Eva Ibbotson's books are always delightful, and her children's books are in particular a grand escape for an adult who feels a bit battered by the real world. Here we have a lonely little rich boy whose parents can't see why he's upset when the dog they've rented for one weekend just to give him "the dog experience" has to be returned. Hal refuses to accept this and takes off with the dog, along with a variety of other dogs from the shelter who are also yearning for homes. Adventures ensue, and Ibbotson's trademark humor lifts her prose a cut above, such as when a fiery little Pekinese reflects, "There is absolutely nothing wrong with old ladies, but when your ancestors have been bred to ride on the saddle of the Emperor when he gallops off to war, you do not feel like being told you are an itsy-bitsy little doggie, aren't you." This is comfort food for the soul: if you are feeling wrung-out and teary after reading "The Invisible Bridge" and watching your favorite characters get loaded into cattle cars, or if "Gone Girl" has left you feeling there is no goodness or trust left in the human psyche, then this is the book for you. This is a really good book for younger readers to understand the real value of a dog and what one boy will go through to make sure his is taken care of. When Hal first gets his dog Fleck, he has no idea that his parents have only rented him for the weekend. His mother arranges for Hal to go to the dentist and she takes the dog back while he is gone. But Hal is determined to get his dog back. He has no idea the adventure he is in for when he decides to get him. The story itself is a powerfully moving tale about how one dog has a perfect owner. Though the dogs all come from a place that sees them just for their value of rental property, each of them have a memory of a place before where they felt they belonged. The journey take is one of discovery for all of them, dogs and children alike. A great read for younger readers 4th grade and up.
What do You think about Un Chien Pour Toujours (2012)?
Another wonderful book written in the author's inimitable style. Eva Ibbotson, you will be missed!
—annely_j
My 11 yr old son read this for a book report. He loved it!
—dip
An adorable book for kids who love dogs.
—safiaa56
