Courtney (Red Fox picture books) [Paperback]

Any child who has ever wanted a dog will identify with the two children in this story, who have to face all the usual objections from their parents when they ask for a do|g. Mum and Dad are particularly insistent that the dog they choose should have a pedigree and be a ‘proper dog'. The children have other ideas, however, and specifically seek out ‘a dog that nobody wants'. And that is how they come by Courtney who moves in with his big trunk and begins cooking, serving at the table, playing the violin and even juggling to entertain the baby. When Courtney vanishes one day along with his trunk the children don't lose faith and when they are rescued from their rubber dinghy while on holiday they feel sure that Courtney is not far away after all.

Picking up a familiar theme in John Burningham's books, and one close to children's hearts, Courtney is a old mongrel who nobody wants but he turns out to be a very special dog indeed with many talents. It is clear from the charming illustrations that Courtney is a discerning dog with his bushy eyebrows and dignified stance – a dog with far more to offer than a pedigree! Children will love him. (Ages 3 and over) --Alison Jardine

"Burningham gives a familiar scenario his own inimitable spin...When 'the children' beg for a dog, the usual debate ensues. Permission is finally granted...but the parents are horrified when the children bring home a mongrel...Courtney, however, turns out to be a paragon who cooks delicious meals, plays the violin, cleans house, and rescues the baby when a fire breaks out. Still, when he disappears, the parents observe, 'If they are not thoroughbreds, you cannot rely on them.' In a final sequence, the kids are saved from drifting out to sea by a hero identified only in the background as their erstwhile companion...Witty, well told, superbly illustrated."

When the children bring Courtney home he's just a loveable scruffy old dog. But the-mongrel-that-nobody-wants has the most amazing talents. He can cook! He can juggle! He can even play the violin! Then one day Courtney the wonder dog packs up his trunk and leaves home - but the children find out his helping paw is not far away. . .

When the children bring Courtney home he's just a loveable scruffy old dog. But the mongrel-that-nobody-wants has the most amazing talents. He can cook! He can juggle! He can even play violin! Then one day Courtney packs his trunk and leaves home - but the children find out his helping paw is not far away.

John Burningham is one of the most prestigious and well-loved illustrators working in the children's book field today. Trained at the Central School of Art, his first picture book, Borka was published in 1963. He has won the Kate Greenaway Award twice for Borka and Mr Gumpy's Outing, and has enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over 45 years.