Tuesday, 12 October 2021

BOOK REVIEW: Stinkerton McPoo Goes Exploring


TITLE: Stinkerton McPoo Goes Exploring [part of the Skinkerton McPoo Dog Series]
AUTHOR: Stephen Hodgkinson-Soto
PUBLISHED BY: ASAG Publishing

I loved this clever, imaginative story for youngsters aged from 4-9 years old.  Coupled with colourful, captivating illustrations, it is a wonderful rhyming adventure about a lovable, mischievous and more-than-slightly-windy dog named Stinkerton McPoo.

One day Stinkerton sees an open gate and escapes from her garden; she is unexpectedly free and runs off to have an adventure. Chaos quickly follows as she sneaks into the butcher's shop and runs off with a string of sausages. Soon after, she finds herself in trouble and people in the village start chasing her.  Each time it looks like her luck has run out, she manages to escape using her smelly secret weapon.   

This well-pitched story about a brave, persistent windy pup with a heart of gold is ideal for youngsters who find their own bottom-burps amusing and laugh out loud each time it happens. It will have children in fits of giggles. Children of primary school age will love the story, especially the slightly “naughtiness“ element contained within it; kids love misbehaviour especially when told in a fun way. At the same time parents reading the story can talk to them about how Stinkerton helps someone in need and how important it is to always remember to help others whenever possible. 

Children will fall in love with Stinkerton, a playful, slightly naughty, smelly dog whose story is a bit different from the norm. Dogs in children's books tend to be usually cute, cuddly, or heroic and sometimes all three. Stinkerton McPoo has elements of all three, but she's also naughty, she’s a sneaky sausage stealer and very smelly when stressed, things children love.

The family at the heart of the book is not a stereotypical one and the story is based upon a very real one, i.e. the authors. The book is really fun to read aloud whilst at the same time an ideal conversation starter to explain differences to little ones and show that we are all different yet all have similarities.

It is an enjoyable story of a mischievous yet kind-hearted dog that is committed to get what she wants but at the same time gives it all up to help others, which is a wonderful moral to explain to children; love, kindness, perseverance at its best with a touch of heroism.

The story is quick-paced and fun; ideal for young readers who will love the whiff of naughtiness in Stinkerton McPoo. It is relatable, well written and fabulously illustrated with very amusing pictures which bring the story to life and which children will get lost in. It is so true to life and funny that parents will laugh out loud along with the children they are reading it to.

The wipe-clean cover is a bonus, so important for parents who may be reading it to children with sticky fingers.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Jotalumi Sketches.

Reviewer - Anne Pritchard


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