Review: Tiny Dogs: Bea’s Secret Friends written and illustrated by Rose Lihou

Tiny Dogs:  Bea’s Secret Friends is the first book in the start of a delightful new series for younger readers with full-colour illustrations throughout.  This is a charming, gently humorous story, with some wonderful messages, that is sure to captivate its readers.

Seven-year-old Beatrix Bloom and her mum are moving to live with Bea’s Grandma and Grandpa in their large house, Bloom Cottage.  She has not seen her grandparents for a long time, but is immediately warmly welcomed by them.  Bea’s mum runs a dog-grooming business and Bea really enjoys helping out as she is an animal-lover, and especially adores dogs who she feels comfortable around. 

Bea remembers her grandparents’ garden being beautifully kept but, when she visits it with Grandpa, she is surprised to find that it is now overgrown and rather neglected.  She is even more surprised to discover that her gardening-loving Grandpa seems uncomfortable in the garden and heads back indoors leaving Bea to explore further on her own.  Finding a flowerpot, she watches four tiny creatures rush out and hide in the ivy but, before she can investigate further, she is called indoors.  Could they be something to do with Grandpa’s reluctance to visit the garden?

The next day Bea makes the most amazing discovery:  there are four tiny creatures living in an old flower pot.  She is excited to discover that four adorable, rare tiny dogs have made their home in the garden – and they need her help to remain safe there.  Can Bea become their guardian and keep them safe?  And, can they help her when the garden comes under threat from an interfering neighbour? 

This is a truly wonderful adventure brimming with gentle humour, gorgeous friendships, teamwork and a garden to save that I have no doubt will appeal hugely to young readers.  I think readers will appreciate the message of protecting and nurturing nature so that plants and animals can survive and thrive.  I think it also addresses big issues for young children in a sensitive way that will help them deal with changes such as moving home or schools.

Bea is a wonderful young girl.  She is quiet, kind-hearted and adores both animals and nature.  She worries about change and is nervous about starting a new school and trying to make new friends, something which I think lots of young readers will empathise with.  Bea doesn’t always find it easy to find her voice and express her opinions.  I loved that her new tiny friends give her the strength, courage and confidence to speak out and make a difference.  I also adored the relationship between Bea and Grandpa who is kind and reassuring and ready to listen to Bea, giving her the time to express herself.

The full-colour illustrations throughout are just beautiful and really add to the charm and warmth of this beautifully-told story.  Close friendship, family and teamwork shine through in both the words and illustrations.

This is a joyous, enchanting adventure for younger readers of 5+ who will want to return to Bea’s Secret Friends again and again whilst they wait for their next adventure.

Thank you to Sally Oliphant and Puffin Books for sending me a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.