Maura Finn (text) and Lucinda Gifford (illustrator), Too Many Dogs, Affirm Kids, April 2025, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922992253
Too many dogs is a playful, rhyming tale perfect for readers aged 3 to 7, offering a hilarious yet heartfelt story about Percy, the lone dog in a house of cats, seeking a place where he truly belongs.
Readers will love the lively rhyme and pace making it a great read-aloud for this age group. It offers a relatable message showing how we don’t realise what we truly value until we look around. Maura Finn gives us a feast with pages full of character, encouraging readers to explore and laugh at hidden antics.
Lucinda Gifford’s vibrant artwork shines with personality and detail—from the chaotic cats at home to the exuberant dogs at the park. Expressive character designs and bold colours enhance the emotional beats of Percy’s journey. Children will enjoy the endpapers too, which feature every cat and dog, each with a unique name and expression.
Themes of belonging and identity, perspective, humour and resilience along with a set of teachers notes offer craft and activity ideas to explore language development, role‑play, social‑emotional learning, and building empathy.
Too many dogs is a delightful mix of laughter, adventure, and gentle life lessons. The witty writing and lively illustrations make it the perfect pick for story time, offering rich opportunities for connection and conversation.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
