I adore high-quality children’s books that encourage little ones to devour words with the same enthusiasm that the family dog uses to scarf down biscuits. Oh No, George! written and illustrated by Chris Haughton and published by Candlewick Press, is such a title. It tells the hilarious story of a well-intentioned pooch, George, who despite his best efforts always seems to find himself in terrible mischief and precarious situations… (keep reading for an exclusive peek inside this book!)

Dear George repeatedly finds himself face to face with a challenge — a piece of cake, a pesky cat, a tantalizing garbage bin — and although the promise to his owner of, “I’ll be good,” swirls in his mind, his doggy will-power begins to buckle.  What happens when a dog just can’t help himself? You’ll have to pick up this quirky book to find out! All I’ll say is that the outcomes are hilarious and you’ll be chuckling from cover to cover.

Beautiful illustrations created in a vibrant retro style bring the hilarity of a dog’s mind (and facial expressions!) to life and the crisp presentation makes the entire story a flavourful feast for the eyes. Yes, this is a children’s book, but my adult self now has a copy of it resting upon my own bookcase for my inner child to enjoy. It’s just too fun and honest a dog story not to own for children and grown-ups alike.

OH NO, GEORGE. Copyright © 2012 by Chris Haughton. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA on behalf of Walker Books, London.