What do you think?
The Chase
Are you ready?
Are you steady?
FETCH!
A girl on a beach throws a ball for one eager little dog. Suddenly one dog becomes two—three—TEN leaping, bounding doggies, hot on its trail! The chase is who will be the lucky pup to fetch the bright red prize?
The race leads them down the beach, through the city, into the museum; high up over the city balanced on an iron girder; through the park down the river, what’s that rumbling sound? Oh dear! But not even a thundering waterfall will stop these determined dogs from chasing down that ball…
An utter joy from beginning to end, this book combines the charm—and an adorable canine crew—of Hairy Maclary with the infectious rhythm and energy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
Are you steady?
FETCH!
A girl on a beach throws a ball for one eager little dog. Suddenly one dog becomes two—three—TEN leaping, bounding doggies, hot on its trail! The chase is who will be the lucky pup to fetch the bright red prize?
The race leads them down the beach, through the city, into the museum; high up over the city balanced on an iron girder; through the park down the river, what’s that rumbling sound? Oh dear! But not even a thundering waterfall will stop these determined dogs from chasing down that ball…
An utter joy from beginning to end, this book combines the charm—and an adorable canine crew—of Hairy Maclary with the infectious rhythm and energy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.
34 pages, Hardcover
Published February 3, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
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April 3, 2026Om mee te beginnen: dit is een ontzettend leuk prentenboek! In het begin van het verhaal zien we een meisje op een strand dat een rode bal naar haar hondje gooit. In de verte zie je meteen ook allemaal andere honden die getriggerd zijn om achter de bal aan te rennen. Er ontstaat een enorme jacht op die bal, waarbij je dwars door allerlei gebouwen heen rent - er komen steeds meer honden bij. Voor in het boek vind je een lijst waar alle getekende hondenrassen benoemd worden en er wordt ook kort iets gezegd over de manier waarop de illustraties gemaakt zijn. In dit herhaalverhaal zit veel vaart, er is veel in te ontdekken en de honden zijn heerlijk losjes geïllustreerd. Zo’n boek wat je opnieuw wil blijven voorlezen.
Uitgegeven bij Rubinstein in vertaling van Xanna Reddingius, voor lezers vanaf 4 jaar.
We bespreken dit boek in aflevering 161 van De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast. Luister nu via Spotify, je podcast-app of https://degrotevriendelijkepodcast.nl
Uitgegeven bij Rubinstein in vertaling van Xanna Reddingius, voor lezers vanaf 4 jaar.
We bespreken dit boek in aflevering 161 van De Grote Vriendelijke Podcast. Luister nu via Spotify, je podcast-app of https://degrotevriendelijkepodcast.nl
June 11, 2026
A fun book about dogs chasing a ball. The illustration are a little too small for a read aloud so better as a one-on-one story.
August 14, 2026
I loved this one and think young readers and dog-lovers will love it too. It's a fun adventure to follow along on the pages, and I love all of the dog diversity.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Quick-paced scenes make this an exciting read from beginning to end.
A girl is on the beach, playing with her dog. She tosses the ball, hoping it will chase after it, but what she doesn't expect is that some of the other dogs on the beach join the chase. These dogs are on a mission as the ball leads them through streets, hills, cities and more. With each scene change, the number of dogs multiplies until it's a chase like never seen before.
The surmise of this read is pretty straight forward, and that's what makes it so enjoyable. Readers/listeners will easily be able to guess what is coming from the cover, and the anticipation mounts as the little girl tosses the ball on the first pages. It's the fun of knowing everything will get out of control, which keeps readers in the pages. And the end...well, it holds the right note.
The text plays along with the illustrations and accompanies the moments, one after the other. It flows well and makes a nice read-aloud, although some phrases seemed a bit unnecessary, at times, since the illustrations say everything. The illustrations keep the emotions and fun high. The change of scenes with every flip of the page adds a little suspense, and of course, there are details here and there to delight listeners/readers. The artwork carries a more relaxed style without many definite lines, and this helps to create the needed, chaotic atmosphere, since a flurry of racing dogs wouldn't carry pristine exactness. There were moments, though, with darker color hues, which made the scenes a little harder to immediately take in. Still, they are well done and listeners will want to flip through and revisit each moment on their own.
It's a cute, easy story, which packs tons of fun.
A girl is on the beach, playing with her dog. She tosses the ball, hoping it will chase after it, but what she doesn't expect is that some of the other dogs on the beach join the chase. These dogs are on a mission as the ball leads them through streets, hills, cities and more. With each scene change, the number of dogs multiplies until it's a chase like never seen before.
The surmise of this read is pretty straight forward, and that's what makes it so enjoyable. Readers/listeners will easily be able to guess what is coming from the cover, and the anticipation mounts as the little girl tosses the ball on the first pages. It's the fun of knowing everything will get out of control, which keeps readers in the pages. And the end...well, it holds the right note.
The text plays along with the illustrations and accompanies the moments, one after the other. It flows well and makes a nice read-aloud, although some phrases seemed a bit unnecessary, at times, since the illustrations say everything. The illustrations keep the emotions and fun high. The change of scenes with every flip of the page adds a little suspense, and of course, there are details here and there to delight listeners/readers. The artwork carries a more relaxed style without many definite lines, and this helps to create the needed, chaotic atmosphere, since a flurry of racing dogs wouldn't carry pristine exactness. There were moments, though, with darker color hues, which made the scenes a little harder to immediately take in. Still, they are well done and listeners will want to flip through and revisit each moment on their own.
It's a cute, easy story, which packs tons of fun.
March 15, 2026
Not sure what it was about this book but something just didn’t connect with me. I am sure this will be an absolute treat for a dog, loving kid. I love that there were so many different kinds of dogs in the illustrations were positively magical and sweet and seemed to call back to old little golden books. There was just something about this ball that perpetually moves, but somehow it goes back to where it was starting from that just annoyed me more than charmed me. And then there were some parts that were actually a little distressing, like all of the dogs being stuck on a steel beam that got risen up to the top of skyscrapers? And somehow there’s a giant waterfall in New York City? That the dogs all almost go over? And I absolutely detest “cats are evil” foils to “good dogs“ but I’m being probably a little too particular. Pick it up and give it a try yourself. For me, though, it was just a little bit too bizarre.
March 30, 2026
The Chase is enormous fun from the very first page. It opens on a beach where a young girl holds a bright red ball and asks her dog, “Are you ready?” She kicks the ball—and instantly every dog on the beach races after it. From there the adventure gathers momentum. The ball rolls through town, into a museum, across a park and even down a river, picking up more and more dogs along the way before finally ending up back where it began - on the beach.
Bloomfield’s illustrations are brimming with energy and movement, and there are lots of amusing details to spot such as a dog in a hard hat and another running along clutching a bunch of flowers. The book has an infectious feel and the lively rhythm of the text makes it an absolute joy to read aloud. Ideal for early years and KS1 classrooms/libraries, it invites retelling, prediction and discussion.
Bloomfield’s illustrations are brimming with energy and movement, and there are lots of amusing details to spot such as a dog in a hard hat and another running along clutching a bunch of flowers. The book has an infectious feel and the lively rhythm of the text makes it an absolute joy to read aloud. Ideal for early years and KS1 classrooms/libraries, it invites retelling, prediction and discussion.
August 6, 2026
Another picked up at the Book Stop in Skircoat Green, Halifax - AND another signed edition, complete with hand drawn picture of the pup with the wheels for back legs. Do visit this shop and support it because it’s lovely
https://www.thebook-stop.com/
Anyway. This book is fantastic, although I’m not entirely sure the text is completely necessary because the story works just as well without it which is testament to Bloomfield’s ability as an artist. The dogs are wonderful - as mentioned above, there’s a prominent disabled dog and it’s a proper mix of breeds and mutts with the added detail of them picking up props going along. The whole thing is full of forward motion and very funny and it’s also nicely cyclical. Great fun
https://www.thebook-stop.com/
Anyway. This book is fantastic, although I’m not entirely sure the text is completely necessary because the story works just as well without it which is testament to Bloomfield’s ability as an artist. The dogs are wonderful - as mentioned above, there’s a prominent disabled dog and it’s a proper mix of breeds and mutts with the added detail of them picking up props going along. The whole thing is full of forward motion and very funny and it’s also nicely cyclical. Great fun
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publishers for my ARC.
A girl throws a red ball for her dog to fetch, which leads to a merry chase after the bouncy ball.
I love the action portrayed in this picture book as it moves from the beach to the city and back again to the girl. Children will enjoy the movement of scenes in this picture book.
Blurb here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/...
A girl throws a red ball for her dog to fetch, which leads to a merry chase after the bouncy ball.
I love the action portrayed in this picture book as it moves from the beach to the city and back again to the girl. Children will enjoy the movement of scenes in this picture book.
Blurb here: https://www.theepochtimes.com/bright/...
February 4, 2026
I received an electronic ARC from Frances Lincoln Children's Books through Edelweiss+.
Younger readers will appreciate the energy portrayed in the illustrations. They capture the pure joy these dogs feel as they chase a ball thrown by a young girl. This starts with one dog and builds to many. Readers will laugh at the antics if they study the pictures, and be amused by the wide variety of locations where the ball goes. I appreciate the circular book as we end where we started.
Younger readers will appreciate the energy portrayed in the illustrations. They capture the pure joy these dogs feel as they chase a ball thrown by a young girl. This starts with one dog and builds to many. Readers will laugh at the antics if they study the pictures, and be amused by the wide variety of locations where the ball goes. I appreciate the circular book as we end where we started.
June 26, 2026
Fantastische illustraties: zoveel op te zien, zoveel verhaal. De tekst is echt ondergeschikt en ook niet super uitdagend, maar dat mag de pret niet drukken. Lekker veel oorzaak en gevolg situaties, dus begrijpend kijken is van belang!
De illustraties vind ik ook echt heel inspirerend om een tekenles aan vast te knopen (tekenen zonder beginlijnen?!). Het bekijken waard dus!
Groep 1 t/m 5 - explorende dimensie
De illustraties vind ik ook echt heel inspirerend om een tekenles aan vast te knopen (tekenen zonder beginlijnen?!). Het bekijken waard dus!
Groep 1 t/m 5 - explorende dimensie
March 22, 2026
As a dog lover and long-time collector of Jenny Bloomfield’s artwork, my opinion might be somewhat biased. However, this is the author/illustrator’s best book so far. For anyone who’s ever shared a day or lifetime with dogs of any shape or size, ‘The Chase’ is an absolute delight to be enjoyed time and time again.
August 19, 2026
Soooo charming! I loved the sweet pack of dogs that seems to grow as the book continues. I loved turning the book at points and the gatefold that revealed further joyful chaos. I feel like Bloomfield captured the movement of dogs really well and I loved the almost watercolor/looser style that fit that movement so well. Such a fun read!
February 24, 2026
Join a pack of dogs on a wild, rollicking, and rhyming chase that results from a game of fetch.
This would make a great read-aloud for storytime, and the author's frenetic illustrations are just great.
This would make a great read-aloud for storytime, and the author's frenetic illustrations are just great.
May 20, 2026
A rhyming book. This reminded me of go Dog go! The illustrations were a little busy for my taste. I didn't think the foldout page added anything to the story. I really love dogs, so I was sad not to have liked this one.
February 14, 2026
What a cute book, I loved the changes throughout. My grandson and I will read many times.
March 21, 2026
Absolutely beautiful illustrations but content is not very thought-provoking for children
March 31, 2026
I can't care about dogs, but this book would be a great story time choice. Fun, active, good book turns.
April 24, 2026
I loved this one! I started giggling when the Bernese Mountain Dog first picked up the ceratopsian skull and it just got better on every page. :D
April 25, 2026
Dogs chase a ball from the beach, through a park, and through a city. Lots and lots of breeds of dogs. Told in rhyme. My kids have reread this multiple times in 24 hours.
April 30, 2026
the illustrations are awesome. <3
May 18, 2026
Leuk repeteer verhaal. Laat de kinderen het vervolg vertellen. Bekijk vooral ook samen de schutbladen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
Veel te zien op de illustraties. Ik vond de bonte verzameling kriebeltjekrashonden in dit boek erg gezellig. Je volgt samen met de honden een stuiterende felroze bal.
2026, 3+
2026, 3+
August 14, 2026
Awesome illustrations, and not many words.
September 18, 2026
It is a little far fetched. That said, young dog lovers will undoubtedly enjoy it.
August 4, 2026
I am not a dog lover, but I loved this simplistic story line of the dogs chasing a ball at the beach and far, far beyond. I prefer large dogs with plenty of fur and beautiful eyes and the end papers were well illustrated with these types created with pens, pencils, and Procreate. On the copyright page there is a list of dog breeds shown in the illustrations and they are all very individualistic. Beautiful eyes.
July 28, 2025
I received this book from Edelweiss/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Dogs x chaos = sign me up! I saw this one up on Edelweiss and I just LOVED the look and sound of it. And I can tell you, I loved the book so much!
In this enormously adorable picture book we meet a little doggo and his owner. She has a bright red ball and she is ready to play fetch! What happens next is pure chaos. Because it isn’t just our sweet little white with brown spotted dog, oh no. It is all the dogs on the beach. And as the ball travels through the little town near the beach we get more and more dogs added. From dalmatians to poodles to St. Bernards. Floofy dogs, small dogs, BIG dogs. Everyone is in for that bright red ball. The dogs run through alleys, museums (which led to one of them wearing something from a dinosaur) to underground and above ground to a lake/pond, and so on and on and on. The chaos was just brilliant and I just love seeing the various dogs do their best to get that ball (not hindered by the objects they brought along). Of course, the original dog is the one to lead the pack continuously. He was always the first to find the ball when they lost track.
I loved the ending,
The art was just so much fun. I loved the details, the various dog breeds, the fact that one dog had a special wheelchair. I loved seeing more and more dogs come to follow that ball.
All in all, if you are looking for a fabulous and fun book filled with chaos and dogs then this one is for you!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Dogs x chaos = sign me up! I saw this one up on Edelweiss and I just LOVED the look and sound of it. And I can tell you, I loved the book so much!
In this enormously adorable picture book we meet a little doggo and his owner. She has a bright red ball and she is ready to play fetch! What happens next is pure chaos. Because it isn’t just our sweet little white with brown spotted dog, oh no. It is all the dogs on the beach. And as the ball travels through the little town near the beach we get more and more dogs added. From dalmatians to poodles to St. Bernards. Floofy dogs, small dogs, BIG dogs. Everyone is in for that bright red ball. The dogs run through alleys, museums (which led to one of them wearing something from a dinosaur) to underground and above ground to a lake/pond, and so on and on and on. The chaos was just brilliant and I just love seeing the various dogs do their best to get that ball (not hindered by the objects they brought along). Of course, the original dog is the one to lead the pack continuously. He was always the first to find the ball when they lost track.
I loved the ending,
The art was just so much fun. I loved the details, the various dog breeds, the fact that one dog had a special wheelchair. I loved seeing more and more dogs come to follow that ball.
All in all, if you are looking for a fabulous and fun book filled with chaos and dogs then this one is for you!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews