The illustrations, created with pencil and digital techniques, are warm and inviting. Smudge’s expressive face and the child’s inquisitive eyes shine through soft lines and gentle textures, capturing the unspoken bond between pet and owner. [...] An interactive lift-the-flap element adds extra engagement, inviting young readers to uncover surprises along the way. Themes of connection and empathy resonate strongly, making this a gentle reminder that love often transcends language. The repetitive structure and simple text make it accessible to emerging readers, while the underlying message will resonate with anyone who has experienced or wished for the special relationship between humans and their animal companions. A sweet, heartwarming tale that celebrates the universal language of friendship and understanding.
Description
Smudge the dog and his girl visit animal after animal trying to identify the strange sounds Smudge makes in this “sweet, heartwarming” (School Library Journal, starred review) novelty book with lift-the-flaps that proves you don’t need words to show you love someone.
Smudge looks like an ordinary dog but rather than woof, bark, or bow-wow, he makes rather extraordinary sounds. His human can’t tell what language he’s speaking, so she decides to consult other animals. From a cow to a pig to a busy bee, everyone is just as baffled by Smudge’s noises.
But perhaps what really matters is not the language Smudge speaks but what he’s saying. Little ones can lift flaps to reveal each barnyard animal and, ultimately, find out what Smudge has been trying to communicate all along.
Pages24
Released2025
LanguageEnglish
PublisherAtheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
ISBN9781665970969
SellerSimon & Schuster
About the author(s)
Sujean Rim is the author and illustrator of My Dog Smudge, You Are Loved, Take a Breath, Take a Chance, Birdie’s Big-Girl Shoes, Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress, Birdie’s Big-Girl Hair, Zoogie Boogie Fever!, Chee-Kee: A Panda in Bearland, and more. She has illustrated for clients including Tiffany & Co., Target, and the website DailyCandy. Sujean lives in New York with her favorite artist and husband Bob, and their son, Charlie. Find her online at SujeanRim.com.
Sujean Rim is the author and illustrator of My Dog Smudge, You Are Loved, Take a Breath, Take a Chance, Birdie’s Big-Girl Shoes, Birdie’s Big-Girl Dress, Birdie’s Big-Girl Hair, Zoogie Boogie Fever!, Chee-Kee: A Panda in Bearland, and more. She has illustrated for clients including Tiffany & Co., Target, and the website DailyCandy. Sujean lives in New York with her favorite artist and husband Bob, and their son, Charlie. Find her online at SujeanRim.com.
