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Ford’s work holds true to the spirit of children’s books, personifying animals and imbuing them with human qualities and emotions. In this story, the main character, a bloodhound named Flat, and Todley, his German shepherd best friend, have planned an epic fishing outing. The surreal autumn weather, as depicted poignantly in the illustrations, certainly is a harbinger of a successful afternoon and a bonding time. However, the story takes a turn when Tiger, the tomcat, and Thumpee, the elephant, join the party, leaving the main character in a sour mood, yearning to have alone time with his best friend.
The simplicity found in children’s books can be profound, and Ford’s work is no different. A simple fishing adventure turns into a series of events that helps the main character understand the value of collaboration and cooperation. Whether when the main character is inadvertently pierced by fishing tackle or when their grounds are on fire, putting their mortal existences in jeopardy, the whole is always greater than the sum of its parts.
With resplendent colors splashed across the pages, and each character having a unique personality (e.g., Thumpee being terrified by a mere mouse), Ford does a commendable job of showing how differences are not just meant to be accepted. On the contrary, differences are like pieces of the puzzle: on their own, they may not have a purpose, but when placed together, they serve their purpose nobly. This book is ideal for an elementary school classroom storytime session or even a bedtime story. The unlikely friendship between the principal characters will undoubtedly reverberate within young minds and will likely be instrumental in developing expansive worldviews.