The Story
Hal has always wanted a dog. Every Christmas and every birthday he wishes for one. Hal doesn’t care about the breed or name, a dog is all he wishes for. However Hal’s mother, Albina, will not allow it. A dog could wet the carpet, moult on the wooden floor, scratch its claws on the door. No. A dog is out of the question.
So, when Hal’s next birthday arrives, he wishes for a dog. Albina, though, has different plans for her son’s birthday. She has ordered gift hampers from Hamleys and Harrods which do not include dogs. Donald, Hal’s father, was supposed to pick up a present for Hal on his way home from a business trip to Dubai, but unsurprisingly forgot. So, on arriving home on the evening of Hal’s birthday, Donald asks Hal what he wants. A dog, Hal says. Hal is in luck. On his way home, Donald spotted Easy Pets Dog Agency, where you can rent dogs for a weekend. Little does Hal know that Fleck, the curiously named Tottenham terrier he chooses, is only for the weekend and not forever. Hal and Fleck must find a way to stay together. But how?
My Thoughts
I loved the story of One dog and his boy. Not only because of Hal and Flecks’ special relationship, but also because of the uplifting nature of the book and the laughter it brings. I would recommend this book from age six upwards, as it is funny, joyous and simply magical. I loved all of the characters and each person and dog’s personality.
