Fancy Dogs

by Tini Malina, Tammi Reichel (Translator)

Our best friends are featured at their most stylish—and silliest—in this hilarious rhyming picture book that’s a perfect gift for dog lovers of any age.

Fancy dogs are elegant and distinguished, but of course, our lovable four-legged friends have many facets. They may have the chicest sweaters, but they still roll in the mud, drink from the toilet, and chew up our favorite shoes. However, that doesn’t make us love our furry friends any less. If anything, their behavior makes the perfect tale for a sweet little book sure to delight anyone whose best friend is fancy pants—and more.

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

48 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 6, 2026

Reviews

[Julie MacKay]

4 stars

This is a fun rhyming picture book about the things that ‘Fancy dogs’ get up to. Some are typical dog things like sniffing their bum and drinking from the loo, which gives the reader a bit of a chuckle.

I wasn’t a big fan of the illustrations, they do the job, but are a bit basic. I’m not all that keen on the way the red dog that features in this book is drawn, it’s a bit strange looking.

This book would be good for families who love dogs, especially ones who have a pet dog and can relate to the things described in the story.

Thank you to NorthSouth Books Inc. and NetGalley for sharing an advance reader copy of this book with me. All opinions are my own.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

ARC Review

Publication Date: 10/06/26

This book maybe short (48 pages and only a 10-20 minute read) but it’s just sssooo cute and funny. 🥰🥰🥰.

Fancy Dogs is pretty much a self explanatory book. It’s a picture book for children between the ages of Preschool and Kindergarten. However, from my perspective, anyone who owns a dog or just likes dogs could find themselves reading this and enjoying it. I, for one, can see myself buying a physical copy of this precious book and sharing it with my future children. I have every intention of turning them into healthy and heavy book readers as soon as they are born. 🤭🤭🤭.

Fancy Dogs might appear to be for a younger audience but I honestly think adults, who need a calm and easy read, will fall in love this book too. Aside from the cute illustrations, the rhyming theme is too funny. Fancy Dogs is a perfect summer read for all ages and one that will stay with me for a while.

Thank you NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!

[Kim Novak (The Reading Rx) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable and silly children's picture books about all the funny things that even fancy dogs do when they are just being dogs. The drawings gave me a bit of nostalgia for my 1980s childhood growing up with Little Miss and Richard Scary books where odd, shaped and quirky character drawings somehow hit the mark and communicated everything you needed to know about them.

Thank you to NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

[Kassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for providing me with an advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fancy Dogs is a silly picture book that follows a fancy dog through its daily life. It highlights all the things a fancy dog does, but by the end of the day, it’s still just a dog.

I read this book with my 10-year-old. While it’s well below his reading level, we both laughed and enjoyed the story. The playful, whimsical illustrations added to the fun and complemented the humor perfectly.

Since this is a children’s book, I asked my 10-year-old what he thought. He gave it 4 stars, and I’d say that’s a pretty solid recommendation from the target audience!

[er · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!

Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina is a children’s book, but it’s actually perfect for dog lovers of all ages. It’s a silly rhyming book about a fancy dog that maybe isn’t that different from regular dogs.

The art work is very peculiar, I found it modern but still perfect for children. Very detailed and colorful, the illustrations match the writing in a nice way.

The language used is pretty understandable, with just a few terms that might need to be explained (it’s british english!).

[Tetyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this story to my dog last night. It was the sweetest experience ever! The illustrations are adorable, and the funny descriptions of what a fancy dog can do made me smile. Best of all, it worked like a charm and put my dog right to sleep! Great option for a perfect puppy bedtime routine and your good mood 😁
Thanks to NetGalley for ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s book had me barking out loud rolling in mud with laughter at the relatable yet simple facts of owning such a fancy spectacle. As someone who has shared my life with dogs, from purebreds to rescues, they really are normal pets with typical canine behaviors that are anything but glitzy. Still, they will charm and win their humans over anyway with zero effort. Fancy Dogs effectively delivered on this message with equals parts of truth, humor and simplicity. And to top it off, the illustrations were cute, colorful and entertaining. My silly son would adore this highly amusing and easy-to-read book.

I would definitely recommend to anyone, ages 0-99, who has ever been loved by a dog - fancy or not.




Thank you NetGalley for bringing this lovable children’s title to my attention and NorthSouth Books for a great read.

[Christine Garrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the dog-loving child in your life—or anyone who simply enjoys watching dogs do delightfully dog-ish things—Fancy Dogs is an easy recommendation.

The book is divided into two playful halves. The first imagines all the wonderfully human habits a fancy dog might have, from following routines to dressing with impeccable style. The second gently reminds readers that, no matter how sophisticated they appear, dogs are still dogs at heart. It’s a timeless idea, but one that never loses its charm because every pet owner has experienced that moment when a dignified companion suddenly remembers they’re an animal.

The real standout, though, is the artwork. The illustrations have a modern, mid-century-inspired look, created with flat, textured shapes, a muted color palette, and expressive ink-like linework. The dogs’ tiny eyes, subtle facial expressions, and exaggerated poses communicate an impressive amount of personality with very little detail. They reminded me a bit of Jon Klassen’s minimalist style, where a slight tilt of the head or a sideways glance says more than pages of dialogue ever could. Every page is simple, whimsical, and full of character.

Tammi Reichel’s translation does a respectable job preserving the book’s playful rhymes in English. Still, I found myself wondering how closely the rhythm and wordplay mirror Tina Malina’s original text. Translating rhyme is never easy, and I’d be curious to compare the two versions someday. (Besides, with a name like Tina Malina, she already has a head start on rhyming.)

The story itself isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a sweet reminder that while we love to imagine our pets sharing our habits and personalities, the moments that make us laugh the hardest are usually when they embrace their wonderfully dog-like instincts. And honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books Inc. for providing an advanced listener copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick Summary: A ha-ha hilarious homage to fancy dogs everywhere

My Review: Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina is the absolute cutest dog-positive book. It is scheduled for release on 10/6/26.

Tammi Reichel is listed as the translator. She translated it from German to English. Salute on a job well done.

About the Book: "Our best friends are featured at their most stylish—and silliest—in this hilarious rhyming picture book that’s a perfect gift for dog lovers of any age."

In My Own Words: A rhythmical wondrous celebration of the fancy that is our canine friends.

My Final Say: This delightful picture book was a joy to read. From the cover to the artwork to the word play - it was giggle-worthy. I think kids will find it charming. It is a short, cute read that invites playful appreciation.

As I was reading, I was reminded of one of my favorite book characters, Fred from the Life of Fred math series. I kept thinking how much fun it would be to draw my own version of a fancy dog. Then, of course, I thought my own little loves, which made me chuckle to myself all the more.

This is a winner!

Other: Kids of all ages will adore this book. I guarantee it!

Special Note: This book would be a sensational resource for an elementary art class. Additionally, I could see it being a brilliant featured read for a library book club for young readers/early readers. It would not be too shabby as a gift for kiddos who love their doggy pets.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: K, G
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 🐕
Format: 📱
Cover: +
Title: +

Thank you to the author, to the translator, to the publisher (NorthSouth Books Inc. | NorthSouth Books), and to NetGalley for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was such a pleasant reading experience. I loved it immensely. I appreciate the opportunity.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a dog owner whose own dog disliked being dressed up...she only tolerated her harness after realizing it translated to a walk... this was a fun reminder of the fun many have dressing up their dogs. Let's just say, some neighborhood dogs have better wardrobes than I do. In this case, probably due to the beret on the cover dog, there was an air of France, which lasted until about halfway. that's when the author reminds us that even the fanciest dressed dog, well, likes to sniff rear ends, to be tactful. And eat shoes, and roll in mud, and, well, you get my drift. The message would seem to be a reminder that no matter how well dressed or "fancy" we may look, we're all the same on the inside. That's an important message for this era of status driven media messages we're frequently bombarded with.

The artwork is simple and colorful, not to mention that I'm assuming the hard copy books offer larger illustrations. That would mean it's easier for children, plural, perhaps to actually see the illustrations. That isn't always the case, let's face it. The text seemed to offer up some British terms, too, so be ready to explain if your child isn't familiar with them. The text is simple and the lyrical, rhythmic feel works for the most part which isn't always the case when a translation is involved. In any case, the playful tone is fun and should draw in young readers, especially those who like dogs. Or dressing up dogs. Or dressing themselves up, I guess. Anyway, the mix of common and not so common to children words will help build vocabulary and offer a chance for them to learn something other than that some dogs like to be dressed up. Thanks #NorthSouthBooks and #NetGalley for sharing this fun read with me. I'll definitely recommend it not just to parents but age appropriate teachers.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appearances don’t define who you are.

Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina is an excellent children’s book. It cleverly exposes ideas about appearances, identity, and expectations. 

There are plenty of literary devices in this little book! We’ve got repetition (anaphora), which creates a predictable rhythm that helps children anticipate the text and join in during read-alouds. There’s Rhyme, ex: hairdos/tutus, collars/hours, meats/neat, beds/threads, which supports phonological awareness, an important early literacy skill. There’s humor, keeping children engaged while making the message memorable. There’s contrast and irony (juxtaposition), for ex: Fancy collars and sequins contrasted with muddy puddles, fleas, and chewing shoes, which helps show little kiddos that outward appearances don’t change one’s essential nature. Despite all their elegance, the dogs still behave like ordinary dogs and that’s ok.



“Like any Dog, Fancy Ones chase, leap, and prance… for no Fancy Dog is just fancy-pants.”


Even though these dogs are dressed in elegant clothes and live luxurious lives, they still chew shoes, get fleas, play in mud, sneak a few bites of forbidden food, drink from the toilet, and so on.

 What a great way to deliver a subtle message to kids on how beneath appearances, we all share common traits and that who we are matters far more than how we look.


I highly recommend this children’s book. It’s a great addition to help build early literacy skills and can help early readers spark discussion. It’s both entertaining and meaningful and this combination makes it a strong recommendation for library collections, storytimes, and classroom read-alouds.

Thank you Net Galley and NorthSouth Books for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fancy Dogs is a rhyming picture book that I think would be good for children from age 2 or 3 to 5 or 6. It has minimalist illustrations of various kinds of dogs doing various kinds of things that kids would enjoy taking time to look at in addition to listening to (or recounting or eventually reading) the words.

Shortly before the conclusion, the fancy dogs surprise us by doing some decidedly un-fancy things. This is a book that gives children credit for having a sense of humor, and also accepts fancy dogs (and perhaps by extension, the children reading the book) for their foibles as well as their more impressive traits. Even fancy dogs cause trouble from time to time and might even drink from the toilet, but they’re still loved and lovable.

This is a book that contains a nice lesson, but isn’t one of those overly precious books that makes kids have to wade through too much sentimentality or hardship to get to the moral of the story. As a parent of two formerly young children myself, I think that this might be the kind of book that kids like because it’s silly and parents like because it reminds them just before their children lay down and fall asleep (after just one more book and a drink of water) that we all contain multitudes, and the child who made you crazy today is the same one that will delight you tomorrow.

We can be forgiven for feeling frustrated when a fancy dog chews up our shoe, but we will do well to remember that they’re doing what comes naturally and not intentionally driving us nuts. A lesson for caregiver and child alike that comes with a soothing rhyme and fun pictures. What more could you ask for?!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of Fancy Dogs in exchange for my review.

[Crystal Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NorthSouth Books for gifting me this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Not only am I a former children's book publicist, I'm also a dog foster mom who has fostered 38 dogs, as well as a mom to two (now teenage) book loving, dog loving kiddos. I feel like this makes me uniquely qualified to review this adorable little picture book.

Without a doubt, this is a book my kids and I would have reached for again and again when they were little.

I would have reached for it because it's fun to read out loud, with playful rhymes that work whether you're racing through it at bedtime or slowing down to linger over the pictures when you have extra time. I always love books like this because each reading can be different, since you can ask questions as you go. Things like: "What color is Fancy Dog's plaid outfit?", "What do you think Fancy Dog's soft chic barks sound like?", "What do you think Fancy Dog got his first place ribbon for?"

And I'm sure my kids would have loved the "naughty" pages, Fancy Dog sniffing his bum, drinking out of the loo, and begged me to read those pages over and over again.

My one critique is that the same dog is featured throughout almost the entire book, with other fancy dogs only appearing on the final pages. I wish they'd mixed up the dogs earlier on, since it would have been another great way to capture kids' attention and give parents more to talk about: "What color is that fancy dog?", "Do you think this fancy dog is bigger or smaller than the one on the last page?", "What would you name this fancy dog?"

Otherwise, I thought this book was so cute.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars #CampNetGalley

[The Page Collectors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the NorthSouth Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fancy Dogs is a sweet, silly picture book that had me smiling the whole way through. It follows a group of impeccably dressed, very fancy dogs, but reminds readers that no matter how polished they look, they're still dogs. They sniff butts, roll around, and do all the goofy things dogs are famous for.
The rhyming is simple and flows well, making it a fun read-aloud for younger kids. It has that repetitive, bouncy rhythm that little ones tend to love, and I can definitely see it becoming a favorite bedtime or storytime pick.

What surprised me most was the message I took away from it. On the surface, it's a funny book about fancy dogs doing decidedly unfancy things. But I also couldn't help thinking about how easy it is to compare ourselves to the polished versions of other people's lives that we see online. We see the fancy outfits, the beautiful homes, the perfect vacations but we don't always see the messy, ordinary parts that everyone has. In a funny way, this book is a reminder that we're all a lot more alike than we think.

Kids will probably just think it's hilarious (because, let's be honest, anything involving dogs sniffing butts is comedy gold when you're five), but I love when a picture book has a little something for the grown-ups reading it, too.

Overall, this is a charming, humorous picture book with fun illustrations, catchy rhymes, and a message that feels surprisingly relevant. It's a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously and that even the fanciest among us are still a little goofy.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whether your dog is fancy or not, there are so many traits they share. They can chew on your favorite shoes, roll around in the mud, among other silly things a dog can do.

Come share this little, simple, and delightful book with a dog-loving child in your life.

When looking at the illustrations, I find the ones here vibrant. I appreciate much of the white background to the bold colors that can be seen within the dogs and humans in this book. On the other hand, I find the dogs and humans stiff and unpleasant to view. Perhaps a child would not mind, but I wished the illustrations were a bit more inviting.

There wasn't a true plot to the book. However, there was definitely humor, lightness to the text, and the subject of dogs would make many people smile. Our dog has never drunk from the toilet, but this concept would make any child laugh. The book also brings home the concept that all dogs are special.

I rate "Fancy Dogs" 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend this picture book to those families with children who enjoy some sweet, silly and simple humor. Those who appreciate dogs as a pet would also find this an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher (NorthSouth Books Inc. | NorthSouth Books), and the author for giving me the opportunity to read "Fancy Dogs". All opinions are my own.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my pick for the Goodreads 2026 Camp NetGalley Badge.

Described as a charming, silly, rhyming treat "perfect for anyone who's ever loved a dog," this children's book absolutely lives up to that promise. I think dog lovers of any age will find something to smile about here.

First and foremost, the cover is adorable while still feeling chic. It's the kind of book you'll want to display on a shelf when you're not reading it. The illustrations are just as delightful, with each page somehow cuter than the last. The warm color palette perfectly complements the playful, fancy feel of the story.

While the book begins with a polished, buttoned-up pup, it quickly reminds us that even the fanciest dogs have a playful side. From chewing shoes and rolling in the mud to sneaking food whenever they get the chance, these moments will feel familiar to anyone who's shared life with a dog. It's a fun, affectionate celebration of our four-legged friends, from tip to tail.

I received a complimentary advance review copy of this book via NetGalley; thank you to NetGalley, Tini Malina, translator Tammi Reichel, and NorthSouth Books Inc.

Pub Date: October 6, 2026

[Anna Makowska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fancy Dogs is a rhyming picture book translated from German about behaviour of dogs - and not all of it is fancy. It's short and fun and if anyone likes dogs, they'll probably chuckle how accurate this is. The illustration style is simple and fairly stylized. The rhymes are sometimes odd but I guess that's the best a translation can do when the source text is in a different language and needs to match the pictures. I remember when I was young and found out, no, that translated Pokemon opening song is not the exact translation, because it needed to match the music beats first.

In comparison to the last year's Camp Netgalley entry from this publisher, I thought this one was funnier and had a better punchline, but the illustrations were much more minimalistic and less eye-catchy. However, that might be an advantage in some cases where clearer and less busy images are preferred to capture the attention of a child.

I hoped the story would showcase different dogs instead of being mostly about one dog, however there's a brief mention of other dogs at the very end.

Thank you Camp NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for the ARC.

[Rebecca Reeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an animal lover, I always enjoy books about animals and also enjoy finding books that I can give as a gift to young children to encourage their love of animals. Thus, this was the book I chose for a Camp NetGalley Badge. Strong points for this book are simple but bold illustrations that a young child would enjoy, and the rhyme schemes are extremely simple. I am always pleased to see rhyming books since children seem to like rhymes even when speakers at writing conventions seem to always be saying rhyming children's books are not what current pubvlishers want. The conclusion of the book is sweet, suggesting that every dog is special in its own way. Prior to that there could be some confusion as to why the word fancy, which is used on every single page,applies to the destruction of toys or a dog cleaning its bottom.. Some things that teachers possibly may not like are the references to dogs licking their butts and -to a lesser degree- drinking out of the toilet. In the United States, some of the terminology might be confusing; for example "loo" instead of toilet.

[Amanda R Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Fancy Dogs first with my 6 year-old child. She liked it "medium-ish." She is an early reader, and though she liked the story, some of the language was hard for her, especially the non-American English words she isn't familiar with, such as "loo" for "toilet." This is to be expected as it is an English translation of the German original text. Her favorite part was the fancy glass of loo water, getting a long laugh. 
She rated it a 3/5.

My avid reader 9 year-old independently read the book as well. She disliked the exact same scene my younger child liked best because it exhibited bad behavior. She liked the complexity of the fancy dogs, being both fancy and still like normal dogs.
She rated it a 4/5.

As a parent, it is a short story about public appearance versus reality that can help prepare our children for a modern society of curated social media content not accurately portraying the more authentic, relatable realities of life.
I'm rating it 4/5.

Thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for this eARC!

#campnetgalley

[Marinna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina is a very delightful children's book. Full of fun and silly illustrations, Fancy Dogs is approved for readers old and young! I enjoyed the simplicity of the illustrations, as they are pictures my children could easily copy and feel accomplished (their current favorite activity). I loved that there was a page with a calendar. This opens up the book to also be used as a way to practice counting and remembering how many days each month has. I especially enjoy incorporating little extra facts and practice when reading with my children, and Fancy Dogs delivers!

The rhyming in Fancy Dogs allows the book to flow nicely while opening up the reader to pace the book fast or slow. I look forward to picking up Fancy Dogs when it's released in October!

Thank you to NetGalley, NorthSouth Books Inc., NorthSouth Books, author Tini Malina, and translator Tammi Reichel for this ARC of Fancy Dogs in exchange for an honest review!

[Ally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina.

Fancy Dogs is a short but absolutely charming picture book that is sure to delight young readers. Filled with an adorable, stylish dog, the story is simple enough to keep little ones engaged while making it a fun book to read aloud together.

The illustrations are the real standout they're bright, colorful, and full of personality, giving each page plenty to look at and enjoy. The cheerful artwork perfectly complements the playful theme and will capture the attention of children from beginning to end.

While it's a quick read, Fancy Dogs is sweet, entertaining, and perfect for story time. Young animal lovers, especially those adore dogs, will have a wonderful time discovering all the fancy pups. This is a delightful addition to any child's bookshelf and one I can easily see becoming a favorite during story time.

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you NetGalley and North South Books!

I may have chosen this book to get my Camp NetGalley badge of the summer, but I’m so glad I did. This darling book is so fun! I love the illustrations, and the rhyming is splendid! The book talks about all the non-fancy things dogs do, even when they appear to be dapper. There is one particular “booty sniffing” page that simply cracked me up!

The back of the book says it better than I can: “This charming, silly, rhyming treat is perfect for anyone who’s ever loved a dog, fancy or not!”

If you have kiddos or are a child at heart — especially one who loves dogs — this is a great addition to your bookshelves! The book was originally written in German, titled “Schicke Hunde,” and is also available in a Spanish edition, titled “Los perros finos.”

[Renelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NorthSouth Books Inc, and Tini Malina for this ARC! I got this book because I'm always trying to find engaging books for my kids at work: one that contains simple language that you can across various levels of neurodivergent children. If it's a simple sentence accompanied by carefully curated drawings, then it's a winner.

Favorites about this book : It's about dogs--obviously I couldn't not pick this up 😂. Each page has 1 short sentence, along with cute artwork depicting that sentence.

Great for: Kids from 1-2 years old. Also for much older kids who are struggling with language and need a simple book that's short and engaging.

I'd likely use this book as well for my older kids (5+ years old) when doing a discussion-type of activity where they'll be expanding and inferring based on a short text that we just looked at.

I would definitely get a physical copy of this book for my clients.

[stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina was a fun read with the cutest illustrations. Keeping it short and simple on each page, I felt that this easily kept my toddler’s attention from beginning to end. The illustrations matched each sentence perfectly. I really enjoyed how it shows that even the fanciest of dogs sometimes do some not so fancy things too. I felt this book can take on two lessons. One being that everyone makes mistakes even the fanciest of dogs or that being your complete self in all it’s fanciness and silliness is perfectly okay you don’t always have to uphold this “fancy” approach. Definitely would recommend this read for lower grades or as a fun read to gift. There are a couple of vocabulary words that some lower levels may need to review or just break down as you read, but I feel the illustrations definitely help the reader gain context.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable illustrations right at the start! I loved the inner cover illustrations of the dog treats and accessories. I found the red dog immediately drew my attention into the story and pictures. The front page indicates it is for PreK-1. I think it may be too simple for a first grader, but the sentence structure and rhyming are perfect for anyone learning to read. I was thrown a bit for a loop halfway through though... "Fancy dogs also sniff their own bums. And sometimes get fleas-where do those come from?" I suppose you have to mix the cutesy aspects of dogs with the reality of them! I'm sure this will give the kids a good laugh! Also note that the book uses European/British terms, for example, "marks" and "loo," so an American child may not be familiar with some of the words. Many thanks to Camp NetGalley for an advance reader's copy of this book!  

[Bookmeaway]

3/5 - lu en anglais

Très court, très simple, mignon et un peu drôle avec un petit twist au milieu. J'aurais aimé voir plus de potis chiens au cours de ma lecture et pas qu'à la fin :(

*

A short picture book, with a very fancy - and funny - dog, that shows us what his life consists of.
With a slight amusing twist coming in the middle of the book.

It's very easy to read, the sentences are short. The vocabulary is interesting. The illustrations are simple but transmit well the emotions, or situations.

The only thing that I would have liked better and which would have made the book better, in my opinion, would have been to have more drawings of other fancy dogs. Their designs on the last page are so cute, original, and funny. I would have liked it if all the doggies and puppies showed up more through the other pages.

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina (illustrations and rhymes)
Translated by Tammi Reichel
48 pages

A bright and colorful picture book for Pre-K to grade 1 that can be enjoyed by dog lovers of ANY AGE!

I downloaded this children’s book on a whim because I sometimes call my cat “Fancy Pants” because of her beautiful, fluffy tail, which doesn’t match the snow white fur which makes up the rest of her body!

Choosing to open it on the Kindle APP on my IPAD, so I could enjoy it in color, made the book only 29 pages long, and a quick little read! Not much of a story but “cute” illustrations which follow a FANCY dog doing the ordinary things that ALL dogs do-both good things and naughty things!

Available October 6, 2026

Thank You to NorthSouth Books for the gifted copy provided by NetGalley! As always these are my candid thoughts!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Sweet, rhythmic and fanciful…

I picked this children’s book off the NetGalley shelf for this year’s Camp NetGalley selection. I’m always up for something whimsical and this fit the bill completely. Bright, colourful, the prose was minimal but the fun was immense as man’s best friend was showcased in their own many unique looks and actions. Sniffing, cuddling, sneaking food – whether good or bad – these pooches were full of fun in their many antics. The illustrations were fanciful but easily recognizable even if many (if not most) pooches had no hands/feet/paws! Why does that bug me when I know this is fiction? I don’t know why it just does lol.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the rhymes and the pictures in this sweet look at everyone’s best friend…

*I happily reviewed this story (in e-book form)
**Thank you to the author and NetGalley

[Lila Danisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was funny! My 5 years old son loved it so much!

The book is about two sides of dogs. While they could behave (very) fancy, they still did 'normal-silly' dog behaviors.

My son found it funny how fancy yet silly dogs could be. He knows what fancy is and I think that was why he found the fancy acts dogs portrayed in this book funny. Props to the illustrations though. The illustrations delivered the fancy-ness and silliness of the dogs really good. The illustrations were so vibrant with colors without made the eyes overwhelmed with them. My son especially loved that there were many breeds illustrated in this book too.

Thank you to Tini Malina, Tammi Reichel, NorthSouth Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.

ps. This book is one of books featured in NetGalley Camp 2026. My son loved it even more because somehow he also involved in the camp by reading this book by himself.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fancy Dogs has a wonderful mid-century modern vibe that feels delightfully old-school. Everything looks handmade—you can almost smell the wet paint on the pages. In a world where so much art is starting to feel generative, that kind of organic craftsmanship is becoming a rare treat.

The story gently reminds kids that whether you’re rich, famous, or just an ordinary pup, we’re all pretty much the same underneath. We all get fleas sometimes! It’s a sweet message that never feels heavy-handed.

The illustrations were my favorite part. They even gave me a little Eric Carle nostalgia with their bold, cut shaped feel. A simple, charming picture book that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to read.