Otto The Top Dog

As a dog lover this a beautiful little story about sweet Otto the dog. Filled with lovely illustrations and a sweet story this will be a favorite for all of the littles in your life.

This book is about dogs (surprise, surprise). Dogs with different personalities and needs all come together in Otto’s place.

It is a witty read with a nice rhythm and a fresh outlook. The illustrations enhance the story and they also have a fresh style.

Older children might be able to pick the subtle themes of setting boundaries, saying ‘no’, masking, having a sense of home, sharing and the importance of having a balance of me-time and spending time with others, and loneliness.

Sweet picture book that was very well received by my 6 year old daughter, who read this herself as part of her bedtime. Otto looked just like little dog we lost couple of years back and it was a gentle little story book. Pictures are lovely.

I am familiar with Catherine Rayner as I have read a few of her books before and absolutely adore her illustrations! Otto was so cute and the story reminded me slightly of a Squash and a Squeeze by Julia Donaldson but more dogs! I loved all the characters and they were all drawn in the authors individual style. This is an absolute must read for all small children and the parents will love it too.

Lovely book with wonderful illustrations about a dog, his friends and his bed. My 4 year and 9 year old loved this book and both made different points about it when we discussed it. My 4 year old loved how Otto had so many friends whilst my 9 year old didn't like how these friends just took his bed off him and used it as their own. She got cross with Otto for not standing up for himself and telling them to get out. She liked how it ended and that Otto was a nice friend who shared. I feel there was a message about sharing, people pleasing and boundaries and the effect if these things are implemented. It also identified how you can become tired if you don't put your needs before others and don't stand up for yourself.

A story with a different message depending on the reader.

I love Catherine Rayner’s work so was delighted to have a chance to review this before its publication next month.

Otto is a little dog who loves nothing more than his big bed. A kind soul, Otto is happy to share his warm, cosy bed with his friends. Word soon spreads and before he realises, his favourite place is completely full and it is isn’t quite as comfortable any more. Can Otto find a way to get a good night’s sleep without upsetting his friends?

This is a gorgeous story, beautifully illustrated. A tale of kindness, friendship and understanding. I love how big-hearted Otto is, and the message that there is always a solution if everyone works together.

Dog-lovers will adore this, as will fans of Catherine Rayner, and anyone looking for a funny and charming story about friends.

This will be a huge hit in our school library!

Thank you so much to Macmillan Children’s books and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Otto is adorable, he’s a very kind and caring pup, he wants to make his friends happy and in return it makes him happy. Then when he wants his basket back he gets one for all his friends only he gets even sadder, but his friends are there to help.

A very sweet story on kindness, giving, sharing and helping. I loved seeing the variety of dogs used within this, the illustrations of them all were so cute. Otto was the cutest with his routine, with his love of his basket that he is sweet enough to keep sharing and offering to his friends.

Dog loving children in particular are just going to love this book, seeing so many of them in this book. It was funny in places too, when you see the doggie piles. It’s very sweet and a lovely story, children will really enjoy reading and looking at it.

I have always loved both Catherine Raynor's stories and illustrations, both being generally warm and enjoyable. This one has the added bonus of dogs, which I love, and Otto is lovely. This simple tale of friendship and sharing, works so well with the images of dogs enjoying Otto's comfy basket. The illustrations capture the emotions, the chaos, and the personalities of all the different dogs. They perfectly complement the story which i thoroughly enjoyed. Another great book from this author.