A Pack of Your Own

A Pack of Your Own is such a cute book! I loved the idea of not quite fitting in with others, but still finding someone that likes what you like. It had a good moral and the illustrations were well done, I actually preferred the black and white.

This is a beautifully illustrated and charming story.
A lonely dachshund who prefers to do crosswords, wear hats and drink coffee just doesn’t fit in when confronted by the dogs and their habits in the local park. But he isn’t alone and eventually finds a friend.
This is a tale of recognising your differences and knowing it’s ok to be who you want to be as there is someone out there who will accept you
Maria Nilsson Thore’s drawings are really delightful capturing the emotions and eccentricities of the lonely dachshund but also the differing personalitiesof other canine characters.
This wonderful book has a short text - translated by Annie Prime-but the illustrations are so captivating that there is plenty to talk about with young readers and listeners. This could also make a lovely gift for a dog lover . Perfect for bedtime or in the classroom with under 7s .

A Pack Of Your Own by Maria Nilsson Thore got my attention when I saw the cover!
I loved the dog illustrations and just had to read it... although it's a children's book and I'm an adult. But I guess as a dog lover it's still okay to read children's books. Hehehe.

So, I really really loved ALL the illustrations by Maria Nilsson Thore and the whole story is so heart-warming and has a great message.

The organised and different little dachshund wants to have friends, but all the things the other dogs do are really strange to the dachshund. He's more the cultivated dog. He likes crosswords and hats, but also would love to have a friend. Then one day there's this poodle who would like to spend time with the dachshund.
If this could be the start of a good friendship?

This book was a really cute story! There's so much you can learn from it - even if you're already an adult!
It's important to stay true to yourself and it's possible to get friends - you don't have to try to change yourself. You don't have to pretend to be someone you're not... and you don't have to be exactly the same to others to have friends. Everyone's unique and that's awesome.

Thanks a lot to Maria Nilsson Thore and Pushkin Press for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.

Thanks NetGalley for the preview!

This book was delightful! We loved the black and white illustrations with tiny pops of color. And my daughter loved the details of the different dogs. I especially enjoyed the dog hobbies.

This was such a fun book to read! I could see my younger self really loving and resonating with this story, as a child who often had a hard time making friends. The art was lovely and I found myself taking the time to soak it all in and examine each one of the dogs and every scene they found themselves in. Beautiful work and beautiful storytelling!

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVED THIS PICTURE BOOK SO MUCH!! It made me smile the whole time I was reading and I even squealed at the end!

The drawings are exceptional, the main character is really unique and the message it transfers comes from the heart.

Every page had so much to see. And I wasn’t expecting a main character like this one at all! He made me laugh so much. A very human like dog, who just wants a friend. Seeing him trying to interact with other dogs was both endearing and funny.

When a friend unexpectedly does come along, the fun really starts! They’re very different but are accepted by eachother just the way they are.

I’m so happy he found a friend and what a friend!

I loved the art and storytelling style in this book. That aside, I feel that this book is geared more towards adults than children. The MC drinks coffee, does crosswords, and likes vintage sticks. This book has a wonderful message, that will resonate just as much with an older age group. I would want this on my own shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc of " A Pack of Your Own"!
Delightful is the best word to describe this book! The story follows a dachshund, who doesn't quite fit in with the other dogs. All seems lost, until a poodle ask to hangout with him. At last, the dachshund has a friend, with whom he can be himself.

While this is a children's story, the message that is within is one that can resonate beyond the intended audience. I really enjoyed the story because of this it felt like more than a children's book. Sometimes we all need a reminder that it is okay to be ourselves, and express our likes or dislikes. Sometimes we need a reminder to not conform to the expectations of our peers.

Also, can we talk about the illustrations! This illustrations in this book were absolutely gorgeous! I really enjoyed how expressive each dog was, there emotions were so visible. The detail within the dachshund's house were so cute, and added to the personality of him.

This was such a cute and fun read, the illustrations really added to the enjoyment of reading this book.

"A Pack of Your Own" was a great story for kids who struggle with feeling different or alone. The main character, a dog, felt left out because he had different interests than his peers but longed to have a friend. One ended up finding him and they had so much fun together sharing in activities.

I have many students who want friends but have difficulties and don't relate to others. This is the perfect book for them. The lead dog felt left out because he had different interests than his peers but longed to have a friend. One ended up finding him and they had so much fun together sharing in activities. On top of everything else the illustrations were adorable. (And I loved the picture of the author and her dog at the end- which kids will too)

This would be a great read-aloud in a class or social skills group.

A sweet story about finally finding someone like you - but also so very different. I found this to be a sweet children’s book reminiscent of the kind my mother used to read to me. A little strange and ‘adult’ in the art style compared to the average children’s book - but this is what always made me love them. As an autistic adult and as the owner of a reactive dog who struggles to make friends, this book was very touching.

Pages include paragraph length portions of text. Suitable for older kids looking to spend more time on each page or those reading along with guidance. Many of the pictures are dense and filled with detail to be discovered across multiple readings.

A Pack of Your Own is a charming story about a dachshund who thinks maybe it’s better to change who you are to fit in with a pack. I liked the dachshund self-realization that being true to yourself will eventually lead to a pack of your own. I love the book.

A Pack of Your Own is a short-story about a dachshund wanting to find friends just like him.
I really loved the illustrations as it made the story more engaging. They also matched the personality of the characters well.
The story will be relatable to anybody interested in reading this book especially towards younger readers who may feel different.
This story sends a good message to its young readers, by telling them its okay to be yourself as you will find A Pack of Your Own.

Cute story about a dog who doesn’t exactly enjoy most “dog” things. I really enjoyed the story and the illustrations, and I’m not even a dog person!

Such a cute book! My children loved this and asked to read it again right after we finished it.

This book was gifted to me by the publishers through NetGallery.

This was so cute and charming! And also beautifully illustrated. It delves into the struggles of fitting in, ultimately discovering a true friend, and embracing shared interests, even in the presence of contrasting personalities. A heartwarming read with a beautiful message.

The artwork in this is really charming and it made me happy. The story, about a dog that is not like the other dogs, and who wants to find a friend, was really sweet and wholesome

This book is gorgeous!

The illustrations are beautifully drawn, bringing a lot of character to the pages and making the story visually pleasing.

The story also shares a lovely message about finding friends that like you for you and accepting that you won't always fit in (and that's fine!).

Some aspect are definetly there to appeal to adults, which from a marketing stand point makes sense - it is primarily adults that will be buying books for smaller humans.

I do have a couple of minor niggles (and I mean minor):
Firstly, the main character's hobbies of drinking coffee, solving crosswords and collectings antiques seemed an odd choice and children may struggle to relate to the Dachshund as a result.
And secondly, the lack of a name for any of our characters will make it harder to discuss the book with children and follow their reading comprehension.

Overall, I do love this book and will happily purchase a copy for the school library upon publication!

I love this one. It is such a heartwarming story about fitting in, welcoming differences and being yourself. The illustration is just adorable.

This was an enjoyable read and very entertaining. Nicely illustrated. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I love reading a children’s book occasionally, I find it keeps me grounded. This is a delight, telling the story of a dog that doesn’t fit in to the pack due to being different. It is humorous, terrific illustrations and of course sends a strong message to both those that do fit in and those that feel that they don’t.


Thanks to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Amazing. Nostalgic. Funny.

The cover was captivating. The beautifully detailed illustrations caught my eye and I fell in love with the book. I felt great comfort reading this book. No matter the age, everyone will enjoy this charming story. If you feel like you don't fit in with others, then this book will help you realise that you don't have to worry because there are people out there who will accept you for who you are.

I teach at a primary school and I can't wait to read this book to them.

I look forward to what Maria Nilsson Thore does next!

Thank you Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the ARC. All thoughts are my own!

First off I must say that I love dogs! So I acknowledge my bias in that regard. However I thought this was such a cute children's story. It tells the story of a dog that has an old soul. So they don't fit in at the dog park. However one day the dog decides to go to the dog park again to try to find a friend. Soon the dog realizes why he doesn't go to the dog park and heads home. Little does he know there is another dog that noticed them. This other dog follows the dog home from the dog park and they become friends.

I loved everything about this book. The illustrations are stunning and beautiful. I thought they did a great job! I loved the message that this book gives, that just because you feel like you don't fit in doesn't mean you can't have friends. You do not have to fit in to have friends. There are people or dogs out there that are interested in what you are interested in. I would recommend this book!

Read if you enjoy:
Dogs
Children's Fiction
Beautiful illustrations
Great messages for kids to learn

I've been on a real picture book streak lately and I'm so glad that I picked this one up. A Pack of Your Own is a cute story about friendship and discovering where you belong. The illustrations are adorable and the story is so sweet. I'd definitely recommend this and I'm on my way to my local library to request they hold a copy!

This was a sweet story about a dog that doesn't quite fit in and I liked how he eventually found a dog similar to him; but not quite the same. Some of the jokes made me giggle. And my little one found the scene in the park hilarious

A Pack of Your Own is a lovely children’s book which focuses on the message that it’s okay to be different. The little dachshund doesn’t like “normal” dog things and he thinks he’ll be alone forever. Then he meets another dog that is different too! The illustrations are beautiful and this would be perfect for children under 8.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Children’s Hardcover books for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Such a sweet book.

This picture book tells the story of a dog that feels a little different from the other dogs in his neighbourhood.

We follow him as he tries but fails to fit in.

A like-minded dog friend shows up and this could be the companion he needs.

We are a house of dog lovers, so really enjoyed this story. It can also be used to teach children, who don't feel like they fit in with their peers, that they just need to find the right people.

It's not easy to be a dachshund who doesn't fit in with all the other dogs—because you like coffee, funny hats, crosswords, which are not usual dogs' activities. It's actually very lonely.

Then one day, a dog who seems different from the others too notices the lonely dachshund, and they both decide to hangout together—allowing the other to be himself without the fear of being judged.

-

It was a very lovely story, beautifully brought to life by the illustrations. It conveys a truly heartwarming and much-needed message about friendship, and finding people who will love you no matter what.

This book was so unique! I feel like I've never read a picture book like this, and I mean that in a good way. As a kid who also often felt different than others her age, I could relate to the main character. Sometimes you just feel like you're on a completely different page than everyone who you feel you are supposed to get along with, and it's hard. It's especially hard as a kid when you just don't understand why. I thought this book handled that topic really well, and I definitely think I would have liked this as a kid.

’The best and worst thing
In the world is other dogs.’

This is a picture book for young readers that is about a dog who sits on a windowsill watching the other dogs in the neighborhood playing, and how much fun they are having together, wishing he could be friends with other dogs and part of their pack. Still he isn’t a fan of dogs that bark whenever they like and pee wherever they want, and they are always running around on all fours, perhaps worst of all, they sniff each other’s behinds.

He, the dog who sits inside watching, wonders if there is something wrong with him, since he is nothing like them. He wishes he could find a friend more like himself, so he decides to copy what they do. But he fails when he tries to be like them, and so he goes home, sad that he will never fit in, and will just have to do what he has done and keep himself company, and be content with that.

When he hears a knock on his door, he finds another dog telling him that she saw him in the park, standing on two legs, and more or less lets herself inside, and they become friends.

The illustrations in this children’s book are filled with charm, some silly, some sweet, which really add to the story, as well as the message that it’s more than okay to be yourself, it’s wonderful!


Pub Date: 28 Nov 2023


Many thanks for the ARC provided by Pushkin Press, Pushkin Children’s Books

This was a really cute and funny picture book with a great message. As we follow along this dachshund, we see how different he is from other dogs. He acts more like a human than a typical dog, which is humorous and creative. There are some pretty funny scenes. He tries to act like other dogs, but he can’t seem to fit in with them, even when he tries really hard. It’s not who he truly is. So he wonders if he’ll ever find someone who will accept him for the way that he is. Then, he does, and they have such a great time together.

This is the type of book with a message about being yourself and accepting who you are, even if you don’t fit in, but it didn’t feel preachy. They weaved it within the story in a fun and playful way. I’m glad he found a friend who accepted him and all his uniqueness.

This short book is easy to read and doesn’t have a lot of words, which is perfect for kids learning to read.

I also really loved the illustrations. They were beautiful and had a lot of detail. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

The perfect way to introduce individuality to kids and the uniqueness that comes from being yourself! Teaching it’s okay to like things that are different and enjoy stuff others might find boring or weird. It was a delightful read with sweet illustrations!

This is such a wonderful book about being true to yourself and finding friends even when you are different! I love the story here about a dog that feels he doesn't connect with any of the other dogs at the dog park but unbeknownst to him, a friend has found him! Read this book to see the sill antics and hilarious illustrations that accompany this book about friendship and belonging!

"The best and worst things in the world is other dogs."

A lonely dachshund who is different from other dogs. Through his love of coffee and crosswords, isn't sure how to fit in with other dogs. He soon finds another dog with similar interests, where they end up becoming friends. This story helps teach children that it is ok to be different and what makes you different is what makes you special. You might not be the same as your friend but you are able to learn from each other.

The Story is perfect for any dog lovers. I loved the illustrations they are beautiful and they help bring the story to life. They are fun and charming. It is an easy read and ideal for children who are learning to read as there aren't a lot of words.

Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the book for an honest review

This is such a sweet picture book about not fitting into the mold and finding your people er, dogs. I loved how the pup tried to fit in but soon realized that it was fruitless and when he showed his true self, that’s when he found his friend. He embraces his friend for who they are, not needing them to be exactly like him. As an educator, I would recommend this picture book for preschools and kindergarten. It will prompt some good conversation and it’s cute.

This is such a beautiful book about a lonely dachshund who can't seem to find another dog like him to be friends with. A perfect book to show children that it is ok to be different and to keep being yourself. So beautifully illustrated, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own opinions.

I did not know my dog wrote an autobiography! Seriously though, this book is adorable and I did read it to her in a high-pitched voice. I think kids will love it just as much as I do, especially if their dog does not know how to be a stereotypical dog. I'm picturing dog or I guess animal autobiography projects.

Every time a lonely dachshund dog goes to the park, it struggles to fit in with the other dogs. Despite trying to understand how to make friends, the dog only watches the others from the sidelines. However, the story takes a hopeful turn when, one day, a new friend comes along.
A Pack of Your Own promotes discussions on themes of friendship, belonging, acceptance and the courage to keep trying despite setbacks.

Discussion Questions
How does the dachshund feel when he cannot fit in at the park? Can you relate to those feelings?
Why do you think it's important for everyone to feel like they belong?
Can you think of a time when you felt left out? How did you handle it?
What does this story teach us about the value of perseverance in making friends?
Can you relate to the dachshund's joy when he finally makes a friend?
In what ways does the story encourage us to be accepting of others, regardless of their differences?

incredibly touching, moving but also funny, written in a language that is easy enough for kids to understand but that stills conveys the message of the text perfectly.

A gorgeous book about finding your pack.
The dog doesn't quite fit in with all the other dogs sending an important message to children to be yourself and you will find friends, just right for you
Lovely illustrations. The end papers are gorgeous.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I found this a delightfully illustrated and well conceived children's book (although I must admit I enjoyed this book at LEAST as much as any child) with an important message.

The message conveyed is simple and beautifully illustrated, "sometimes you may feel like a square peg in a round hole until you find another person who doesn't quite fit in, and then a world of acceptance can open".

A simple story about a lonely pup who isn't like the other dogs, but who is lucky enough to find a friend, one who is similar and open-minded enough to appreciate, and to learn from, their differences.

Thank you, I would be happy to read and review future offerings from this refreshing author.

P.S. Rating this book. 5 stars as there is not one work, or one picture in the entire book I would alter in ANY way! 😊

Mostly monochromatic illustrations show us the story of a lonely dachshund who longs to have someone to spend time with. He watches other dogs from his window, then decides to try his luck at meeting someone who will enjoy crosswords and coffee, just like him. And wouldn't you know it, there is someone, not just like him, but someone who enjoys things he does and can be a friend.

The story is sweet, a little silly, a little whimsical with beautiful artwork. Lovely!

Thank you to Pushkin Press and to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.

Neurodivergency through dogs. I loved this book and the clever and funny illustrations. Children will love the wee and poo. I definitely recommend this and will be taking a copy to class.

Feeling left out and lonely by not obeying all the rules and not having the same kind of fun as the rest of the local pack of dogs, our hero is resigned to being alone – until someone spots him and recognises a kindred spirit. Charming illustrations with the barest of colouring convey both the relaxed mood of the hero (sat on the loo, crossword puzzle to hand) and the bouncy frivolity he's supposed to join in with. It's an engaging piece of positivity and hope, suggesting we all have that key best friend to be found just when we least expect. Yes, it features toilet humour, but even that is done in a most classy manner – a strong four stars any day.

Charming and whimsical with utterly lovely black and white illustrations, this story of a daschund who wants to fit in but also wants to be himself is bound to delight. It can be difficult to find your pack when you want to share coffee blends and wear hats and no other dog does. Our doggie hero makes attempts to fit in, but can't make friends and wonders if the life of a 'lone wolf' is what would suit him best. Will he ever find someone like him, but different, to share his interests with?

A sweet story about friendship, reaching out and being brave enough to be yourself, this is a delight of a book with an important lesson for humans of all ages, as well as dogs.

Thank you Netgalley and Puskin press for access to this arc.

The reason to read this book is for the quirky illustrations - make sure to note the dog feet on the tub and sofa. The lonely dachshund doesn't fit in with its fellow canines. It did try but after a disastrous trip to the local park, it discovers a new friend who likes it just as it is - coffee swilling, hat wearing, and all. I think younger children would like the illustrations but slightly older ones might understand the underlying message.

You absolutely have to read "A Pack of Your Own" by Maria Nilsson Thore! This book is like a cozy blanket for your heart. It's all about a sweet dachshund who's been dreaming of a friend and finally finds one. The story is beautifully written and the illustrations are just so charming – they truly bring the tale to life.

But this book isn't just about cute dogs; it's packed with life lessons on friendship, being yourself, and embracing differences. It's a gentle nudge for readers of all ages to think about what makes true friendships tick, even if it means celebrating our quirks.

The characters in the story are so lovable, and it'll get you thinking about the deeper stuff in a lighthearted way. "A Pack of Your Own" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good story with a side of heartwarming wisdom. It's like taking a delightful journey into the world of canine companionship, and I promise it'll leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling.

This book was an easy read. Cute illustrations helped grab your attention. Anything with dogs is fine by my family

Once there was a very refined dachshund who drank coffee, used the toilet, and collected vintage sticks. He was both drawn to, and repulsed by other dogs. While he liked the idea of having fun with friends, the very thought of peeing on a tree, or, horrors - smelling another dog's butt - made him shudder.

Surely there must be another dog out there who appreciates the finer things in life . . .

This one is a treat for dog lovers, or for anyone who loves doing things their own particular way.

Likes you just as you are in six letters? Oh, I know. Friend. This book is super cute and great for any kid who is having a hard time fitting in. Hopefully the final electronic version will be a bit easier to read for kids on kindles or iPads, but it was great!

A Pack of Your Own is a children's picture book about a dog who doesn't seem to fit in with other dogs. His interests are different. I loved the illustrations and the different dog personalities! He eventually finds others who share his passions. Young dog lovers will really enjoy this one.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

It took me this long to write about this book because it was so hard to read on Kindle – though no fault of the author. I wanted to see if a book with many pictures is a good fit for Kindle, and it seems it isn’t. The pictures were as if cut and mixed with one another, and the text only appeared after many, many pages (it probably became separated from the pictures). I am sure that is obviously not the case in other formats. Still, I could see how cute the pictures were (I treated them as a puzzle and recognized the various canine breeds), and I persevered and read the story.
I loved the message about the “different” dachshund, the message about differences and finding the people (or dogs) who will accept you as you are. The book is for children, but dog lovers will also like it, because it is so enjoyable.
Thanks to NetGalley, Pushkin Press and the author for this ARC.

I absolutely loved the illustrations of A PACK OF YOUR OWN. This heartwarming story had a positive message that's great for both children and adults. I'd highly recommend this book, especially to dog lovers.

A charming book about a Dachshund who wants to fit in. The illustrations are unique and delightful and I enjoyed the message A Pack Of your Own portrays.

I initially was drawn to the front cover as we had a whippet in the family and I adore dogs!

A pack of your own is about a super cute Dachshund who just wants to fit in!

The characters are all loveable and it helps the reader think about embracing differences. The book includes themes of feeling different, finding others who will accept you as well as accepting yourself.

Beautiful illustrations and the story itself has a really positive message which will resonate with both adults and children.

The pictures in this adorable book are so unique, and the story is so sweet. Everyone knows what it's like to feel like you don't fit in, but we don't expect it from dogs, who are so wonderful and loving and social. Kids will laugh when reading this, but adults will too. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me know about this wonder picture book.

I *adored* A Pack of Your Own. It's a fun book that provides a great message that we all need our people (or dogs).