Oliver and Patch

by Claire Freedman

Kate Hindley (Illustrator)

A warm, endearing story about friendship from the bestselling author of the ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS series and the award-winning illustrator of THE LITTLEST YAK.

Oliver is finding the big city a lonely and scary place but when he finds a little lost dog he makes his first friend in the city.
The trouble is, he knows that somewhere out there someone is missing the little dog just as much as he is loving having him, So, with a heavy heart, Oliver sets about doing the right thing.

"Anyone, really, would enjoy this lovely friendship story." The Bookbag
"Kate Hindley's absolutely gorgeous illustrations take kids on a whimsical adventure" Kids' Book Review

A beautifully told story with a lovely, uplifting ending that will warm hearts everywhere.

Praise for The Great Snortle Hunt:
'Kate Hindley is a newcomer in the picture book world but definitely one to watch. Her style is sleek and child-friendly, with plenty of detail throughout.' Armadillo
'This charmingly illustrated book is guaranteed to make reading time extra exciting.' Creative Steps
'Will delight young readers. The beautiful illustrations by Kate Hindley are modern and scenic…a real treat for word lovers of all ages.' We Love this Book
'Young readers will love the build-up of excitement... Freedman knows what children like and her words are well-matched by Hindley's spikey images' Books for Keeps

Praise for Claire Freedman's Underpants series:
'Will make kids laugh' The Sun
'This fantastic rhyming story [...] is simply pantastic!' Galaxy British Book Awards 2008
'Daft and absurdly amusing book.' Prima Baby & Pregnancy

• ISBN10: 0857079549
• ISBN13: 9780857079541
• Publish Date: 1 January 2015
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd
• Imprint: Simon & Schuster Childrens Books
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 32
• Language: English

Reviews

[Jo]

Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.

Oliver & Patch by Claire Freedman, was unexpected, but a joy to read! A really sweet picture book!

Oliver has moved from the countryside to the city, and is feeling lonely. His new home is very different from what he's used to, and he's left all his friends behind. When out exploring one day, Oliver finds Patch, a dog out on the loose on his own. Oliver and Patch quickly become friends, Patch helping Oliver feel less lonely. But Patch is missing his owner, and Oliver realises it's time to try and reunite them, even if it means being on his own again.

This is a beautiful story about the power of friendship, but also of love for animals. It's lovely seeing what a different Patch's presence makes to Oliver's life, once he's no longer alone. The fun they have together puts a smile on Oliver's face, and their antics will have any child smiling too. But Olive & Patch is also a really sweet moral story, about doing the right thing. Patch isn't Oliver's dog, and knows he has to give him back - and not only because Patch is missing his owner, but because it's simply the right thing to do. This is a great story to teach young children about being selfless and thinking of others, and doing the right thing.

Hindley's brightly coloured illustrations are so cute, ans surprisingly detailed despite their simplistic nature. There's lots to see in the full-page illustrations, and they will have children lingering over the pages.

Any child with a pet of their own, dog or otherwise, will warm to Patch, and know exactly how Oliver feels having him around. A great story to read with your child while they're cuddling their pet!

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Children's Books for the review copy.