The book 'Hunter and His Dog' by Brian Wildsmith wasn't what I expected. I realized after reading it that you can't judge a book by its title. The illustrations are so colorful and fascinating. Definitely not the illustrations you'd expect to see with a countryside setting, a farm, or a farmer. The story begins with a mother dog and her puppies. A hunter visits the farm to purchase a puppy to train as a hunting dog. Using a stick, the dog learns to play fetch. Afterward, the dog learns how to carry eggs in his mouth without cracking them. The hunter is finally ready to take the dog hunting! BOOM! The gun goes off! The duck falls to the ground. As the hunter commands, the dog runs to fetch it. The dog takes the duck to an island where he licks its wounds. But...he brings a stick instead of the duck back to the hunter. Again and again, this happens. The dog sneaks bread one evening to give to the wounded ducks...

It is a beautiful and endearing story. There are good lessons to be learned if children can move past ducks getting shot with guns and know they won't die.

This is a sweet story with beautiful illustrations. I loved how the pictures followed the story to help hold the child's attention. This is a great book.
I received a complimentary copy from Star Bright Books via NetGalley and was not required to write a review.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The art alone makes this book a must read. It is so detailed and vibrant. I would take any single page, frame it, and hang it in my home. Somewhere I could see it everyday.

As an animal lover, and someone who was not raised by or near hunters, I loved this book. My daughter has the same tender heart toward animals. I can just hear her gasp and see her face as she would look up at me when the hunter shoots the first duck. Horror, Dismay. Devastation. Disgust. Most likely directed at me for having the nerve to read her this book. And she would take the dog's actions as proof that animals are as much better than people as she had always assumed they were. Which, you know, is fair. It's a solid five star book for my family.

But I'll add that if you or your child do enjoy hunting, maybe steer clear of this one. It's definitely for people who love animals enough that they at least feel morally reprehensible when they have bacon for dinner. If that isn't you, this may not be a great choice for you. Or. You could just look at the pictures.

A tender-hearted book for anyone who loves animals. In the story, a dog trained for hunting ducks nurtures them instead, tending to their wounds and bringing them safely to an island for rescue. It reminds me of similar books I read my sons when they were little that encouraged kindness over toxic masculinity: William's Doll, or Olive Button is a Sissy. I have never seen a book depicting a hunting dog in this way and it is fantastic! Gorgeous illustrations and vivid language will engage small children. I am ordering a hard copy for my grandson. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. #HunterandHisDog #NetGalley