Publishers Weekly
Readers who have grown to love Ibbotson’s bighearted heroes and larger-than-life adventure stories will relish this final novel, published after her death in 2010. It introduces Hal Fenton, a British boy who has everything except the thing he wants most, a dog. Mistakenly, Hal believes his wish has finally come true when his father lets him pick out a pup for his 10th birthday. When he finds out that Fleck, the terrier he’s chosen, is only rented for the weekend, Hal is understandably furious. Fueled by his rage, he sets out to retrieve Fleck from the Easy Pets shop and run away to Northumberland to live with his grandparents. Hal’s mission is complicated when four more dogs (and the girl who set them free) decide to come along. Traveling on foot, the group finds surprises aplenty as they meet villains (including a bumbling detective’s assistant hired by Hal’s parents) as well as advocates who offer refuge. In true Ibbotson form, the lives of unlikely acquaintances are colorfully threaded together, and all characters get exactly what they deserve. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stephanie Thwaites, Curtis Brown. (Mar.)
From the Publisher
Praise for ONE DOG AND HIS BOY
"This satisfying novel combines humor with heart to great effect–a lovely parting gift from the masterful storyteller." -- School Library Journal
"Ibbotson’s final book is a story with the heart of Lassie and the satirical bite of Roald Dahl . . . as funny as it is satisfying." --Booklist
School Library Journal
Gr 3–6—In this—her last book—Ibbotson maintained her flair for characterization, madcap action, and a rollicking plotline. Hal has wanted a dog for as long as he can remember, but his status-hungry mother is more concerned with the pristine interior decoration of her home than the happiness of her son. His father is never home from work long enough to exert any sort of influence over the household. To Hal's delight, his father (having forgotten about his birthday) agrees to let him choose a dog the next morning. It's love at first sight. But to Hal's dismay-and that of the dog-Fleck is returned to the shop the next Monday because he was just rented for the weekend. Hal resolves to rescue Fleck and run away to the cottage by the sea where his sympathetic grandparents live and ends up abetting the escape of four other dogs, as well. Hal's parents hire a private eye and advertise a reward for the boy's return, so a host of nefarious characters pursues the runaways on their long journey, which involves side excursions to a circus, an orphanage, and a night with a sheep farmer. All of these complications provide ample play for Ibbotson's gentle chiding of human foibles and pretensions as well as a conclusion in which each dog has found the perfect home and Hal's parents have repented and reformed. This satisfying novel combines humor with heart to great effect—a lovely parting gift from the masterful storyteller.—Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
JANUARY 2012 - AudioFile
All 10-year-old Hal has ever wanted is a dog of his own. Instead, he receives the latest technological gadgets and items selected for him by expensive personal shoppers. Finally, his parents give in and go to Easy Pets to rent a dog for the weekend. Narrator Steve West beautifully portrays warm and wise Hal, including his excruciating pain when he realizes that his canine companion is only temporary. Also well rendered are Hal’s wealthy yet oblivious parents, his sweet and loving grandparents, and the multitude of people he meets in his quest to rejoin his precious dog. Young listeners will learn much about dogs, the distinctions between breeds, and how to care for their beloved friends. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
In Ibbotson's final book, all 10-year-old Hal Fenton has ever wanted is a dog of his own, but his wealthy, shallow parents think a brief dog-rental will resolve his yearning. Every aspect of the Fenton household's appearance is perfect, and a dog is an unwelcome addition. Mr. Fenton rents Fleck, a white mutt inappropriately placed at the Easy Pets agency, run by the evil Carkers, a couple interested only in making money. Fortunately for the 50 purebred dogs they rent out, gentle, impoverished Kayley runs the kennel. Bereft after his parents slyly return Fleck to the agency, Hal steals the dog and sets out for his grandparents' cottage in the north of England. He's joined unexpectedly by a motley gang of five other kennel escapees and Kayley's kind-hearted younger sister, Pippa, who has released them. In a series of remarkably fortunate encounters, the dogs' sagacious skills help the children on their perilous journey. Characters are painted with a broad brush; they are either very, very good or quite nasty, although some of the latter, like Hal's parents, have the opportunity for atonement. The amusing hyperbole Ibbotson employs to great effect turns this pet story into a classic Dahl-like adventure. A rousing, slightly surreal tale of rescue and redemption, this effort will appeal to animal lovers everywhere. (Adventure. 9-14)
