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list price: $17.95
edition:Hardcover
also available: eBook
category: Children's Fiction
published: Apr 2014
ISBN:9781554983223
publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd

Norman, Speak!

by Caroline Adderson, illustrated by Qin Leng

tagged: dogs, adoption, pets
Description

Norman, Speak! tells the comical yet thought-provoking story of a boy and his family who adopt a dog that just can’t seem to learn the things other dogs do.

Overwhelmed by dogs in need at their local animal shelter, a young boy chooses Norman, the stray that’s been there the longest. But, upon bringing him home, the family quickly learns that Norman won’t respond to commands. He doesn’t even know his own name.

During a chance encounter with another dog owner in the park, the family is very surprised to learn the reason for Norman’s confusion; he “speaks” Chinese instead of English! And so the family enrolls in a language class, determined to understand their uniquely loveable pet.

The humorous text, from award-winning author Caroline Adderson, and Qin Leng’s delightful illustrations combine to create a picture book that will be enjoyed by readers (and dogs) no matter what language they speak.

About the Authors

Caroline Adderson


Qin Leng was born in Shanghai and lived in France and Montreal. She now lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto. Her father, an artist himself, was a great influence on her. She grew up surrounded by paintings, and it became second nature for her to express herself through art. She graduated from the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and has received many awards for her animated short films and artwork. Qin has always loved to illustrate the innocence of children and has developed a passion for children’s books. She has illustrated numerous picture books for publishers in Canada, the United States, and South Korea.

Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
Age:
4 to 7
Grade:
k to 2
Reading age:
4 to 7
Awards
  • Short-listed, Chocolate Lily Book Award (Picture Book)
  • Commended, OLA Best Bets (Picture Books)
  • Commended, USBBY Outstanding International Book
  • Short-listed, Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
Editorial Reviews

Throughout this lovely story, it is clear that the boy and his parents love Norman just as he is. Simple ink drawings set against ample white space make the endearing dog come alive on paper. This title will be a surefire hit with children.

— School Library Journal

This is a fresh and original take on the new-pet story that provides a gentle little paradigm shift along with its slight absurdity; the family’s genial embrace of their new dog’s language is both humorous . . . and offhandedly heartwarming.

— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, STARRED REVIEW

Pet lovers will appreciate this family’s lighthearted journey toward making this relationship succeed.

— Kirkus Reviews

This is a delightful and whimsically illustrated book. Recommended.

— Library Media Connections

Caroline Adderson and Qin Leng’s Norman, Speak! is a timeless story about a boy and his dog with a twist appropriate to today’s audience.

— CM Magazine

There are lessons here—about patience as well as intercultural understanding—but they’re very lightly worn, and the casual line of the ink-and-color illustrations reminds us that this is a warm family story most of all.

— Horn Book
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