Dan and Diesel

by
Charlotte Hudson
Illustrator: Lindsey Gardiner

Dan and his dog Diesel are inseparable and together they can conquer the world. What gradually becomes clear, although it is never stated, is that Dan is blind and Diesel is his guide dog.

This device is very effective, as the focus of the book becomes Dan and Diesel's love for each other, and the fun and interesting things they get up to in the day – rather than the fact that Dan can't see.

Towards the end of the story Diesel goes missing, and the manner of his return home feels a bit unconvincing. But this is an altogether rich and thoughtful read.

Publisher: Red Fox

Charlotte Hudson

After taking her degree in Geography and Anthropology, Charlotte Hudson went to Africa to travel and explore. She spent three years teaching in Zambia and then came back to England to take a PGCE. She taught primary school, first in Suffolk and in London, for four years before becoming a full-time writer. She is the author of Monkey Words and Who Will Sing My Puff-a-Bye?

Charlotte Hudson
Lindsey Gardiner

Lindsey lives in Dundee, Scotland, where she shares a messy studio with her high maintenance but adorable dogs, Lola and Yuki. They give her lots of love and LOTS of ideas, with much of the same issues to deal with as children. Picky eating, sibling rivalry, toilet training, attention seeking, socialization skills (or lack thereof), fear of baths, not to mention invading her bed in the middle of the night! As anyone with children (or dogs!) knows, the list is endless. At least Lindsey hopes it is, or else where will her next story come from?

Lindsey Gardiner