<p>He didn't start long - he grew until he was Long Dog. Maybe he was too long - Mum and Dad think so while all James' friends think him odd and not a proper dog. But when a crisis ocurs, it is Long Dog who can solve the problem.He is a hero - but for James he always was.<br />Neatly tackling concepts of friendship and difference for the youngest reader, James Davies' picture book is a joyous romp that combines imagination and reality. The words are direct and immediate as James speaks to the reader, the font itself emphasises this effect.The illustrations, deceptively simple and child-like, complement the text, adding the details that bring much life and an engaging humour to the story. The choice of format - landscape - ensures that Davies is able to exploit the full potential of each spread allowing Long Dog to stretch not just across the pages but to spill over to the next page, while the climax involves the added dimension of a page that unfolds so that the eye follows Long Dog under the earth. Davies' uncluttered lines bring the energy of the comic book to his storytelling and his limited palette, influenced by retro picture books, exploits the drama of the white background. From the design of the covers, both outside and in, to the story itself, this attractive picture book is a real pleasure and will surely delight both adults and children. This is one to share and we must look forward to more from this author/illustrator.</p>

Books for Keeps

Everybody longs to have a dog of their own... but what if it's a very long dog? Author and illustrator James Davies has fun in his laugh-out-loud debut picture book which stars a boy and his friendship with a pet dog that just won't stop growing. Illustrated throughout in a uniquely bold, graphic style influenced by old cartoons and retro picture books, Long Dog will capture everyone's hearts. Meet Long Dog. He's not skinny, or tall, or scruffy... he's long and he and his proud owner James like it that way. Mum and Dad aren't so sure, especially when Long Dog gets stuck in the cat flap or in the drain pipe. Long Dog may be weird, but James doesn't see it that way; he just sees his best ever friend. Being long is awesome, even if nobody else thinks so. It means spaghetti hugs and extra-long walks. Luckily, the other pets in the park don't seem so perfect either and when they mysteriously go missing, there's only one dog in the whole world who is long enough to rescue them. Davies's simple but powerful story uses humour and appealing pictures to add energy and vibrancy to a joyful tale about friendship, difference and loyalty.

Lancashire Evening Post

<p>The narrator of the story, who is also called James, is proud of his pet Long Dog, who was given this suitable name because the dog in question - a sausage dog - never stopped growing horizontally as a puppy and has now become the world's longest potential draught excluder. Unfortunately, Long Dog becomes upset because other people and their pets laugh at his unique appearance ... until they are in need what makes him unusual. Long Dog, not at all bitter it seems from their previous callousness, gets a chance to prove to the others that what makes him 'odd' also makes him very special indeed.<br />As with <i>Fearless Mirabelle</i>, <i>Long Dog</i> has at its heart the message that what makes us different doesn't make us any less special or amazing - in fact it can be incredibly helpful. Humans are shown to be tricky individuals, unsettled by the unknown or unfamiliar, but they learn their lesson at the end of these two books when the characters can help in ways no other person or animal can.</p>

Minerva Reads