The words Grandpappy's Corner next to an older-looking anthropomorphized pilcrow, with a copy of Fancy Dogs by Tini Malina sitting on a wood stool.

Fancy Dogs

by Tini Malina, Tammi Reichel (Translator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date: NorthSouth Books
Format: eARC
Length: 48 pg.
Read Date: August 3, 2026
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What’s Fancy Dogs About?

Books and films about dogs who live as strays, or in packs on the street are common. But for every Tramp, there’s a Lady—a dog who lives a very different lifestyle, and we don’t spend that much time talking about them.

Malina comes along to address the imbalance with this book giving us a peek behind the curtain—just what is it like to live as a “fancy dog”? And are they just as silly and mischief-bound as their lower-class cousins? (short answer: yes)

Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute

This is one of those picture books where the charm of the art is in it’s simplicity (note that I said simplicity, as in straight-forward. Not easy.). None of the canines portrayed in these pages are all that anatomically great. But they’re all dogs at a glance. It’s crisp, it’s clean, it’s attractive.

It’s amazing what a simple bow tie can do to a drawing of a dog. There’s no question the primary dog is a fancy dog—although, he’s not above switching off the bow tie for a spiffy scarf or a shiny collar, either.

You can see some pages from the German edition here.

How is it to Read Aloud?

I bet it’s great in German—it’s pretty good in English, although I wonder if the original has a few more rhymes.

I did enjoy it, don’t get me wrong, I just think one or two more rhymes would be better. I still look forward to trying this with the grandcritters.

So, what did I think about Fancy Dogs?

It’s fun, it made me smile, and I bet at least one grandcritter of mine will have me read it a time or three. That’s good enough for me.

There’s a little bit of humor that will have to be explained to an American kid, but that works out for those who don’t want to explain literal potty-humor to a three-year-old. (don’t worry, it’s just about alternatives to a water bowl that some dogs engage in)

I had a great time with Fancy Dogs the two times I’ve read it—I expect you will, too. Especially if you have a young’un to share it with.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from NorthSouth Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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