My Friend Andy

Fluffy walks to the park everyday with her owner and best friend Lilly. Each morning, on their way through the bustling city, they pass Andy - a friendly, grey dog who is always up for a play! But for some reason Fluffy is never allowed to join in with Andy. Lilly’s mum pulls her past on a tight leash. Maybe it’s because Andy’s owner is a little different to most people they meet. You see, unlike Fluffy, Andy doesn’t have a warm bed to go home to when the sun goes down. One day, after becoming lost in the crowded city centre, Fluffy is found by Andy and his owner and together they share a wonderful adventure before returning to a relieved Lily.  

Emma Chinnery’s debut picture-book is powerful, poignant and gently interrogative – spotlighting the social dynamics of homelessness in a sensitive but direct manner. The story is narrated through the dog’s perspective which allows for its potentially challenging subject matter to be introduced from a position of innocence and objectivity. Complemented by charming watercolour illustrations, young readers will be immersed inthe varied urban scenes. An excellent book to read with little ones to generate discussions around empathy and consideration for others.