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The charming tale of toy poodle Buddy and his epic quest to become a lifeguard
Buddy really, REALLY wants to be a lifeguard.
There’s only one problem … He’s just a teeny weeny, fluffy puffy toy poodle!
Meet Buddy, an adorable pocket-sized puppy who will stop at nothing to become a lifeguard. He practices hard every day … swimming, diving, rescuing … but no matter how hard he tries, nobody thinks he can do the job. His heart is full of hope, but when the family move from beachside Sydney all the way to chilly London, this determined little dog’s efforts to chase his dreams don’t go to plan at all!
Can he find a way to prove his bravery and show everyone there’s more to him than meets the eye?
Buddy will steal your heart, and his spirit-lifting journey will inspire every reader to follow their dreams.
Buddy, the tiny toy poodle, has a very BIG dream - to one day become a lifeguard! Cheered on by his best friend Bella, Buddy practices and practices in hopes of fulfilling his lifelong aspirations. But when a sudden change of plans turns Buddy's world upside-down, his chances of becoming a lifeguard seem further away than ever. Can Buddy hope to overcome the odds and find a way to succeed?
The Fancy Schmancy Lifeguard - A Tale of Bravery is a beautifully illustrated tale of determination and finding a way to achieve your dreams. Gently told from the perspective of Bella, Buddy's fellow toy poodle and best friend, this endearing story sends a message of patience and tolerance without becoming preachy or political. The book is illustrated with gorgeous colors and stunning details, and the love poured into every picture simply jumps off the page.
I loved the artist's use of local animals to convey the settings Buddy and Bella inhabit. I learned facts about poodles that I never, ever would have guessed on my own. I loved that it was written from the perspective of a dog, who regularly calls her "people" her parents, and so forth. The only detail that didn't work for me is that the lady in the riptide is a loose end with no concrete details on the outcome of her adventure. Since this is a book for young children, that small detail could potentially cause a bit of worry. However, there is so much good to say about this book that this tiny detail need not spoil the experience. Instead, let me frankly state with no reservations that this is one of the best children's books I have ever read. The core message of the story, that one should never give up on their dreams, no matter what manner of being they are, is a message that is both poignant and beautiful.
A heartwarming tale of a dog who dares to try his best to achieve his dreams, The Fancy Schmancy Lifeguard is a perfect choice for young readers to read on their own or with family. This book is also an excellent choice for group reading, showing that overcoming the odds is not only possible, but a brilliant adventure worth sharing.
Reviewed by
Hello! I am Dakota Love, and I am an indie author, blogger, and book reviewer. I have published over forty indie titles, including "The Allies: Family and Friends", "The Guardian of Freedom", and "Coyote Stories: Legends of a Manitou." I love nothing better than to discover new stories.
Synopsis
Buddy really, REALLY wants to be a lifeguard.
There’s only one problem … He’s just a teeny weeny, fluffy puffy toy poodle!
Meet Buddy, an adorable pocket-sized puppy who will stop at nothing to become a lifeguard. He practices hard every day … swimming, diving, rescuing … but no matter how hard he tries, nobody thinks he can do the job. His heart is full of hope, but when the family move from beachside Sydney all the way to chilly London, this determined little dog’s efforts to chase his dreams don’t go to plan at all!
Can he find a way to prove his bravery and show everyone there’s more to him than meets the eye?
Buddy will steal your heart, and his spirit-lifting journey will inspire every reader to follow their dreams.
About the author
Gilda was born and raised in Australia. Deciding to make a sea change when her two daughters moved to the UK for university, she currently lives in London with her husband Julian and their two toy poodles, the REAL Buddy and Bella, who are the inspiration for her first children's picture book. view profile
Published on April 03, 2022
0-1000 words
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Genre: Picture Books
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