posted on 04 Jan 2020

Milo and Monty by Roxana De Rond

When the McKenzie family get two little dogs – Milo and Monty – they soon start to discover that, although they look very similar, they have very different personalities. Monty is sociable, playful and always up for fun; he like to be petted and to play with lots of other dogs. Milo, by contrast, likes to keep himself to himself, seems nervous of rumbustiousness and really doesn’t like being stroked.

The McKenzies start to notice that Milo is different and they wonder whether he’s really happy staying with them. Then one weekend cousins come to visit and Milo sneaks off to hide under the desk to keep away from the chaos – but, surprise, surprise, there is already someone there. Cousin Henry, clutching his favourite crocodile toy, has had exactly the same idea.

Later on that day, after the cousins had left, the McKenzies talked about the day and how they had spotted the way Cousin Henry and Milo shared so many characteristics in common. And this is where the penny drops – Milo isn’t unhappy, he’s just different. Suddenly it’s obvious that by making some simple changes to their assumptions and the way they treat Milo, he could fit in with the family as perfectly as Monty. In fact, Milo loved to do so many things that were actually enjoyable and useful to the way the household ran – like getting people up in the morning at the right time.

It’s a simple story about everyone’s unique personality and how important it is to avoid jumping to conclusions or assumptions about them.

Roxana De Rond has also illustrated the book and the colourful drawings are an important aspect of this generously-sized, large format book. I was trying to think who her drawings reminded me of and I think that the best comparison I can bring to mind might be Posy Simmonds. That might at least give you a flavour…

The book comes from the ever excellent Child’s Play and if you can’t find it in your local bookshop, it can be ordered from their website for £6.99.

 

Terry Potter

January 2020

 

(Click on any image to view them in a slideshow format)