Review - Surfer Dog

Surfer Dog
by Eric Walters
illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Date: 2018
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

What is the true meaning of friendship? Follow along as a boy meets up with his friend--a dog who faithfully waits for him every day so they can ride out to the beach together to surf. The boy doesn't own the dog and he doesn't know who does, but their daily routine has created a special bond. Award-winning author Eric Walters navigates the waters of a unique friendship alongside the vibrant illustrations of Eugenie Fernandes, who brings the bumpy roads, rugged beach paths and rolling waves of the tropics to life.

Sometimes the most poignant relationships in a child's life are the ones between friends.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

This book is underwhelming. I think part of the problem is that it starts far too late and tells the most uninteresting part of the story. The dog and the boy are already friends who surf together. I would've much rather read a story about how the boy and the dog met and began their surfing adventures.

The illustrations are colourful, but nothing special. The writing is a little clunky in places. It's not a really strong picture book, and while I like the tropical setting (I'm guessing it's supposed to be Costa Rica, based on the author's dedication), the execution of the text and pictures is a little bit lacking.

I don't think I'd recommend this one.

Premise: 2/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 2/5
Illustrations: 3/5
Originality: 3/5

Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall: 2.33 out of 5