Esme Shapiro's text has a rhythm to it, with the occasional tongue-twister-like phrase, that lends this story about a boy named Weasel, who meets an unconventional individual named Roy, a lot of charm and whimsy. Roy keeps to himself, but Weasel's friend Pam Pam does not believe Weasel's contention that Roy is a dog. No one else believes Weasel, so he decides to test his hypothesis out to discover Roy's true nature.

The illustrations by Daniel Kaufman are full of humour, and this quirky, cute story ends on the idea that there is much to discover about one's neighbourhood if one makes the effort.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Maybe I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning, but pretty much everything about this book annoyed me - from the characters' names (Weasel? Pam Pam?) to the fact that Weasel is so determined to "out" his neighbor as a dog for the sole purpose of . . . proving he's a great detective, I guess? Why can't the poor dog just live alone doing his taxes without kids pestering him? And why does it have to be Weasel's MOM who "can't fry an egg"? Why isn't DAD expected to be able to cook? Even the illustrations bugged me in this one.

I see plenty of other readers adored this one, so I may be alone in my pessimism. Perhaps I'm just a disgruntled dog lover who believes it's a GOOD THING if a dog wants to READ a newspaper instead of using it for a potty.

Very cute picture book about a boy in a small town trying to find out more about one of his neighbours. I loved the art and the story, it was cute and humourous. It has a good amount of text so I would probably recommend it for kids 3/4-6.

Roy is Not a Dog is a delightful picture book that shares the story of a paperboy who thinks he knows about everyone in his neighborhood. While the language is simple and easy to follow, there are some larger vocabulary words that may be tricky for really small children. In this book, Weasel is trying to prove to his friend PamPam that the one unknown neighbor is really a dog, and he comes up with different clever ways to prove to PamPam that he is right.

Nobody believes Weasel when he says that the neighbor is a dog. They're kind of mean about it, actually. But Weasel knows what he sees as he delivers papers in the neighborhood. This story is hilarious and the pictures are fantastic. The chef's kiss is the joke about the "dogs in a trench coat." Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this adorable children's book.

Roy Is Not a Dog is about a young boy named Weasel who is on a mission to prove his neighbor is a dog despite what his friend says. The illustrations were so colorful and detailed, and the story was so cute - especially the ending. I love this story and think children will really enjoy all it has to offer!

I received an ARC from Penguin Random House Canada | Tundra Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a delightful creative, and quirky children's book about an inquisitive child named Weasel d their curiosity over a neighbor they find they know nothing about! Weasel sets off to find out just who this neighbor is [and why they are now living in a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone and nothing ever changes...or does it?? ;-) ], and the reader is led on a fun romp to solve the mystery.

The illustrations are just magnificent here, filled with color [and many, many, interesting hidden things] and depth and really lend to the solving of the mystery with clues and hints galore. The illustrations are just as fun as the story in my opinion, and everyone will have fun just making a story from all they are seeing.

This was just fabulous and I highly recommend it!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Esmé Shapiro and Daniel Newell Kaufman [Illustrator], and Penguin Random House Canada/Tundra Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an electronic ARC from Penguin Random House Canada through NetGalley.
Weasel delivered newspapers to every house on his lane. Nothing ever changed on Lilypod Lane and everyone knew each other. They even knew their habits. Weasel shares all of this and then shares that no one knows the mysterious Roy who lives in the last house. The artwork is highly detailed and offers clues to the owner for readers and Weasel. However, his friend, Pam Pam, does not believe him. He sets out to gather proof that Roy is indeed a dog but no one else believes him. Finally, something happens and Weasel proves his case. I love the ending when the owners of the other homes are revealed.
The story flows together as more clues are shared. I appreciate the humor as it will be obvious to readers that Roy is a dog. This would make a terrific read aloud to open dialogue on looking at both the text and the illustrations to fully understand the story.

Roy is Not a Dog is a cute, picture book about acceptance and perception. The illustrations were charming and worked really well with the text. A charming read for children.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Weasel is convinced the house he delivers papers to is actually inhabited by a dog. His best friend disagrees, but he continues to investigate his strange neighbor. This book is so cute - I love the colors and the artwork - and it’s funny and quirky and perfect for a storytime read-aloud. I definitely recommend this for purchase.

This is an adorable kids book and I'll definitely be purchasing it for my libraries! Is your neighbor a dog in disguise? Let's find out!

What fun! I love the detecting process that goes into the story, the repetition that everyone in the village knows everything about each other, even the moral of the tale is fun (not just useful to learn and know). Painless learning. My favorite thing!
The illustrations are delightful, imaginative, clear, and colorful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, and even to a school or teacher or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Penguin Random House Canada/Tundra Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
April 23, 2024

I loved the art style and Weasel's investigation of Roy. I don't see myself using it for Storytime since it is a little dense, but I could see it flying off my new book display.

A newspaper delivery boy named Weasel thinks he knows everything that's going on in his quiet, but quirky neighborhood. Everything except for if the mysterious resident at the end of the street, Roy, is a dog or not!

Lovely smart writing and humor. The plot is simple and done very well, and the names (Weasel! Pam Pam!) are so joyous and strange. Feels like a breath of fresh air!!

I really enjoyed this story.
There's a new neighbor on the block, and is he a dog? Perhaps!
But what is the good of snooping on a neighbor when everybody else isn't convinced?
Is Roy a dog, or just a peculiar human?
This book is really cute, and I hope it does well.

"Roy is Not a Dog" is a charming and uplifting children's book that promises to be a favorite among young readers. Esme Shapiro's talent for storytelling and illustration creates a magical world that sparks imagination and imparts valuable life lessons. This ARC copy offers a delightful glimpse into what is sure to become a cherished addition to children's literature shelves.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this DRC.
Weasel the paperboy is trying to solve a mystery. Is the neighbor at the end of the lane really a dog?
A super fun mystery with lots of puns and visual interest. Something new to find on every read.

#RoyIsNotaDog #NetGalley

I am a big fan of Esme's work, I feel they create a sense of whimsy and folklore around their characters that make it so easy to fall in love with them. This one was no exception, it simply was a delightful read. I loved the young boy's curiosity, which was both relatable as it was enticing for the reader to join in on the adventure. The use of repetition in the way the illustrations show the different houses before and after the discovery was also a nice touch. A favourite and excellent for a read-out-loud environment.

This is a longer picture book got older kids, would be great for pre-readers or kids just starting to read. Very funny sent the illustrations are just lovely!

Love the illustrations and the idea of the book. The dog cooking eggs and doing taxes? HILARIOUS! I don’t think the message jumped at me unfortunately but that’s very likely me. :/