The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Adapted by Peter Bently. Based on the novel by Dodie Smith. Illustrated by Steven Lenton. 2019. 32 pages. [Source: Review copy]
First sentence: Once there were two Dalmatians named Pongo and Missis. They lived with Mr. and Mrs. Dearly in a big house in London.
Premise/plot: Pongo and Missis have fifteen lovable pups. These pups are stolen by the OH SO EVIL Cruella de Vil. Though at first they don't know WHO took their pups or WHY. Pongo and Missis team up with dogs across England to find and rescue their pups. Will they make it back to the Dearlys--with their pups--in time for Christmas?
This picture book is neither the original novel nor the classic Disney animated film. It blends from both but is in some points unique. It condenses and abridges. This is to be expected, of course. But surely it wouldn't have hurt to keep Sergeant Tibs!!!
My thoughts: I liked this one. I didn't love, love, love it. I didn't dislike it--not really. It is NOT the Disney film. It is NOT the book. Once you settle into the fact that Bently is telling the story his way, then it's easier to appreciate. Sadly I don't think any of the dogs--or puppies--gets enough time to shine and stand out as individuals with personalities. This is the case with both the book and the movie. The doggie perspective is in part what makes the original so very charming and lovable. The picture book is a bit more distant and isn't told from any of the dog's perspectives.
I did like the illustrations.
Text: 3 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 6 out of 10
© 2020 Becky Laney of Young Readers
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