Bold, hilarious artwork captures the innocent charm of affable George, a dog who is trying to be good — with disastrous results.
George is a dog with all the best intentions. And his owner, Harry, has all the best hopes that George will be a well-behaved dog when he leaves him alone for the day. But when George spies a delicious cake sitting on the kitchen table, his resolve starts to waver. You see, George loves cake. . . . Uh-oh. What to do now? It’s so hard to be a good dog when there are cats to chase and flowers to dig up! What ever will Harry say when he gets back? Chris Haughton’s fetchingly funny story and vibrant, retro illustrations are sure to lure dog lovers of all ages — and anyone who has ever met a temptation too good to resist.
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31 of 33 people found the following review helpful.Integrity In The Moment of Choice
By Andrew Schonbek
In First Things First, bestselling author Steven Covey devotes an entire chapter to the important subject of "Integrity in the Moment of Choice".In it he writes, "A moment of choice is a moment of truth. It's the testing point of our character and competence". After listing some of the factors affecting us in the moment of choice he goes on, "With all these factors acting on us, it's important to remember that a moment of choice is just that - a moment of choice. Whether we react automatically to one or more of these influences, empower circumstances or other people to control us, or use our human endowments to make a conscious, conscience-directed decision - it's our choice".First Things First is a book for adults.Oh No, George makes some of the same points in a presentation that's fun filled and kid friendly.George is some form of generic hound dog. He has a huge snout, long, droopy ears, and large expressive eyes. On the frontispiece he is pictured in that most pooch like of poses; asleep, on his back, belly exposed, paws lifted into the air. Then the action gets underway...Harry, George's owner, is leaving the house. As he leaves he exhorts George to good behavior in his absence.Closing his eyes in innocence, George answers, "I'll be very good". Everything about his appearance underscores that this indeed is his intention.Absent his master's stabilizing presence however, George is presented with a series of tough temptations (eating cake, chasing the cat, digging up the garden). Each time the narrator asks the question, "What will George do?" And each time our canine hero is pictured struggling with the choice of immediate gratification or honoring his promise to behave. The difficulty of this moment of consciousness is conveyed by the imagery: ears outstretched, eyes wide open looking like he is about to be hit by a truck.And each time he falls we hear the words "Oh no, George!"Harry returns, George is filled with remorse, and the rest of the story is one of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration.While lots of fun to read, Oh No, George makes an evocative point as to an essential life skill that's too often learned too late.It's a really excellent book.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful.Adorable, entertaining and TRUE!
By doogiesmom
I loved this book. It has a subtle message that kids will understand told thru the world of a dog. If you know dogs, unless they are well trained, they are not the most self controlled creatures-especially with food! George's opening cake distraction is both endearing and factual! And it will make parents and kids both laugh. The message for kids is that you CAN maintain self control-if you try hard enough-like George!! :)
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful.Love it!
By steffpuff
I don't know about a message...it was pure entertainment for me! I bought this book to take to my cousin's children, Aidan (6) and Maya (2), this coming weekend. I just hope they love the book as much as I do! (I'll let you know.)The illustrations are simple but even in their simplicity (like the placement/position of the eyes) they capture all of the emotion of the text. My favorite page is when George, the dog, offers his favorite toy to Harry, his human companion, in compensation for the mess he has made...it's so funny and touching at the same time. If there is a message involved it's more about kindness and forgiveness. The ending opens up your imagination to and a conversation or a debate to what George will do now when faced with another naughty thing he likes to do...what will he do?