Official Review: I’m Popeye and I’m a very sp...

[Elizabeth Pass]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I’m Popeye and I’m a very special dog" by Betts Heeley Hufff.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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I’m Popeye: and I’m a very special dog by Betts Heeley Huff is about a special needs dog. Popeye is a special needs dog because he is disabled. He is blind.

Popeye tells us about his disability. He also tells us about staying at the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). He was adopted by a woman who took him home. Once there, he faced a new set of challenges experiencing a different environment. He shares some experiences with his disability and others like him.

I really enjoyed the artwork in this book. The background of each page is a soft yellow with dog paws and bones. The text and illustration for each page sit in a white box above this background. The pictures do a good job of depicting the text. They are colored in watercolors and are very appealing. On page seven though, there is a black and white picture that doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the book.

The story leaves a bit to be desired. It seemed professionally edited, but I prefer children’s books with a plot or purpose. This book presents a problem and solution within a page of each other. For example, Popeye is lonely in a kennel on page six, then gets adopted on page seven. The overall book does not have a story arc or a larger storyline. The synopsis on Amazon talks about Popeye making new friends. The pictures show Popeye meeting these people, but the text doesn’t. “You may know a boy in a wheelchair,” is not the same thing as Popeye meeting a boy in a wheelchair. This section was slightly confusing and out-of-place.

I liked the idea of a book about a special needs dog. I think this could be a really good book with a few moderations to the story. I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The illustrations were adorable and would be attractive to young readers. Unfortunately, the story isn’t one that a child will want to hear over and over.

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I’m Popeye and I’m a very special dog
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[Ngozi Onyibor]

The premise is unique, but it seems the story wasn't well thought out as evidenced by the disjointed tales. It ruined what would have been a good story, disability in animals is rarely given attention.Thanks for your review.

[kandscreeley]

Well, I'm glad Popeye got adopted. Animals with special needs often stay at the shelter longer than others. It's too bad that the story wasn't as well done as it should have been. Thanks for the honest review.