Illustrated guidebook by experienced dog book writer Jane Eastoe, published by Batsford. These charmingly quirky guidebooks, narrated from the perspective of your pooch, are jam-packed with helpful tips and tricks to keep your furry friends happy and healthy!
The team at K9 Magazine recently received a request to review a series of books.
We’re always happy to take a look at any product that might help our readers in some way, so I agreed without much knowledge of what I was receiving, besides a note from one of my team for me to “review dog books for Feb. issue!”
With zero preconceptions, I received 5 beautiful hardback books in the mail from Batsford Books. Each cover was brightly colored and whimsically illustrated as the next, I read the titles. “Labradors, Whippets, French Bulldogs, and Dachshunds”. “OK,” I thought to myself. “Some breed education, let’s go!”
This series is quite unique; however, I think I’ve come up with a reasonable summary. Each of these books is essentially the perfect introductory read for the week after you bring home your puppy.
From a dog’s perspective…which is extra cute! While each book is a fascinating read for any dog lover, presenting the book as a gift to the new owner of a Labrador, Whippet, French Bulldog, or Dachshund puppy just seems perfect.
I don’t own any of these breeds personally, so it says something that I will keep all four books on my shelf with pride, in full view of anyone that I meet on video calls! This is, in fact, a deadly serious compliment to Writer Jane Eastoe and Illustrator Meredith Jensen.
The creative team has given us some dog literature that I actually want to see and keep around, as opposed to donating to charity once I’ve finished reading. I think they make the perfect reference manuals even after reading them, but I cannot stress enough that I love beautiful books that belong on display, and that’s where this series belongs.
Each book is a thorough introduction to the dog breed of the same name, building the reader’s knowledge from the first introduction of the breed and its history, through topics on Puppies, Training, Diet, First Aid & Health, Grooming, and breed facts.
The reading level is easy to grasp without being condescending, which will make this series popular across a broad range of ages and experiences.
While many of the topics covered are universal to dogs of all shapes and sizes, these books dive into the facets of the breed that affect things such as how the dog will respond to training and unique health ailments to the breed that all owners should be aware of.
The book is full of advice that is of particular use to owners of the specific breed, whether a serious topic like prevalent diseases, or fun facts on the breed.
Labradors » French Bulldogs » Dachshunds » Whippets »
In summary, you can’t go wrong buying any one of these books for the other dog lovers in your life, or even as a treat for yourself. When else will you come across useful dog information delivered with the beauty and whimsy of your favorite children’s book?
All we ask is that you please write some more, Jane.
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Credits:
'Dachshunds' by Jane Eastoe and Illustrated by Meredith Jensen will be published by Batsford in February 2024.
'Whippets', ’French Bulldogs’, ‘Labradors’ by Jane Eastoe and illustrated by Meredith Jensen, and are published by Batsford.
Jane Eastoe has been a journalist and author for over 35 years. She loves dogs of all shapes and sizes, but particularly her pet whippets. She is the author of several books including Whippets, Labradors, Fabulous Frocks, Vintage Roses, and Tulips. She lives in Northumberland.
Meredith Jensen is an illustrator and surface designer. She studied at Haverford College and the University of the Arts and now lives in Philadelphia with her husband, kids, and cat.
Batsford Books:
