Review Detail

Ollie the cat has never met a dog but everyone says they are scary, have a loud bark, and giant death. Ollie goes on a long walk and thankfully he doesn’t encounter any scary dogs but he does meet lots of new friends. Mildred is definitely not a dog, she’s a cow, and there’s Finchley who loves splashing in puddles and must be a hippo. There’s definitely no dogs on this walk with Ollie as they meet more and more new friends. Well at least Ollie sure hopes there isn’t.

What I Liked: This book opens with Ollie informing us that dogs are terrifying creatures, well at least that is what he’s heard. The book continues by taking you on the journey with Ollie as he goes on a walk and encounters so many new, interesting friends. Ollie is so thrilled that he didn’t encounter any dogs on this journey but it seems very different to us readers who know better than Ollie does about his new friends. Ollie’s insistence that none of his new friends are dogs and introduction as to who they are instead is hilarious especially as he claims why these are not dogs.

The illustrations throughout this book are quite fun and add humor when you see the dogs that Ollie insists are not dogs. These illustrations will make you laugh as you recognize how Ollie might be confused and imagine these dogs as those other animals. Its exciting to see what Ollie will think of next as he meets other animals especially when he assumes one of his new friends is a bear and share what he’s heard about them. Its fun to watch as all the animals get along with each other and the twist that happens at the end of the story.

Final Verdict: That is Not a Dog! Is a funny story that children will enjoy as they spot various dogs that Ollie insists can’t be dogs. This is a great book to show children the dangers of assumptions and listening to gossip, it highlights how gossip can hinder you from making friends with others.