Toby
Hazel Mitchell, Author and Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Fiction, Sep. 13, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 4-6
Themes: Rescue Dogs, Boy, Animals, Moving
Opening: “Hey, bud! Can you help me unpack? Sure. Dad…could we get a dog?”
Synopsis: A boy and his father move into a new house. The boy convinces his father that they should get a dog. They visit a local animal rescue center and the boy immediately likes a dog named Toby. Toby is shy and overwhelmed in his new home. He doesn’t want to play and eat his food. He hides under tables, curls up in a ball, and leaves some doggy puddles. Toby is having a difficult time adjusting. But the boy is patient, persistent and hopeful that Toby will settle into his new home.
Why I like this book:
Author-illustrator Hazel Mitchell’s heartwarming story about Toby will both tug at your heart and put a smile on your face. Toby is adorable even though he has a tough time adjusting to the boy and his new forever home. The boy really wants to connect with his new dog. He understands Toby better than anyone because he has moved into a new home and neighborhood. That’s why the boys wants to adopt a new best friend. I can’t think of a better match!
The boy narrates the story. The text is spare and reveals a kind-hearted and sensitive boy who eagerly wants to bond with Toby. The boy expresses so much tenderness towards Toby, even when he chews a pair of glasses and tramples his father’s garden. The ending is endearing. Mitchell’s illustrations are rendered in soft pastels. They are expressive and lively. Make sure you check out the end pages in the book. They set the stage for the story and wrap it up quite nicely. Verdict: Toby is a winner! I can’t wait to give Toby to my great-grandson for Christmas! He loves dogs.
Resources: Make sure you read the author’s note at the end of the book about Mitchell’s own pet rescue experience with her white poodle — the real Toby — who inspired this book. If you are interested in learning more about adopting a pet from a rescue shelter, visit your local shelter with your parents.
Hazel Mitchell has illustrated numerous books for children, including Imani’s Moon. Toby is her author-illustrator debut. Originally from Yorkshire, England, she now lives in Maine with her husband and a brave rescue poodle named Toby, whose eight-day disappearance drew national attention when the story was shared across social media. Visit Hazel Mitchell on her website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Book Fridays (PPBF) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Thanks for sharing information about this book, Patricia. It sounds delightful. I’m pleased it has a happy ending for Toby. It reminds me of my daughter’s rescue dog. It took it a little while to settle, but he is the most amazing dog now.
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I believe many children will relate to this rescue story and see their own pet in Toby. Toby is adorable and I’m so happy Hazel shared his story! Love the illustrations!
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It does sound delightful.
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Thank you, Norah! Glad your daughter rescued her dog. Hazel and Toby xx
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Thanks for the reminder about Toby, Patricia. I had intended to purchase it when it first was published & then never did. Given my love of dogs & history of many, many moves, this is a book that I must own.
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I waited to review Toby, since Joanna Marple reviewed it Sep. 23, 2016,on her website: http://joannamarple.com/2016/09/10904/ It is such an adorable book and would make a beautiful Christmas gift book.
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I hope you enjoy the book! Hazel and Toby xx
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We found it, read it & loved it! Thank you!
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Hazel left you a message.
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I saw! So happy to let her know how much I enjoyed the book!
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I love Toby! Such a great book.
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Me too! I have a white poodle that is a rescue dog, so this book just melted my heart! Can’t wait to give it to our great-grandson.
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WOOF! Hazel and Toby xx
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This would be a perfect book for kids who love animals, dogs in particular. Since we got, Dot, our rescue dog, I seem to be more interested in books like this. Dot took time to adjust as well. I am sure your great grandson will just love it.
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So many responses from people who have rescue dogs! Yay for the dogs! It is a sweet story. I love the true story about Toby at the end. Love Hazel Mitchell’s illustrations. She’s the best!
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Thank you for rescuing Dot! Hazel and Toby xx
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Yay another Yorkshire lass! This sounds so cute.
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It is a sweet story. Kids will root for Toby!
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Indeed! We get everywhere. Hazel and Toby xx
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We had one of those rescue dogs that tested the limits… she turned out to be the best dog ever! Good lessons for all of us!
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I think your experience is becoming more common. You’d really enjoy TOBY! Great storytelling and delightful illustrations!
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They usually are! It’s good for children to understand that patience is needed. ( and adults!) Hazel and Toby xx
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This sounds adorable and sweet. It seems like it might be good for families with older foster/adoptive kids joining their biological children also.
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Yes, I hadn’t thought about it, but there are similarities. Great point. It’s a very sweet story about both the boy and Toby adjusting to each other!
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Thank you! Several people have said that, too :-)) Hazel and Toby xx
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Must put this book on my list. Exactly the reason we get a dog after many moves.
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That’s a wonderful thing to do. You will love Hazel’s TOBY!
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Good luck! Hazel and Toby xx
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