After exploring beloved canine literature like Walter the Farting Dog, the quest for unique children’s books about dogs with quirky issues led us to a delightful discovery: Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis by the acclaimed Dav Pilkey. This charming narrative delves into the life of Hally Tosis, a seemingly perfect pup with one significant, odoriferous flaw. For families seeking books with dog in the title that combine humor with a valuable lesson, Pilkey’s creation is a must-read, offering a fresh perspective on acceptance and problem-solving within the home.
The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis: A Deep Dive into the Plot
Hally Tosis was an undeniably adorable and exceptionally friendly dog, cherished by the Tosis family. Her endearing nature, however, was perpetually overshadowed by one enormous problem: her truly terrible breath. Everywhere Hally went, her formidable odor preceded her, leaving a trail of stunned and incapacitated individuals, including the resilient Grandmother Tosis. The comedic exaggeration of her breath’s impact is a central element of the story, setting the stage for the family’s drastic decision. Faced with the unbearable reality of Hally’s unique predicament, the Tosis family reluctantly decided to give her away, much to the heartbreak of the children. This moment highlights the genuine affection the family holds for Hally, despite her unconventional challenge. In a desperate last attempt to save their beloved pet, the children embarked on a series of inventive, albeit unsuccessful, missions to cure Hally’s bad breath. These attempts, including a comical trip to a movie theater designed to “take her breath away,” only add to the story’s lighthearted charm and make it one of those heartwarming dog stories to read that resonate with young readers. Just as all hope seemed lost, a thrilling turn of events occurs when two robbers break into the Tosis family home, leading to the ultimate question: Could Hally Tosis’s notorious bad breath actually become her greatest asset and save the day? Readers are encouraged to dive into the book to uncover the surprising conclusion.
Dav Pilkey’s Artistic & Narrative Genius
Dav Pilkey, renowned for his imaginative storytelling in series like Captain Underpants, truly showcases his unique blend of humor and heart in Dog Breath. His writing is both engaging and uproariously funny, masterfully detailing Hally’s predicament and its widespread effects. Pilkey crafts Hally as an innocently blissful character, completely unaware of the havoc her breath wreaks, yet perpetually cheerful despite people’s reactions ranging from fleeing in terror to fainting outright. This depiction of Hally as an ever-optimistic dog, whose infectious joy shines through her aromatic flaw, makes her incredibly endearing to the audience. The profound care the Tosis family exhibits for Hally, even amidst their exasperation, is beautifully portrayed, particularly in the poignant scene where they sadly put up a “free dog” sign, highlighting their deep emotional connection.
Pilkey’s vibrant and expressive artwork complements the narrative perfectly. Hally herself is depicted as an exceptionally cute dog with a wide, innocent smile, making her foul breath an even funnier contrast. The visual representation of her bad breath as a vibrant green cloud emanating from her mouth, coupled with the hilarious illustrations of various characters being overcome by it, adds a significant layer of comedic genius. This unique approach to illustrating a common canine issue in a whimsical way ensures that the story is both entertaining and memorable, solidifying its place among good dog books to read for young audiences.
A Comparison to Canine Classics and Reviewer’s Insights
While Dog Breath stands out with its distinctive charm, it inevitably invites comparisons to other canine literary hits, particularly Walter the Farting Dog. Though equally delightful, some aspects of Dog Breath‘s narrative felt slightly less developed in comparison, leading to a four-star rating. The reviewer expressed a desire for greater depth in the Tosis family’s characters, noting a relative lack of dialogue and more intriguing ways they might have grappled with Hally’s unique challenge. This slight reservation stemmed from having previously encountered a similar premise in Walter the Farting Dog, which perhaps offered a more elaborate exploration of a dog’s smelly problem. However, the unique take on a dog’s bad breath and its unexpected heroism still marks this book as one of the best books for dog lovers who appreciate a good laugh and a heartwarming message.
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Conclusion
Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis by Dav Pilkey is a truly endearing and humorous children’s book that explores themes of acceptance, family love, and finding unexpected strengths in perceived flaws. It’s a fantastic read for children aged four and up, presenting a lighthearted approach to a common dog issue without anything inappropriate. This story playfully teaches that even the most unconventional problems can be utilized resourcefully, proving itself to be a charming addition to any collection of fiction books about dogs for adults to share with their children.
References
- Review originally published on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
