Reviews
Welcome to the Reviews page. Here is some of the amazing feedback I have received from readers and professionals in the industry. If you click on the Reviewer’s name it links you to the original review where applicable.
If you have a copy of my book and would like to send me your feedback directly then please do so via the Contact page above and I will be more than happy to post your honest opinions to the page.
Thank you! Catherine
"A lovely easy read book for parents and children, the simple clear illustrations mean even the youngest children can learn when a dog doesn't want to play. The child friendly language helps children to really understand how their dog is feeling and to know what to do/not do to keep safe"
"If you have little children and dogs, or plan to have both in your life, this is a good purchase to add to the home library!"
From the Pets And Their People Blog.
"I loved this book, the pictures make it easy to understand how the dog is feeling and it means I can recognise how other dogs feel too. It's really good to know how to be safe with dogs."
Naomi
Child
So, I was asked to review a book. It’s always a little risky asking Shay Kelly to review anything - I’m brutally honest with such things and people don’t usually ask twice.
However, this book, I loved. It’s a children’s book about respecting and understand when dogs might and might not want to interact. Although it is kept very simple, it tackles the difficult/risky subject of child safety around dogs.
On first glance it’s just a cute picture book teaching kids that dogs don’t always want to play. But it’s so much more; It subtly introduces the concept of empathy and animals having their own feelings. It plants the seeds of kindness, and who knows what might grow?
I can’t wait to read this book to my granddaughter and see what she thinks.
This is a neat little book for younger children by Cat Hepburn, but don’t let its simplicity fool you – Cat is highly experienced with dog training and behaviour, and her illustrations here demonstrate that very well. Through simple rhyming text, the book explains when the canine character is happy to play and interact with the child character, and when he is not, in terms a child can understand.
The illustrations here are the real star, whilst the text is suitable for very young children, the very accurate yet attractive illustrations will really highlight dog body language for toddlers right up to adults!
The book shows play bows, tail wags, whale eyes, avoidance/appeasement behaviours and much more, in a very friendly style that is sufficiently realistic to accurately depict canine body language, whilst remaining appealing to look at for all ages.
Crucially, the book reinforces the message that dogs are not toys, they’re not to be climbed on, they have their own feelings and sometimes will appreciate space and being left alone.
A must have addition to the bookshelf for anyone with small children and a pet dog, and a good recommendation for trainers/behaviourists to offer to clients.
If you want an easy, joyful way to teach your children how to be gentle and respectful friends to your family dog, you need this. Every family with a pet needs a copy!
This book makes a perfect, most thoughtful gift! If you have a friend who has a young one and welcoming a new dog, this shows you care about the child and the pet. It’s practical, sweet, and sets up a wonderful, safe relationship from day one. A must-buy for your family and every family you know! (5 Stars)
"Five Stars. Excellent book to help young children get used to interacting with dogs. My son loved it."
"Five Stars, Excellent Writing - This book is truly amazing granddaughter loves it great explanation"
"Five Stars Could help in preventing unwanted incidents between children and pets. This book teaches safe dog interactions for children. The illustrations are attention grabbing without overstimulating. A great choice for bedtime or classroom reading."
"Five Stars Well written learning book for young children - This book is very well written and captures attention of young children easily. The illustrations are cute and draw kids in and the writing style is easy for smaller children to understand. Even my older children enjoyed reading the book and knew the lessons it teaches are great to learn."
"Five Stars - great book for teaching children how to interact with dogs. Well illustrated and easy to read. Really stands out from the recent run of AI slop on amazon."
