Cover Image: The Unsinkable Gus Davis

The Unsinkable Gus Davis

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I didn't know French bulldogs can't swim! I didn't know that was something their bodies were not capable of doing. I loved this book. It's a beautiful story from the dog's perspective. He has no idea that he cannot swim, but he gets so much joy going into the water. His owner saves him again and again, stopping him jumping into a lake. The dog doesn't understand that Bean, the owner, is making decisions out of love and concern for his safety. I felt like this is a wonderful book to show the relationship between children and their grown ups (parents, caregivers). As adults we have more information about the world to keep our children safe, and many times children don't understand it. However, in the end Bean finds a way to help her dog do what he loves in a safe way.

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This is a very simple but very cute little book featuring a French bulldog who thinks he can do anything, even swim in the lake. His owner warns him that he can't swim, but Gus is determined. The illustrations are adorable and present a highly expressive little bulldog. This book could almost be a beginning reader, but there are a few words that early readers would likely need help to decipher. Regardless, it is a fun little story that is sure to entertain young readers and listeners, particularly dog lovers. Recommended for children's collections.

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I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a funny and relatable read for children about Gus - a French bulldog who won't stop anything from getting in the way of learning to swim.
This book is so funny as it is so true of a frenchie! Anyone who knows one or has one will nod their head and giggle all the way through this book. Frenchies are such tough and determined dogs and the personality of Gus reminded me of my old Frenchie (who I miss dearly) so much! The illustrations were hilarious and so spot on!
I definitely need to get a paper copy of this book!

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This little, beautifully illustrated book is so relatable to children!
Gus is a delightful French Bulldog, he follows his owner, Bean, and we watch or read his antics!
Giggling at the illustrations, and looking for a solution, we are gifted with a story of a French who cannot swim. Keep page turning for the solution, and the beautiful bond of a dog and his person!
This sweet book is 32 page, hard cover, designed for preschool, a book they can carry around.

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher The Collective Book Studio, and was not required to give a positive review.

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A dog, a child and summer swimming.Gus is not the unsinkable dog that he wants to be, but with the help of his owner, things work out. Great illustrations of a Frenchy Bulldog that wants to swim but his legs are too short, his nose is too flat and his body is too stout. I enjoyed reading this as much as my 6 year old grandson. I would recommend this book for ages 4-7. Thank you to NetGalley and Smith’s Publishing for the DARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Super cute book! We are a dog family so this was very relatable. Good length. Nice illustrations. I would definitely read more by this author.

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The Unsinkable Gus Davis was such a cute book! I loved the determination of little Gus in trying to swim with Bean and regardless of it being hard, he kept trying. The bond between Bean and Gus was adorable and was so sweet how Bean solved the problem. The illustrations added so much to the story as well. This was really cute.

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An adorable book which teaches the lesson that sometimes you need a little help. Gus really wanted to swim, but couldn't due to his build. Luckily his human knew exactly what he needed to fulfill his goal.

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The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a Children's picture book that showcases Gus, an English bulldog who just wants to swim. Unfortunately, it's very difficult if not nearly impossible for his type of breed to swim efficiently, but Gus keeps trying and keeps his head up high with positivity and more!

The cover artwork is really adorable. Instantly, my 2.5 year old was smiling and pointed at Gus who is smiling back. It's eye catching and captivates movement.

The illustrations are just as adorable throughout the pages. Showcasing Gus, as well as Bean who is Gus's family member/owner.

Moral of the story is that positive thinking, as well as some help and assistance can allow you to accomplish the things you'd want, especially if you try, try, try again and don't let yourself get bummed out if you get knocked down - or in Gus's case, sink to the bottom of the lake. Thank goodness for Bean's help!

5 Stars. Would recommend. It's a quick read which is perfect for a little one who enjoys a quick and fun bedtime or nap story.

Thanks to the author, Laurie Trumble Davis, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy to read and review. Review will also be posted to my blog (www.kagoodsell.com/book-reviews), GoodReads, TikTok (@unearthingeco), as well as NetGalley reviews.

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Ahhh this was such a cute read! Gus was adorable and Bean was so sweet. It is definitely a book I would read in storytime!

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I adored Gus's perseverance and Bean's loyalty and ingenuity in this fun picture book. Gus will not take "No" for an answer when he is told he cannot swim. Bean wants to keep Gus safe, but also doesn't want him to feel limited. Then she comes up with a brilliant way to keep Gus safe AND allow him to reach his dreams. This would be a good choice for youngsters that are feeling a bit deflated because they are not "big enough" yet to participate in some activities. It's also a good choice if you just want to read about a dog and his human and their silly water adventures.

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The Unsinkable Gus Davis is about Gus a French Bulldog who thinks he can swim! Gus is determined to prove to himself that he can do anything! Gus is right! He can do anything with the love of his owner Bean. The relationship between the child and Gus is very sweet.

This is a book for any dog loving child!

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The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a great book with lovely illustrations. I read it to my 5 year old son and we both loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC.

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This book was adorable! My grandson is taking swimming lessons and I think it will totally entertain him. He is also a dog lover so he will love the main character.

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I think this has the charm and humour to earn four stars, but only just, perhaps. It's about a bulldog who wants to mimic his human and cannonball into the lake for a swim – only, as we see with great detail when he starts to realise he can only sink, he's not exactly built for swimming. His is a great character, and while the jury is out as to whether we (and the human) are supposed to be hearing what's in his speech bubbles, it's his dogged determination that makes this memorable. I like a bit of cute canine contrariness, and this delivers that. I wouldn't say that anything about this is perfect, mind – but it's easily worth one look at least.

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OKKKK- if anyone else has had real life experience with a French Bulldog they'll know that little frog-dog Gus was SPOT. ON. The determination and stubbornness of a Frenchie (or even a bulldog in general) IS REAL.

I found this to be one of my favorites read recently because I can absolutely relate to little Gus- and I bet a lot of kids will too as they always want to do the things they are told NOT to do.

Gus was a stinking adorable and lively character that everyone will fall in love with,. While I can relate to the stubbornness he shows, I enjoyed the underlying themes of bravery, perseverance and overcoming obstacles.

His endearing love with his owner Bean was shown beautifully through the GORGEOUS illustrations and I just love love loved his little antics!

Playful, witty and charming- The Unsinkable Gus Davis is a must have for your shelves!

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The Unsinkable Gus Davis was a really sweet book about Gus, a bulldog who thinks he can swim. His owner Bean was a fun character and helped Gus enjoy the water! I loved Gus' stubborn attitude (very typical of a French bulldog!) and their relationship. Great illustrations.

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What an adorable book with cute characters! Little Gus is a hoot and young readers will enjoy laughing at his antics!
The Unsinkable Gus Davis would be a great book to teach young students about growth mindset, the importance of asking for help when you need it, and learning to find and accept new solutions! The bond between Gus and his human, Bean, is sweet and tender and I love that he's a bit grumpy while Bean is all sunshine.

I can't wait to purchase a physical copy for my classroom! The Unsinkable Gus Davis would be a wonderful addition to any home, school, classroom library. Thank you NetGalley and Smith Publicity for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

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