Van Dog

 Through the dog hero of the story, young readers learn about the natural processes of observing the world around us and analysing its minute details. This book takes an in-depth approach to relaying these concepts through the playful story of a canine painter named Van Dog, who goes on a stroll through the countryside. His plan is to quietly contemplate his surroundings, but the natural world around him begins to come alive and interact with the artist, giving its own rather strong opinions on painting. Van Dog doesn’t get the peace and quiet he’s looking for – instead he discovers a complex and colourful ecosystem that is constantly in motion. He meets the challenge and continues to explore his surroundings and engage with those he meets on his way. The illustrations are full of eye-catching details that enchant the reader and inspire his or her own ideas and assumptions about the story – and the world beyond the book as well. Overall, this story is meant to encourage young people to devote closer attention to what’s going on around them, to reach down and take a peek at what’s beneath a leaf, to listen to the birds singing… to take more notice of what’s around us, because even the most obvious things just around the corner can still amaze and astonish.