McDuff Moves In

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Pub Date 15 Oct 2019 | Archive Date 15 Mar 2020

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Description

“A homeless unloved pup becomes one lucky dog in this tender picture book. . .”
         —starred Publishers Weekly Review

The Gryphon Press is delighted to bring this classic children’s picture from the dream team of author Rosemary Wells and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Susan Jeffers back into print.

Set in the 1930s, a little dog bounces out of a dogcatcher’s truck one night and searches the neighborhood looking for a home. Fred and Lucy, a young couple, take him in, and bathe and feed him, but decide they are too busy to keep him.

After they set out for the dog pound, they realize that they can’t give him away. At home again, during a late night celebration of adoption, they name him McDuff after their favorite brand of shortbread biscuit.

New in this Edition:

*New back page featuring Lucy's Vanilla Rice Pudding recipe

*Special foreword from author Rosemary Wells

* New back page of pet adoption resources

Wells knows just the right words to describe McDuff's emotions in ways that little readers will identify with and understand. She describes his joy in being accepted with these words: ''No one had ever asked him to come in. Everyone had always told him to go away.''



“A homeless unloved pup becomes one lucky dog in this tender picture book. . .”
         —starred Publishers Weekly Review

The Gryphon Press is delighted to bring this classic children’s picture from...


A Note From the Publisher

The Gryphon Press publishes picture books celebrating the human-animal bond.

Our mission is to publish beautifully illustrated children’s picture books about the vital issues that animals–domestic, wild, and farmed– face, and to present those issues in such a way that children gain insights into and develop empathy for every animal life. All our books are intended to illuminate the struggles that non-human animals face in modern society and to strengthen the human-animal bond.

We are excited to add McDuff to our community of animal protagonists.

The Gryphon Press publishes picture books celebrating the human-animal bond.

Our mission is to publish beautifully illustrated children’s picture books about the vital issues that...


Advance Praise

"Living creatures do not get any cuter than McDuff,. . . Jeffers's illustrations are like old photographs of a bygone America made new--everything from the zinnias to the bathrobes is like virtual-reality nostalgia, old but unfaded."             –The New York Times


"This collaboration by Wells and Jeffers is as sweet, substantial, and comforting as that bowl of rice pudding and will suit the many children who like stories with simple words, clear story lines, and happily-ever-after-endings."

                              –Booklist

"Living creatures do not get any cuter than McDuff,. . . Jeffers's illustrations are like old photographs of a bygone America made new--everything from the zinnias to the bathrobes is like...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9780940719422
PRICE US$17.95 (USD)
PAGES 25

Average rating from 86 members


Featured Reviews

How could this beautiful book be anything but 5 stars? Rosemary Wells' story is heartwarming and the illustrations by Susan Jeffers are so beautifully drawn and evocative of its 1930's setting.

McDuff isn't McDuff to start with, instead he is an escapee from the dog catcher's truck. As he searches for a home, the wonderful drawings and kind words show a bygone era beginning in quiet streets and ending in a house so richly imagined and realistic it felt like that of an old friend.

As I share life with my Westie, Jess, and rescue dog, Alfie, I hoped this book would be one I could read with my young grandchildren and I absolutely plan to do so as soon as possible, maybe all snuggled up with a bowl of rice pudding each made from the recipe at the back of the book.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who remembers the original, likes beautifully illustrated work, or is a dog lover, in fact everyone who wants a little hug of a book to make you feel good.  Highly recommended.

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What a lovely little story. I've juts read it with my nearly 4yr old who looked very sad at the start of the story and asked if the dog was OK when no one wanted him. She was very pleased with the ending. The dog in the book reminds us of our little doggy. Lovely illustrations and a lovely story

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McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells is a classic and timeless story that will appeal to readers of all ages. From an adult perspective, I found that I was particularly nostalgic for this type of wholesome story that took me straight back to the books that I so loved as a child. With beautiful illustrations by Susan Jeffers, readers will surely be charmed by this story about an adorable little terrier who finds his forever home.

Many thanks to NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for this ARC.

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Thank you to Net Galley and the Gryphon Press for an advance of this sweet book. Ironically, I'd shared many hours reading this series with my now 18-year-old, and I was just looking for it last week. I wasn't sure if this new edition would be the same, but it's still as enchanting as before. There's something calming and lovely about this story about a little Scottie that finds a home. The book is set in the 1930s, a more slow, classic time, and that just exudes from the story and illustrations. If you know young children, get this book. I promise you (they) will LOVE it. After reading the electronic advance, I just pre-ordered three copies. This book is just what is needed right now.

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This is a wonderful story. I remember reading it with my son when he was very young. He remembered it as well! It's so beautifully illustrated and the language is beautiful as well.

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I knew before I even opened the cover, this book would get a 5 star. Rosemary Wells is a staple in my school library, and McDuff's Christmas goes out continually the month of December. This beautifully illustrated picture book will not sit on my shelves for long. My friend has a Westie, and Susan Jeffers has caught the spirit of the Westie perfectly. I love the historical aspect of the book. The recipe for rice pudding is a lovely added touch. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

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What a fun book! Great illustrations and writing about a pound dog who wanders town, then finds owners who will love him. My 4 year old daughter loved it!

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A wonderful and sweet story with amazing illustrations.
I think both adult and children will love it as it's moving and heartwarming.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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I read this book to my 5year old daughter and she loved it! Her favorite part was “how they helped the dog because helping people is nice.” The illustrations are beautiful! I highly recommend this book for kids. It has a great message.

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This is an adorable book featuring a timeless story about a dog looking for a home. The vintage illustrations are beautiful and tugged at my heartstrings. The recipe at the end sounds delicious and was a nice surprise! I recommend this for dog lovers of all ages.

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This is a beautifully illustrated book. You can’t help but fall in love with the little white dog ‘McDuff’.
The underlying message is there’s a home for everyone. And if there’s a place in your home re home an unwanted pet.
Let’s hope there will be more McDuff stories in the pipeline.

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This book is one of those stories that simply just warms your heart. It pulls on your heart strings and leaves you wanting nothing but the best for McDuff, and that's what they get. I'm glad to have picked this book up and would definitely recommend to younger readers or parents to read to/with their children. A heartwarming read that will be loved by many. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me early access to review the book.

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What a classic story! A pup just wants to find a home! McDuff Moves In is Homeward Bound meets Pleasantville (with Reese Witherspoon) for kids. The illustrations are so gorgeous and detailed and the story is very heartwarming.
***SPOILER*** My favorite part was the man holding McDuff's paw when they're going to sleep!

Thank you, Gryphon Press, for providing a review copy! It's a gem! 🐶💕

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I really liked this book! It's a fun, light-hearted read about how McDuff finds his forever home. He's searching high and far until he finds the people and home that accept him. The illustrations were beautiful and complemented the story wonderfully. I liked the vanilla pudding recipe at the end too! This will be a timeless classic in terms of children's picture books!

*Note: I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Amazing illustrations and a heartwarming story for kids. I absolutely adored the illustrations, they did not follow the soulless new styles, they are classy and cozy. The story follows a dog looking for a home and family. You could really see the emotions on the illustrations. Fantastic edition!

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This beautifully illustrated picture book comes to us from Rosemary Wells, the author of the much-loved Max and Ruby books. This book was first published in 1997—so the story itself isn’t new. This new edition is published by Gryphon Press, a publisher dedicated to producing books for children about animals (thegryphonpress.com). The cover of this book will captivate readers immediately—a sweet little dog in the rain, sitting on a welcome mat and facing the door, just waiting to be part of the home. The story begins with a dog—a West Highland White Terrier—escaping a truck headed for the pound. The dog travels around the neighborhood, door to door to door, but is not welcomed. Finally, he finds his way to #7 Elm Road (the smell of rice pudding and sausages pulls him in) and he is welcomed by Lucy and Fred. Briefly, the couple considers returning the dog to the pound, but he’s already wriggled into their hearts and they decide to adopt him, instead. The story and illustrations are fantastic complements to one another. Five stars!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

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Author : Rosemary Wells
illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Pub Date: 15 Oct 2019
McDuff Moves In
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

McDuff Moves In is such a cute and yet heart-warming story. I read this book to my 4 year old daughter , 2 year old granddaughter and my 1 year old granddaughter. They all loved it and asked me to re read it again and again. The illustrations are bright and beautiful. The kids loved looking at all the pictures throughout the book. Even my husband and i loved this story about the small unwanted , unloved dog looking for food and a home. Highly recommend !!!!
Thank you NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for the chance to read this ARC to my girls in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was super sweet. The illustrations were just a dream. My boys really liked McDuff and were happy he found a nice family

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This is a sweet book that makes you feel good when you're done reading. The artwork is beautiful with a classic look and feel. As someone who loves dogs, I appreciate all the details that go into the little lost dog through this adventure. You can study the pages for new details after more than one read. I thought the writing was appropriate for the age group. It’s the kind of book you can read again and again with your kiddos and allow them to do the “Woofs” for McDuff the whole way. I greatly applaud in info in the back about helping other dogs that need forever homes and I look forward to trying the recipe, too.

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My five year old granddaughter and I both really liked this book. The illustrations are nicely detailed and the text is easy to read and kept both our interests. Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers do it again. A wonderful way to introduce kids to the need for adopting strays.

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A lovely little book that any child (or adult in fact!) will love. The illustrations are beautiful and the story timeless. I'll be buying this one for myself!

As always, thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this adorable title. #McDuffReturns #NetGalley

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I was shocked to see what I thought was a new McDuff book. I now understand that they brought the classic back. The Westie still puts a smile on my face.

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How can anyone not love McDuff? This picture book is a solid five stars. The wonderful illustrations and the thoroughly delightful character of McDuff, a West Highland terrier who will steal your heart. If you don't like him, it mean you are probably jaded.

The human couple in this story are nice young people, but they can't hold a candle to the homeless, raggedy little white dog who comes to their door. They are sharing McDuff's biscuits, thus the name of the little white dog being named McDuff.

The story was originally written in the 1930s, when the plight of stray animals was much harsher. The lesson from this book for children today is the importance of animal shelters, and caring for and about homeless animals.

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A beautiful feel good book with glorious illustrations. We throughly enjoyed looking at those and finding all the details from the text. A tale of a little dog who needs a home, a name and love. Beautifully simple and much to talk about. Do read it.

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How could anyone resist falling in love with McDuff? The author’s introduction and notes simply enhance the winning formula. This book will spend little time on the library shelves.

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My favorite dog story! I love McDuff--and I love this book-- and I l.ove the entire series! Poor McDuff...homeless and it's raining. Lost and alone, then Lucy comes to save the day! Littles will love this book. So sweet! The illustrations are too wonderful!

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A little white unwanted dog tumbles out of the back of the dogcatcher's truck one night. He is hungry and lonely. He goes from house to house and finds rejection until he happens upon the home of Lucy and Fred. This young couple in pajamas, robes, and slippers, invite the homeless dog into their home Where he is fed and bathed. Then surprisingly, they all get in the car to return him to the pound. They drive around awhile then they admit to each other that they don't want to take the dog back. Back at home they celebrate their new addition by opening a tin of McDuff's Melt In Your Mouth Shortbread Cookies. And voila, the dog has a name.

This is a reprinting with updates of the first book in the McDuff series. Rosemary Wells, in her end notes, says over the years she received many inquiries about the origin of the homeless dog. She says her inspiration was the Scottie dog from the Angus series.

I loved the vivid illustrations and the expressions on McDuff’s face. The illustrator certainly captured the little dog’s emotions.

This is a heart warmer.

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"No one had ever asked him to come in. Everyone had always told him to go away." I had to go hug my dogs after that. This is perfect for a bedtime story & would make a great gift. I love the illustrations!

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I have loved the McDuff books for years and purchased several of them for my library. In fact, McDuff is probably the reason I adopted a Westie of my own. This book is the familiar story of McDuff's adoption, but the pictures are old-fashioned and nostalgic. The story is sweet and demands to be read over and over again, leaving readers with a feeling of satisfaction and contentment. Love this book and its little family.

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“McDuff Moves In” by Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers

“McDuff Moves In” is a sweet book about a puppy who fell out of the dog catchers truck. He needed something to eat and a warm place to sleep. So he went looking. “Woof” he says along his way, but no one comes. It is getting dark and starting to rain and the wind is picking up. Then, a door opens. She is Lucy and he is Fred, she tells the puppy. They ask him to come in! They know they should return him to the dog pound. They drive around. Soon they are all back home eating tea biscuits called McDuff’s. And, McDuff gets a name and has moved in!

Very sweet, a great book for your younger child. Wonderful illustrations. A sweet story kids will love. –Green Gables Book Reviews

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Such a beautiful story that teaches about and shows through illustrations a slower, gentler time to children. It's a story that teaches that even though all isn't perfect in relationships...human and animal...you don't just throw it away but find a way to work it out.

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Absolutely adorable story about a lovable dog that every child will love. This would be a welcome addition to the elementary school collection.

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This was a really sweet story with excellent illustrations. I will definitely read more books by this author!

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What a cute book! My girls loved reading about McDuff, and very much loved the pictures. A lovely story about human and animal love for each other.

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My step son loved it. He loved that the dog found his forever home, and found it super funny when he was named after some biscuits. Its a classic book that has really stood the test of time. Thank you for lending us a copy!

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McDuff returns to our bookshelves! And I couldn't be happier. This story is so cute. McDuff finds a loving family and his furever home.

In my childhood I had two Westies; one, my own pet Westie named Terra; two, my fictional pet, McDuff. My mom would read the stories to my brother and me, and we loved McDuff dearly.

I'm ever so delighted to see the McDuff books being republished! I'll personally be happy to read each and every one all over again. These charming stories never grow old.

McDuff is a darling! And the illustrations in this book are simply delicious.

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For many of us, just saying the names Rosemary Wells and Susan Jeffers is enough to have us ordering a copy of the book. But for anyone who is not familiar with that creative duo and their work together on the McDuff books, here is a second chance to enter the world of 1930s America and a little Westie who goes from the back of the dogcatcher's truck to searching for a home. Readers will be anxiously waiting to see if one of the houses along the street will become a forever home - but hissing cats, growling dogs, and staring owls keep him moving from one yard to another. The young couple who take in McDuff surprise him with their welcome. "No one had ever asked him to come in. Everyone had always told him to go away.''

The illustrations are a trip to the past with the vehicles, clothing, and home decor. McDuff, of course, steals the scene each time. Whether he is looking forlornly up at the rain clouds, trotting alongside Lucy on the way to the kitchen, or shaking his coat dry after a "coconut herbal bath," he is irresistibly adorable. The final scene shows all of them asleep, with Lucy holding one of Fred's hands and Fred's other hand reaching down to hold McDuff's paw as he sleeps on a pillow beside the bed.

Back matter includes a special foreword from the author, a recipe for Lucy's Vanilla Rice Pudding, and a page of pet adoption resources.



Highly recommended for primary grade readers. Be prepared to head to the library or bookstore for more McDuff books once you have finished this one.

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McDuff Moves In is wonderful and heart-warming story. It captures beautifully the nature of these hearty and stubborn little terriers and yearning for home, which can be found when least expected. Absolutely delightful storyline with gorgeous artwork - I'll definitely read it to my niece and recommend it to everyone who's looking for a stunning picture book that has a lot of meaning.

This shows that some stories are such important that they will stand the test of time.

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I received a ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

What a simple but beautifully heartwarming story this is! I'm surprised I have never read it before but I am so glad I have now!
This is a new edition of an old book and it is simple adorable!

A must read for any animal lover!

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Great book aimed at younger readers but adults will enjoy as well. An unwanted dog gets adopted and finds its happy ever after home! What's not to like? Recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for ARC.

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This was an amazing book! I love dogs, and i will recommend this book to all of my friends! It will show parents and kids that we need to adopt animals. The illustrations were also very cute.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This children's picture book is absolutely adorable. Short and sweet with a happy ending. I love the pictures too.

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Ah, puppies! I love a good book about cute dogs. Throw in a Shakespeare name and I'm in! McDuff Moves In is the sweetest, little book about adopting a dog and learning to love him.

Little McDuff fell out of a dogcatcher's truck after the truck hit a bump in the road. A family take him in, wanting to provide him love and care. But, since they are very, very, very busy people there is no possible way they can keep him and give him the love he deserves. The family gets ready to take him to the dog pound, but then decide they love him far too much!

For one, the pictures are absolutely STUNNING. All caps that, because it is seriously artwork in this book. I am totally impressed and blown away at the tones and hues.

I like the story, but I would have loved a little more of a theme or a reason to why they kept them. That educational moment could have propelled this book a little higher rating from me. But hey, that's just me being picky.

I think this book would be awesome for young kids. It's a great way to show dog adoption in a soft way. It does bring all of the feels though, so be ready for some tissues!

Overall, the book is sweet and full of wonderful pictures. It's a super simple story that packs a cute and sweet punch!

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McDuff Moves In by Rosemary Wells is an old classic brought back to life again. It's a beautiful story about a shelter dog that finds himself wandering the streets and looking for someone to take him in. On this journey, he encounters varying things that scare him until he finally finds what he is looking for: some nice people that clean him up and make sure he is fed before returning him to the pound. But how come this man is purposely not finding the shelter? Follow along this cute story, enjoy the beautiful illustrations and rejoice with McDuff at his happy ending.

Something that I really liked about this book is the additional things you can find in the back. There are suggestions for more books related to animal rescue, you can find out what YOU can do to help a dog like McDuff, and you can even find the recipe for Lucy's Easy Vanilla Bean Rice Pudding. As someone involved in animal rescue myself, I am glad to have found a book that introduces this topic so easily to young readers.

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This was an adorable read. I love the art and I'm always all for animal adoption stories. My daughter loved it as well so it's a win win for this mama.

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A heartwarming tale of a dog in need a of a home. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this to my stepchildren, and they really enjoyed the illustrations. This was a sweet book overall, and I was glad to have the chance to read and review!

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This Is a sweet little story about a stray dog finding a home. The illustrations are beautiful. This would make a wonderful book for any child that loves Animals. I especially love at the end of the book the page that tells children what they can do to help a dog like McDuff. As an added bonus there’s a recipe for Luces easy vanilla bean rice pudding.

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McDuff Moves In

by Rosemary Wells

illustrated by Susan Jeffers

I had a delightful trip back in time as I read Rosemary Wells’ McDuff Moves In. It is being republished with original illustrations for a new generation of readers. Set in the 1930’s, its main character is McDuff, a West Highland White terrier (Westie). As Wells says in her forward, “Lucy and Fred’s loving rescue of homeless McDuff adds to their lives and shows the beautiful change that kindness and care can make for any homeless dog.”

This is a short picture book with colorful, appealing illustrations and a sweet story. You’ll love learning how McDuff got his name! There is added information about rescuing and fostering homeless animals and references to other books with a similar theme. McDuff Moves In is a fun book that children will ask for again and again.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Gryphon Press for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Children’s Fiction

Notes: Rosemary Wells is a prolific children’s book author as well as an artist. Her books include the Max and Ruby books, the Sophie books, and many others that feature lovable animals. She also has several more McDuff titles.

Publication: October 25, 2019—Gryphon Press

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I loved this little story. It is a rainy night and a little white dog is in the Dog Pound truck. When it hits a nasty bump, out he pops. He ends up on the doorstep of a wonderful couple who decide they want to keep him and give him a forever home. Named McDuff by his new owners, he is happy with his new family. the illustrations are adorable and I fell in love with McDuff. These stories originally published in 1999, are being re-issued by Gryphon Press to a new audience. I also liked that the endpages discussed animal adoptions and rescues. I am looking forward to the updating of the rest of the McDuff series.

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#McDuffReturns
Thanks to #NetGalley and The Gryphon Press for providing me with the opportunity to read an ARC of MCDUFF MOVES IN written by Rosemary Wells and illustrated by Susan Jeffers.
This children's book is set in the 1930s and
would be a perfect gift for children ages 3 to 7. Susan Jeffers's beautiful realistic illustrations are on every page.
This is a heartwarming story about a homeless little white dog who bounces out of a dogcatcher's truck one night. He searches the neighbourhood looking for a home. Lucy and Fred take him in, but decide that they are too busy to keep him. Before they get to the dog pound, they change their minds and bring him back home. They celebrate with hot chocolate and McDuff's shortbread biscuits and name the little West Highland White terrier McDuff.
MCDUFF MOVES IN would make a wonderful addition for public libraries, kindergartens, preschool and elementary school libraries and classrooms, and welcome centres. McDuff is adorable and I can see this book easily becoming a childhood favourite, and highly recommend it.
5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️

Posted on Goodreads March 25, 2020
Posted on NetGalley March 26,2020

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