fit in to have friends. There are people or dogs out there that are interested in what you are interested in. I would recommend this book!

Read if you enjoy:
Dogs
Children's Fiction
Beautiful illustrations
Great messages for kids to learn

[Farah G]

It is difficult to be a dachshund who craves coffee and crosswords, and likes to poop on a potty! It's even harder when you are surrounded by fellow canines who like sniffing each others' butts and pooping outdoors.

This quirky story is about a dachshund who's desperate for a friend, but can't find his own type amongst his own kind. His visits to the park yield no good prospects until he meets a poodle with panache...

We all want a pack of our own, but sometimes it means realising that finding like-minded friends involves being open minded about our differences as well!

The storytelling style is unusual, and it has an important message to deliver. The accompanying art was interesting and memorable, and complemented the text well. I'm more of a stories than art person, but this will be especially enjoyed by those who like one-of-a-kind illustrations to go with their tall tails.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review

[Katie Smith]

This book is gorgeous!

The illustrations are beautifully drawn, bringing a lot of character to the pages and making the story visually pleasing.

The story also shares a lovely message about finding friends that like you for you and accepting that you won't always fit in (and that's fine!).

Some aspect are definetly there to appeal to adults, which from a marketing stand point makes sense - it is primarily adults that will be buying books for smaller humans.

I do have a couple of minor niggles (and I mean minor):
Firstly, the main character's hobbies of drinking coffee, solving crosswords and collectings antiques seemed an odd choice and children may struggle to relate to the Dachshund as a result.
And secondly, the lack of a name for any of our characters will make it harder to discuss the book with children and follow their reading comprehension.

Overall, I do love this book and will happily purchase a copy for the school library upon publication!

[J Kromrie]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I found this a delightfully illustrated and well conceived children's book (although I must admit I enjoyed this book at LEAST as much as any child) with an important message.

The message conveyed is simple and beautifully illustrated, "sometimes you may feel like a square peg in a round hole until you find another person who doesn't quite fit in, and then a world of acceptance can open".

A simple story about a lonely pup who isn't like the other dogs, but who is lucky enough to find a friend, one who is similar and open-minded enough to appreciate, and to learn from, their differences.

Thank you, I would be happy to read and review future offerings from this refreshing author.

P.S. Rating this book. 5 stars as there is not one work, or one picture in the entire book I would alter in ANY way! 😊

[Gabriela Garcia Maloucaze]

It took me this long to write about this book because it was so hard to read on Kindle – though no fault of the author. I wanted to see if a book with many pictures is a good fit for Kindle, and it seems it isn’t. The pictures were as if cut and mixed with one another, and the text only appeared after many, many pages (it probably became separated from the pictures). I am sure that is obviously not the case in other formats. Still, I could see how cute the pictures were (I treated them as a puzzle and recognized the various canine breeds), and I persevered and read the story.
I loved the message about the “different” dachshund, the message about differences and finding the people (or dogs) who will accept you as you are. The book is for children, but dog lovers will also like it, because it is so enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pushkin Press and the author for this ARC.

[Lisa]

When a little Dachshund wants to make friends with the other dogs, he realizes that his habit of walking on two legs, enjoying coffee and cherishing his stick collection makes it difficult to become part of the pack. No one will play with him, in fact, they pretty much ignore him. How does a dog, who is a little different find his pack?

Originally published in Sweden in 2020, this is a delightful story about not fitting in. I loved that the dog didn't make changes to himself just to try to make friends, and the friend he finds is a bit different as well. Thore's illustrations are so cute - the dog on the toilet is my favorite. Looking forward to sharing this with my dog loving friends, and maybe with the kid who is having trouble finding their pack.

Cross-posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com

[Freya]

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVED THIS PICTURE BOOK SO MUCH!! It made me smile the whole time I was reading and I even squealed at the end!

The drawings are exceptional, the main character is really unique and the message it transfers comes from the heart.

Every page had so much to see. And I wasn’t expecting a main character like this one at all! He made me laugh so much. A very human like dog, who just wants a friend. Seeing him trying to interact with other dogs was both endearing and funny.

When a friend unexpectedly does come along, the fun really starts! They’re very different but are accepted by eachother just the way they are.

I’m so happy he found a friend and what a friend!

[Theediscerning]

Feeling left out and lonely by not obeying all the rules and not having the same kind of fun as the rest of the local pack of dogs, our hero is resigned to being alone – until someone spots him and recognises a kindred spirit. Charming illustrations with the barest of colouring convey both the relaxed mood of the hero (sat on the loo, crossword puzzle to hand) and the bouncy frivolity he's supposed to join in with. It's an engaging piece of positivity and hope, suggesting we all have that key best friend to be found just when we least expect. Yes, it features toilet humour, but even that is done in a most classy manner – a strong four stars any day.

[Helena Ainsworth]

A sweet story about finally finding someone like you - but also so very different. I found this to be a sweet children’s book reminiscent of the kind my mother used to read to me. A little strange and ‘adult’ in the art style compared to the average children’s book - but this is what always made me love them. As an autistic adult and as the owner of a reactive dog who struggles to make friends, this book was very touching.

Pages include paragraph length portions of text. Suitable for older kids looking to spend more time on each page or those reading along with guidance. Many of the pictures are dense and filled with detail to be discovered across multiple readings.

[Melki]

Once there was a very refined dachshund who drank coffee, used the toilet, and collected vintage sticks. He was both drawn to, and repulsed by other dogs. While he liked the idea of having fun with friends, the very thought of peeing on a tree, or, horrors - smelling another dog's butt - made him shudder.

Surely there must be another dog out there who appreciates the finer things in life . . .



This one is a treat for dog lovers, or for anyone who loves doing things their own particular way.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for sharing.

[Maya]

I initially was drawn to the front cover as we had a whippet in the family and I adore dogs!

A pack of your own is about a super cute Dachshund who just wants to fit in!

The characters are all loveable and it helps the reader think about embracing differences. The book includes themes of feeling different, finding others who will accept you as well as accepting yourself.

Beautiful illustrations and the story itself has a really positive message which will resonate with both adults and children.

[DollarBin ComicWin]

“A DELIGHTFUL PICTUREBOOK ABOUT A LONELY DACHSHUND WHO FINDS A FRIEND.”

Maria Nilsson Thore writes and illustrates a great children’s tale about finding your chosen family instead of forcing yourself to acclimate to another’s standards.
This is a great story for any child who may feel like they don’t fit in with everyone else around them.

Translated from its original Swedish, @jagjobbar ‘s art deserves to be next to other classical children’s story artist like A. A. Milne’s, Margret & H. A. Rey, and Beatrix Potter.

[Natasha]

A Pack of Your Own is a short-story about a dachshund wanting to find friends just like him.
I really loved the illustrations as it made the story more engaging. They also matched the personality of the characters well.
The story will be relatable to anybody interested in reading this book especially towards younger readers who may feel different.
This story sends a good message to its young readers, by telling them its okay to be yourself as you will find A Pack of Your Own.

[Chris]

I love reading a children’s book occasionally, I find it keeps me grounded. This is a delight, telling the story of a dog that doesn’t fit in to the pack due to being different. It is humorous, terrific illustrations and of course sends a strong message to both those that do fit in and those that feel that they don’t.


Thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Megan Klann]

A Pack of Your Own is a lovely children’s book which focuses on the message that it’s okay to be different. The little dachshund doesn’t like “normal” dog things and he thinks he’ll be alone forever. Then he meets another dog that is different too! The illustrations are beautiful and this would be perfect for children under 8.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Children’s Hardcover books for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Lisa Gisèle]

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

I did not know my dog wrote an autobiography! Seriously though, this book is adorable and I did read it to her in a high-pitched voice. I think kids will love it just as much as I do, especially if their dog does not know how to be a stereotypical dog. I'm picturing dog or I guess animal autobiography projects.

[Megan Wrye]

I was not a huge fan of this book. The illustrations were fine but the story is a little too hyperbolized to hold my kids attention. It did tell the story of a quirky dog looking for a pack of his own and we all know the pain of trying to find where we belong.

I was given the chance to read this through netgalley for an honest and fair review.

[Jennifer]

This picture book was provided to me as an advanced reader copy. The best thing about it is the pencil illustrations. I loved the detail of the tile in the bathroom to the pattern on the living room chair. There seemed to be a focus on poop and dogs sniffing butts. I know some kids may find this funny, but crude humor is not for me. It did have an uplifting message of finding friends.

[Elisabeth]

This was a cute book, it was enjoyable seeing the dogs and their hobbies. I liked the take on it, I didn't love all the artwork which is something I look forward to in picture books. Overall it was a cute story about friendship.

Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC!

[Air]

The perfect way to introduce individuality to kids and the uniqueness that comes from being yourself! Teaching it’s okay to like things that are different and enjoy stuff others might find boring or weird. It was a delightful read with sweet illustrations!

Thank you NetGalley!