CHILDREN’S book of the week

GOOD DOG MCTAVISH by Meg Rosoff, Barrington Stoke, £6.99 HHHHH

ALMOST 20 years ago, Barrington Stoke was set up to publish ‘super-readable’ books, designed with linear narratives, a clear font and tinted pages to appeal to all young readers, but especially those with dyslexia or visual stress.

They’ve attracted big-name children’s authors such as Michael Morpurgo and Malorie Blackman to contribute to an impressive list – and now How I Live Now author, Meg Rosoff, is back with her second tale since 2013’s Moose Baby.

All is not peachy in the Peachey household. Ma Peachey is fed up with cooking for everyone and clearing up after them – and quits to eat brown rice and practise yoga, so nearly nine-year-old Betty, the youngest and most sensible Peachey child, decides they need a dog.

Pa Peachey reluctantly takes them to a rescue centre, where Betty picks McTavish – or does he choose them?

No sooner than he’s moved in, he sets to work to solve the family’s problems, in cahoots with Betty, and gradually, under his guidance, they learn to tidy up and do laundry, and even stop relying on ready meals.

It’s such a beautiful, simple story of pure puppy love, in short snappy chapters, written in Rosoff’s refreshing, disarmingly honest style. McTavish will definitely wiggle his way into young readers’ hearts.