I first came across Worzel, the rescue dog turned Literary Lurcher, when I stumbled upon his first book a few years ago. Filled with vet visit dramas, canine pals, intolerant cats and other (often chaotic) aspects of family life with multiple pets, ‘The Quite Very Actual Adventures of Worzel Wooface‘ was a hit, not least because it was written from the perspective of Worzel himself, including his own hilarious version of the English language which soon became his ‘voice’ (see my review of the first book here).

Since the publication of his debut novel, Worzel has been a very busy ‘boykin’. Not only did he win a Hero Award at DogFest in 2016, and took up the writing of a regular column in his local newspaper, but he also managed to find the time (in between eating a lot of shoes) to publish a further two books for adults. His first children’s book, ‘Worzel Says Hello!‘, was released in 2017 as the first book in the Hubble & Hattie Kids! range.

Worzel’s mum Catherine Pickles (who gives Worzel a little bit of help with the books), was keen to use the platform to educate the next generation of dog owners, with the aim of helping children and dogs to have “a great time together throughout their lives”. ‘Worzel Goes for a Walk! Will You Come Too?’, Worzel’s second book for small humans, tells the story of Worzel’s walk on the beach, where he meets lots of other dogs with lots of different personalities. It features more beautiful illustrations from Chantal Bourgonje which accurately reflect both canine body language and Worzel’s own cheeky character.

With a foreword from Ian Dunbar, founder of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the book includes notes for parents and some further information about Worzel, while teaching children about responsible dog ownership within the story. Poo bags are on the list of things to take on the walk, while “bag it and bin it… Let’s keep the beach clean for everyone” reinforces the message. There’s also an emphasis on the various temperaments and requirements of other dogs who may be encountered, including the need to stop Worzel from rushing over to those who may not want to play.

Education surrounding safe interactions with dogs and responsible ownership is desperately needed for children of all ages. However, Worzel’s short stories go beyond the simple do’s and don’t’s – they foster respect for our four-legged family members.

And for this reason alone, more children’s books from our favourite Literary Lurcher are very much welcomed.

 

‘Worzel Goes for A Walk! Will You Come Too?’ – Catherine Pickles

ISBN: 978-1-787112-92-6

Hubble & Hattie, September 2018

Available from www.hubbleandhattie.com for £6.99 plus P&P.

For more information about Worzel, please click here.

To purchase Worzel’s other books, please see the Hubble & Hattie website.