I Am Not A Dog
From the very first page, the narrator insists, ‘I am NOT a dog!’ As the story unfolds, comparisons with different dog breeds reveal why this scruffy little character feels he could never measure up. Strong, fast, clever or elegant – every dog seems to possess a quality that he believes he lacks.
Donnelly combines gentle humour with a reassuring message about identity and self-acceptance. The repetitive structure works well, building anticipation as readers begin to question why the narrator is so determined to deny the obvious. Younger children will enjoy joining in with the repeated refrain, while the story quietly encourages confidence in being yourself rather than comparing yourself to others.
The illustrations are full of warmth and personality. Each spread introduces a distinctive breed, with Donnelly capturing their unique characteristics through expressive poses, clever visual jokes and a rich colour palette. The contrast between the narrator's scruffy appearance and the polished, accomplished dogs around him adds to the humour, while the simple layouts keep the focus firmly on the character and his emotions.
This is a playful picturebook with a gentle message about recognising your own worth. It is likely to spark conversations about self-esteem, individuality and celebrating what makes each of us unique.
