Quick Take

No one wanted the nameless little dog wandering the streets looking unsuccessfully for food and shelter until kindhearted Fred and Lucy, a young couple, take him inside. After they feed him rice pudding and bathe him, they realize that they cannot bear to return him to the pound. Newly adopted, McDuff-named that night for their favorite shortbread biscuit-is last seen happily asleep on his back on a pillow next to Fred and Lucy's bed.Jeffers's illustrations brilliantly capture a bygone art deco America in Lucy and Fred's cozy home, a virtual-reality nostalgia unfaded. Dog lovers everywhere will recognize the very specific details that bring McDuff to life, from the familiar lift of a paw in the rain to the frightened eyes peeking out over the car dashboard.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: McDuff Moves In

Introduction

"McDuff Moves In" is a heartwarming children's book written by Rosemary Wells. The story revolves around a nameless little dog who wanders the streets, searching for food and shelter. Fred and Lucy, a young couple, take pity on the dog and bring him into their home. The book, illustrated by Susan Jeffers, transports readers to the 1930s era, capturing the essence of art deco America in Lucy and Fred's cozy home. With its adorable illustrations and uplifting message, "McDuff Moves In" has resonated with readers of all ages.

About Rosemary Wells

Rosemary Wells is a renowned author of children's books. She is best known for her popular series "Max and Ruby," which follows the adventures of sibling bunnies Max and Ruby. Wells draws inspiration for her writing from her own experiences with her daughters and their friends. Her love for West Highland White Terriers (Westies) has also found its way into her books, including "McDuff Moves In." With a career spanning several decades, Wells has written numerous books that have captured the hearts of children and adults alike.

Analysis of Views

Uplifting Storytelling: Readers appreciate the uplifting nature of "McDuff Moves In." The story offers a heartwarming narrative about a dog in need of a home, resonating with animal lovers of all ages.
Charming Illustrations: The illustrations by Susan Jeffers have been praised for their charm and ability to bring the characters to life. The retro feel of the artwork adds to the overall appeal of the book.
Informative Back Matter: The inclusion of an informative page for adults regarding the lack of shelters in the 1930s and the poor outcome for stray pets adds depth to the story. It provides readers with valuable insights into the historical context of the narrative.
Teaching Adoption: The book serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of adopting pets from shelters rather than buying from pet shops. It educates children on responsible pet ownership and encourages compassion towards animals in need.
Simple and Sweet: The story is described as simple yet sweet, making it accessible to young readers. The narrative is engaging and keeps readers invested in the protagonist's journey.

Reasons for Recommendation

Heartwarming Narrative: The heartwarming storyline of "McDuff Moves In" resonates with readers, especially those who love animals. The tale of a lost dog finding a forever home evokes feelings of joy and hope.
Charming Illustrations: The charming illustrations by Susan Jeffers add an extra layer of appeal to the book. They transport readers to a bygone era and enhance the overall reading experience.
Educational Content: The inclusion of informative back matter about the historical context and the plight of stray pets adds value to the book. It provides readers with valuable insights and fosters understanding and empathy towards animals in need.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Predictability: Some readers found the story to be predictable and standard Disney-esque children's literature fare. They felt that it lacked originality and failed to captivate them as much as other books in the genre.
Lack of Depth: A few readers felt that the characters lacked depth, making it difficult for them to connect emotionally with the story. They felt that the writing was too simple and lacked complexity, which detracted from their overall enjoyment of the book.

Conclusion

"McDuff Moves In" by Rosemary Wells is a heartwarming children's book that has captured the hearts of readers with its uplifting narrative and charming illustrations. The story takes readers on a journey with a nameless little dog who finds a forever home with Fred and Lucy in the 1930s era. While some readers found it predictable and lacking depth, others appreciated its simple yet sweet nature and educational back matter. Overall, "McDuff Moves In" serves as a reminder of the importance of adopting pets from shelters and fostering compassion towards animals in need.