The Adventures of Shola

First published in Euskera (Basque) in four separate volumes, this collection translated from the Spanish is a glorious triumph of short stories about the rather pompous but loveable dog Shola. Anyone who has ever owned or met a small dog with grandiose ideas will recognise Shola – her wonderfully precocious nature is inherently endearing. Her friend and companion Senor Grogo (most emphatically not her owner as we find out when Aunt Clementine comes to stay) is a sympathetic ally but he even he can be occasionally frustrated with her antics. In a world where humans and animals can converse, we find out much about their relationship as well as with others who cross their paths.

Beautifully reproduced, with a subtle palette, the illustrations by Mikel Valverde capture the adventures of Shola and her friends with finesse.

We all know a Shola – and if only they could speak to us. It is impossible not to be engaged (and enamoured) by this free-thinking, vexatious and proud canine.