Starring an enthusiastic pooch whose joy, optimism and love know no bounds, this lively picture book is based on Emma Chichester Clark’s own dog, and joyfully celebrates unconditional love.
Plum has lots of favorite things—catching sticks, her bear, her bed—but really, LOVE is her absolute favorite thing. She loves her family and all the things they do together. Sometimes, however, Plum’s exuberance causes trouble, and she just can’t help being naughty. But fortunately, love is such a great thing that even when she makes mistakes, Plum’s family still adores her.
On sale: December 29, 2020
Age: 3-5 years
Grade: Up to Kindergarten
Page count: 32 Pages
ISBN: 9780593405550
Reading level: Lexile: AD500L | Fountas/Pinnell: K
Emma Chichester Clark (www.emmachichesterclark.co.uk) began her website, Plumdog Blog (emmachichesterclark.blogspot.com) to chronicle the real-life adventures of Plum, her lovable “whoosell” (whippet, poodle, and Jack Russell cross). Emma soon had thousands of loyal Plumdog devotees, and a book of the blog is published by Clarkson Potter. Love Is My Favorite Thing is the first Plumdog picture book for children.
Emma has written and illustrated numerous picture books, including the Blue Kangaroo series. She grew up in the Irish countryside, where she began making books with sewn-up spines when she was five years old. She studied graphic design and later attended the Royal College of Art. She lives in West London, England, with her husband, three stepsons, and their beloved Plum.
“Clark captures a dog's exuberance and love of the simple things. . . . And no child will fail to understand the dog's conundrum: she knows what she should do and yet feels compelled to do the wrong thing anyway. Fur, ears, and posture speak volumes. Dog lovers will especially ‘LOVE’ this, and readers who can't get enough can follow the real-life Plum in the author's blog.”—
Kirkus Reviews
“Clark exuberantly captures Plum’s zest for life, whether it’s playing with the kids next door or causing trouble that tests her family’s patience. But unconditional love is unconditional love, and even at the height of Plum’s post-mischief worry—‘Would they ever love me again?’ she wonders, stuck in time-out—the answer to that question is never in doubt.”—
Publishers Weekly
“Little ones will easily identify with Plum, who wants to be good but also finds some things irresistible. Clark, who blogs about her real dog, Plum, presents a book, jauntily illustrated in watercolor and colored pencil, that brims with good humor, recognizable lessons, and, of course, lots of love. The oversize format—eye-catching spreads and pages of vignettes—makes this a great choice for story hours.”
—Booklist
“Children will fall in love with Plummie and laugh at her mishaps.”
—School Library Connection
