Dog on Stilts

The first picture book from this duo was a lively concoction of surreal nonsense verse and bold retro illustrations. This, their second, is more conventional. The theme is a familiar one: the little ordinary person – in this case Medium Dog – who longs to be different. The solution for Medium Dog is a pair of stilts. But one should always be careful what one wishes for, as Medium Dog finds out. Bold flat colours, bold outlines and designs reminiscent of the ’50s create movement and drama to complement the neat rhyming text. The effect is strikingly refreshing and very different from the more usual picture books found in the kinderbox. While some may find the effect brash, it is well worth exploring and enjoying. This is a picture book pair to watch. You can also hear it read (with sound effects) by logging on to the link inside the end cover; an experience not to be missed.