Chico the Schnauzer (Taryn Brumfitt, illus Levi George, Puffin)

One day, Chico’s owners leave the gate open, and he embarks on an epic playdate with his doggy friends, including Gary the Greyhound and Penelope the Poodle. Chico soon discovers that, while his friends may be able to swim, race, fit down rabbit holes, and perform clever tricks, he must draw on his own unique talents and skills and celebrate what his body can do, even if he can’t do the same as them! Chico the Schnauzer is written by Taryn Brumfitt, 2023 Australian of the Year and founder of the Body Image Movement. It is a gentle and encouraging book that will help children shine as they celebrate their friends and their talents—just like Chico does—as well as the joy of playing and embracing our differences. Children aged 2–6 will enjoy the fun, boldly colourful and cartoon-like illustrations by Levi George, including the depiction of various dog breeds, and the creative treatment of words such as ‘stomp’, ‘plonk’ and ‘chomp’ used to emphasise actions. In this uplifting and warm picture book for fans of Rebekah Ballagh and Giles Andreae, readers will be left feeling encouraged to enjoy the diversity of their own bodies, interests and talents.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jemma Morrison is a bookseller with 15 years' experience in the book trade, judge for the 2023 Ockham NZ Book Awards and current Whitireia Publishing student. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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