Циркові собаки Роско та Роллі: Ukrainian Edition of "Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly"

by Tuula Pere, Francesco Orazzini (Illustrator), Victor Stols (Translator)

Roscoe, a seasoned circus dog, is growing old. Tricks he once performed with ease are getting difficult. Luckily the new puppy, Rolly, is a quick learner. She helps out her old friend, who is worried that one day he'll get fired from the circus. When a crisis interrupts the Christmas performance, it's up to old Roscoe to save the day! His golden heart and incredibly sensitive nose come in handy. As Roscoe himself says, "I may forget everything else, but I will never forget the smell of a child."

42 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Steven Seril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Score: 95/100 (9.5 out of 10)
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Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly is yet another emotionally-charged and powerful children's book by Tuula Pere! This book packed a punch that we weren't expecting and in a way we weren't expecting it.

How is it that Pere keeps pleasantly surprising us? Despite most of her books being packed with emotional depth and complexity, each one seems to tackle emotional depth and complexity in a fresh and different way! It's incredible to consider the range that Pere has as an author and, really, a thinker.

Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly focuses on Roscoe, a furry, fluffy, fan-favorite circus dog. Roscoe specializes in an act in which he solves math problems by barking. However, old age is catching up to poor Roscoe. After years of being at the top of his game and performing as a superstar, Roscoe is beginning to decline. His eyesight and mind are not what they used to be, and he stops being able to identify cards and count numbers like he used to.

Rolly, his young protege and co-star, is forced to take up more of a starring role, yet she is anxious and unprepared for the spotlight. Roscoe steps up as a mentor and a coach, encouraging and teaching her.

In the midst of all of this, a child goes missing during one of the circus's performances, creating a crisis for everyone there. No one is able to find the child. However, Roscoe comes in handy because, despite his sense of sight and his mind having declined, his strong sense of smell remains keen. Can old Roscoe become the unlikeliest of heroes and avert this catastrophe?

This book does so many things well. First of all, despite the illustrations being different from what usually appeals to us, it's still wonderful. Next, the story is very relatable and easy to follow. Anyone who has lost the ability to do something they loved or has experienced the effects of aging can relate to Roscoe's struggles. This story also has a lot of layers to it. First, there's Roscoe's struggle—the focal point of the story. However, his struggle overlaps with that of Rolly, who is really just trying her best to fill the big shoes that Roscoe is leaving.

If there's any one bit of criticism we have, it's that the text/font size is pretty small, making it a bit hard to see or read at times, which is ironic given Roscoe's worsening eyesight in the book.

Other than that, we really enjoyed and appreciated this book.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly, written by Tuula Pere and Francesco Orazzini, is a sweet story about two circus companions, one young and agile, the other old and wise, that make the perfect team. Rolly, fresh and eager to learn the tricks of the trade, pick up the acts quickly and becomes beloved by their child audience in no time. Roscoe, the more seasoned actor of the duo, is Rolly's mentor, but he is growing older and playing a less active role in the show. Leaving Roscoe struggling to find purpose in the show that, as he sees it, is doing just fine without him. When disaster strikes, Roscoe proves he still has one more trick up his sleeve, and only he can save the day.

This is a beautifully written story of two friends who, although at different stages of their lives, show compassion, understanding, and strength for one another. The authors do a remarkable job of highlighting the importance of realizing your strengths and never giving up in life. Along with the charming illustrations, this is the perfect story for young readers because it is easy to follow, and the message is evident throughout. It is incredibly vital to instill perseverance and self-confidence no matter the circumstance, and these delightfully lovable characters succeed in allowing this message to shine through.

Circus Dogs Roscoe and Rolly, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Francesco Orazzini, is a heartwarming picturebook about appreciating everyone is different and has different skills and abilities. This wonderful children's story shows kids that everyone has value in life and can make a difference positively.

[Marichus Real · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roscoe is a circus dog, but he is getting old. The tricks he used to perform are getting more difficult every day. The circus has another young dog who does all the physical work, while Roscoe does the easiest tricks. It is a good arrangement for everybody.
With every passing day, Roscoe is more worried about the possibility of being fired.
One day, something happens during the circus performance, and Roscoe solves it with his wonderful nose.
A beautiful story about getting old but having some skills that only an old one had developed through the years, and acquiring knowledge.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully Illustrated story about what happens when you are aging and you feel like you no longer can do what you were doing. But when there is a crisis that happens sometimes the old ways come back to shine. There's also a new puppy in the picture that has a bright future and lots to learn. Especially from the older dog who has lots of Tricks but they are hard to do. Wonderful family read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book!

Teaching children to never give up, the story focuses on the friendship between two dogs: Roscoe and Rolly.
I particularly liked that the theme of aging is weaved in very subtly, which is a rarity in children’s books.
The illustrations are exceptional and suits the narrative perfectly.

[Kirjapallo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tämä oli vaan ihan liian tylsä ja pitkä ja kuvatkin olivat tosi psykedeelisiä.....