Fleabag

The advances of a homeless, fleabag of a mutt trying hard to befriend both other dogs and humans are met with ‘Fleabag! Shoo!’ However, perseverance is rewarded when the dog finally finds a small boy playing ball alone in the park, and he discovers what fun it is to play. The boy’s Mother warns him away from this undesirable friendship – and it seems an imminent family house-move will halt all further contact. How Fleabag is accepted into the boy’s family is skilfully told, involving a night-time runaway adventure, the dog proving to be a hero. The illustrations glow, with a bright, full colour palette, lending warmth to the tale. The text, by occupying small spaces on the spreads, seems to increase the growing intimacy between small child and future pet portrayed by the pictures. The author/illustrator tells us that Fleabag was inspired by a dog met at The Battersea Dogs’ Home, and she includes some original sketches drawn at that time. A doggy-tale with warm, waggy appeal!