One Dog and His Boy

Written by Eva Ibbotson

10-year-old Hal wants nothing more than to have a dog. When his wealthy parents, a fastidious mother and workaholic father, “rent” him a dog for his birthday, Hal and Fleck immediately bond. Hal comes home a few days later and finds Fleck gone, that he was only temporary. What ensues as Hal leaves in search of Fleck, is an adventure of a lifetime; making a new friend, freeing the sad dogs at Easy Pets, and traveling with all of them to his grandparents home. All these come together to make a heartwarming, beautiful story of the power of love and finding home. Eva Ibbotson is an amazing storyteller and to think this was her last novel saddens me deeply. She just had a gift with words to create stories that open your mind to the beauty of language and open your heart to the magic in life.

Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elem. School Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3 and Up

One Dog and His Boy
Written by Eva Ibbotson
Scholastic Press
282 pages
Release Date: March 1, 2012
ISBN: 9780545351966 (hardcover)