Picture Book Review: My Dog Smudge
If you’re looking for a charming, interactive picture book that will make your little one giggle while teaching a beautiful lesson about love, My Dog Smudge by Sujean Rim deserves a spot on your bookshelf. This charming lift-the-flap picture book is filled with farm friends, silly sounds, and the kind of uplifting ending that leaves both children and adults smiling.
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In the picture book My Dog Smudge, we meet Smudge, a dog who looks perfectly ordinary…until he opens his mouth. Instead of the usual “woof” or “bark,” Smudge makes strange and extraordinary noises that the little girl can’t quite figure out. Determined to understand Smudge, the little girl sets out to ask other animals if they recognize what he is trying to say. From cows to pigs to buzzing bees, each animal is has no idea what Smudeg is trying to communicate.
The fun for young readers comes from lifting the flaps to peek behind barn doors and windows to see the animals’ reactions. The interactive element keeps kids engaged, turning each page into a mini adventure. One issue is that the flaps are made of thin cardstock and with frequent use, they will tear. The illustrations in My Dog Smudge are a delightful blend of digital art and thick crayon-like lines, giving the story a whimsical, hand-drawn feel.
Beyond the laughs and curiosity, My Dog Smudge carries a sweet and subtle message: language might not always be understood, but love and friendship speak loud and clear. The ending reveals exactly what Smudge has been “saying” all along, that Smudge and the little girl love each other and it’s that simple.
If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver searching for a read-aloud that mixes fun, learning, and a message of kindness, My Dog Smudge is a great picture book pick. It’s ideal for toddlers and preschoolers who love animals, interactive flaps, and stories with a meaningful twist. This is the kind of book kids will want to return to again and again, mostly because Smudge’s language may be mysterious, but his love for his friend is very clear.
