Available:*
Item Barcode | Collection | Call Number | Status | Item Holds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33607003644369 | Picture Books | CHICHESTERCLARK | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
Starring an enthusiastic pooch whose joy, optimism and love know no bounds, this lively picture book is based on Emma Chichester Clark's own dog, and joyfully celebrates unconditional love.
Plum has lots of favorite things--catching sticks, her bear, her bed--but really, LOVE is her absolute favorite thing. She loves her family and all the things they do together. Sometimes, however, Plum's exuberance causes trouble, and she just can't help being naughty. But fortunately, love is such a great thing that even when she makes mistakes, Plum's family still adores her.
Author Notes
Emma Chichester Clark was born in London, England, but grew up in Ireland. In 1975 she went back to England to attend the Chelsea School of Art in London. After completing her undergraduate degree, she enrolled at the Royal College of Art for her master's degree. She was approached by an editor at London publisher Bodley Head to illustrate for her first children's book entitled, Listen to This.
Clark is considered one of England's most distinguished picture book creators. She has written and illustrated many of her own picture books while also creating accompanying artwork for numerous stories, picture books, anthologies, and retellings by other writers, including Roald Dahl. In her own books, which include Up in Heaven, The Story of Horrible Hilda and Henry, and the award-winning I Love You, Blue Kangaroo!, she features child, adult, and animal characters in humorous situations that provide realistic portrayals of human feelings and failings. Clark was also a visiting lecturer at Middlesex Polytechnic and City and Guilds School of Art, 1984-86. She had an exhibition of her illustrations at the Thumb Gallery, England, 1984 and 1987.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (2)
School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-Plum, an endearing whippet, poodle, and Jack Russell mix, joyfully informs readers about all of the things she loves. Treats, the park, her neighbors: she loves everything (except rain). But what she loves most is love itself. Most days her family reciprocates her feelings just fine, but in her quest to do the things that make her happy, she ends up doing a few things she shouldn't. Several incidents end with a scolding and the exasperated remark "Oh, Plum!" which makes the pooch worry that they won't forgive her. For most of the book this cheerful dog is surrounded by other individuals in colorful contexts, but in her moment of doubt, she's alone and in the dark. Even with watercolors and pencils giving the spread a gentle touch, at that moment readers empathize with her. But then the family members open the door to collect and reassure her, eliciting a sigh of relief. Dog owners will recognize the authenticity in Plum's voice, that live-in-the-moment attitude, the inability to understand why certain actions are prohibited (hence the lack of explanations in the text), and that particular look that says, "Please love me." VERDICT An adorable lesson in love from a big-hearted little dog.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Clark's rambunctious dog, Plum, whose exploits have been chronicled on the author's blog as well as in a recent adult title, Plumdog, makes her picture book debut. Working in watercolor and pencil, Clark exuberantly captures Plum's zest for life, whether it's playing with the kids next door or causing trouble (like diving into the pond at the park) that tests his family's patience. But unconditional love is unconditional love, and even at the height of Plum's post-mischief worry-"Would they ever love me again?" she wonders, stuck in time-out-the answer to that question is never in doubt. Ages 3-5. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.