Courtney

My son and I love this book as we love so many of Burningham's books. When I was a little girl I just adored "The Friend" because I knew then this author spoke my language. The language of children. Children do not need moralistic endings. They don't need things to be tidy and explained. And the delightful thing about John Burningham is that though he knows children have many questions, he honors that their logic is unique and often contrary. Who cares why Courtney left? Who cares that the ending of this book is mysterious and nothing is over explained? My son doesn't for one. In fact we both revel in the ending. Though we have our suspicions as to what happened, we are delighted that it is left unanswered. if you prefer the books you read to your children not to patronize or coddle with predicable plots and messages on how to be and behave then buy this book, and all of Burningham's books. They are truly wonderful.

Wow the most amazing book. When a children's book is perfect sometimes it is so subtle in the funniest way you can't put your finger on. It reminds me of the children's books of James Marshall but so much more British and a bit more bizarre. But truly an adorable story. It has become one of my all time top favorite children's books. You must get it!

I read this book to my daughter when she was 4 years old! She love the story because her name is "Courtney"!

My daughter thought it was a cute story. It was a birthday gift for her friend whose name is actually Courtney. However, there is some imagination required in this book--my daughter chose to think of the dog always being around and rescuing the kids in the end. The friend had a different perspective about the dog dying or being sent away and found it more depressing than my child did. I'd say it was a "miss" as we were looking for a book about someone of the same name as our friend. I've had better luck with books of other girl's names, a fun and unique approach to gift giving for young children.

I've read this book to both my children and grandchildren. This was purchased for a baby shower gift. We LOVE Courtney.

After reading the book, you are left pondering what exactly has happened. I don't believe Courtney ran away because the children loved him exactly as he was. The parents were terribly judgemental but happily accepted Courtney's favors. Perhaps the authors point of the whole story is to get you thinking - did Courtney, who arrived with a trunk that appeared to have travelled the world, run off to some exotic destination? Or, did the "old, mongrel dog" just pass on? My 4 year old son and I prefer to believe that because he was old, he went on to doggie heaven. And when the children were lost at sea, Courtney was sent down as an angel from God to save them. This version warms our heart. (We're not at all religious but I do like to believe in miracles from God.) Whatever the author intended, my son loves this book! =)