Haughton, Chris. Oh no, George! Somerville, Mass.: Candlewick Press, 32 pages, 2012. ISBN-10: 0763655465 Picture Book. Ages 2 and up.
Author's website: http://www.vegetablefriedrice.com/
George really wants to be good. He wants to please his owner and friend. But, oh, is it hard to do the right thing. This is the story of George, an undisciplined hound, struggling to do what is right with a great amount of trouble since his inner canine demons seem to be driving his bus (so to speak). George is left behind for the day by his trusting owner and friend, Harris with the reminder for him to be good. Even though he tries very hard to be good, there are too many temptations out in the open. A cake sits on the table and no one is around. George's eyes gaze guiltily out at the reader before his moment of action. He devours the cake!
The moment George's dilemma of choices gives insight into this hound's subconscious. To eat the cake or not. To play in the garden or not. To chase the cat or not. These really aren't philosophical quandaries for George. This is part of George's instincts or doggie personality, if you will. He can not change these urges or actions easily. The important part is that he tries and that Harris forgives him thus giving George back some dignity and redemption. This book carries the lessons of understanding and compassion to readers.
From reviews, this book is successful with children. The Kirkus reviewer points out that the use of present-tense narration and repetitive refrains make this a natural book for reading out loud. Booklist and the Wall Street Journal also give this book good reviews.
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