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Summary
Summary
The much-anticipated follow-up to the IRA Children's Book Award winner
From the moment Spot answered Henry's ad in the newspaper, the two have been inseparable. But then on Henry's birthday, he gets a dog--the pet he's always wanted! Feeling left out, Spot leaves for his old home, and gets caught in a terrible storm. Henry is devastated when he finds Spot missing and is quickly hot on his trail. With the help of his new dog, Henry saves him and Spot finds out that even with a new pet in his life, Henry would never let his best friend go.
A delightful story with loads of heart, The Perfect Present showcases the strength of Henry and Spot's friendship. This irresistible duo will win over readers everywhere.
Author Notes
Fiona Roberton was born in Oxford and studied art and design in London. She has kept the wolf from the door for a number of years by working as a designer, but has since befriended the wolf, and has it to tea on Tuesdays. She won the IRA Children's Book Award last year for her first picture book, Wanted: The Perfect Pet . She lives in London, England.
Reviews (5)
Publisher's Weekly Review
When readers left Henry and his pet duck, Spot, in 2010's Wanted: The Perfect Pet it was the beginning of an unlikely but beautiful relationship. Now it's Henry's birthday, and Spot has picked out a perfectly thoughtful birthday present: a fishing rod that Henry has been eying. But what's this in the box from Henry's grandparents-an adorable puppy? Before readers can say "alienation of affections," poor Spot is packing his bags and writing a good-bye note, convinced that "Henry's always wanted a Dog, and now he has one.... I might as well not be here." Readers may guess that Roberton will make sure it all works out in the end of her three mini-chapters, but that won't stop them enjoying the high-stakes adventure that ensues when Henry and Dog (who, in the tradition of Mickey Mouse's Pluto, is a nontalker) go after Spot. Once again Roberton proves she can create a resonant emotional landscape with simple, crisp line drawings and minimal detail-perhaps nowhere as evident as in the poignant hug between Spot and Henry after they are (spoiler alert) reunited. Ages 3-5. (June) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
Back from their success in Wanted: The Perfect Pet, pet duck Spot is threatened when his owner, Henry, seems to throw him over for a dog he receives as a birthday gift. What could be a typical story about displacement and reconciliation is keenly plotted and tenderly told, and the illustrations are full of wry thumbnail jokes and deft touches. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
In this follow-up to Wanted: The Perfect Pet (2010), Henry and his pet duck, Spot, have settled into life together. Now it's Henry's birthday, and before he can open Spot's excellent gift a fishing rod his grandparents arrive with an even more excellent gift, a black-and-white dog! Spot begins to feel like the lesser pet, and so he packs his belongings and heads off into the night. When he's caught in a storm, it takes Henry, the dog (unnamed and a nonspeaker), and the aforementioned fishing rod to make things right. There are plenty of three's-a-crowd books out there, but this one is special in its own right. Roberton's black-and-white line illustrations, with pops of color, are endearing as they depict a pitiful Spot leaving home and a joyful, huggy reunion as well as abundant charming details, such as swanky earmuffs made from gloves. There's even a fun twist on the pet theme at the end. Share this at story time to spark discussion about inclusion and friendship.--Kelley, Ann Copyright 2010 Booklist
Bookseller Publisher Review
Its exciting when a book comes along that tells an original story in a very engaging way, that has innovative illustrations and endearing characters. This is just such a book. As well as those attributes, this simple picture book is divided into chapters, which serve to break the story up into days and give a realistic sense of tension, leading to a satisfying conclusion. The story begins with Henry being too excited to sleep because tomorrow is his birthday: a scenario that will immediately capture the young reader. Henry guesses the presents hell receive in alphabetical order--a nice touch. Henrys best friend Spot (a duck) has planned the perfect present but his presentation is usurped by a big box from Henrys grandparents, which contains a very special surprise. Henry is besotted and totally neglects his best friend. So Spot sadly leaves home. The dangers he encounters threaten to engulf him until at last he is rescued by Henry and the perfect present. The simple illustrations contain extra reading in the labels and conversation, and the split-action pages move the story along and provide extra detail and interest. This is a thoroughly enjoyable book in every way; a touching and heart-warming story about loyalty and friendship that is highly recommended for beginner readers. Margaret Hamilton is a former childrens book publisher. She provides freelance publishing services and runs Pinerolo, the Childrens Book Cottage
Kirkus Review
Spot the duck became Henry's pet when he disguised himself as a dog in Wanted: The Perfect Pet (2010), and in what initially feels like a cruel twist of a sequel, he seems at risk of displacement by Henry's new pet. Henry eagerly anticipates his birthday, and Spot is excited about gifting him a fishing rod. But then Henry's grandparents give him "A Dog!" and poor Spot feels pushed aside. Forlorn, he leaves Henry a note and, suitcase in wing, decides to return to his "egg house." Spot strikes a pathetic figure as he attempts a stormy river crossing, only to get stuck on a branch. When Henry wakes and reads Spot's farewell note, he and Dog leave to find him, Henry donning red boots and a jaunty, green scarf-and-cap set. Dog heroically dives into the river to rescue Spot, but he sinks "like a stone," prompting Spot to dive in to save him. Luckily, Henry has his trusty new fishing rod, and with "a strange Ffwwiiiiiiiiizzzzz Plop" he catches Spot's collar and pulls both pets ashore. Their reunion is made even sweeter as Henry wraps his scarf around Spot's neck and persuades him to accept Dog as a "Perfect Pet" they can share. Throughout, friendly, cartoonish line drawings employ minimal setting, humorous detail and ample expressive power. Utterly charming. (Picture book. 4-7)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
