Raymond by Yann and Gwendal Le Bec

Finding time to spend together is high on a lot families agendas but with busy schedules and so many digital distractions it’s easy to let it slide. In this picture book by brothers Yann & Gwendal Le Bec, published by Walker Books, Raymond is the story of a rather extraordinary dog who is searching for that perfect balance.

Raymond has a great life, he lives with a human family who love him, he gets his ears scratched regularly and even has doggy birthday parties. However, he soon starts to notice there could be more to life, such as eating your dinner at a table and heading out into the exciting big city to work. Raymond decides he wants a piece of the action.

And he finds it, as a top dog journalist at Dogue magazine. After putting in a lot of hard work it turns out that he’s pretty awesome at his job so quickly becomes successful.

With his success he soon sees his life speed up dramatically; a full workload, TV appearances and his all important fur to maintain. There’s just one problem, with such a busy life it’s hard to switch off or find time to spend with his family of humans. Something has to give but will Raymond be able to work out what is most important?

Vibrant cartoon illustrations in a bustling cosmopolitan city are perfect to engage the digital generation as they follow Raymond in his new hipster lifestyle (he would have an Instagram grid to be envious of I’m sure). There is plenty of humour along the way and we especially like the excellent anthropomorphism with all the serious, career driven dogs working and living in the city.

A unique and stand out picture book that packs an important message for the adults who will read the story aloud as much as the children who will hear it – Make time for each other, slow down and really enjoy the simple things in life.

Buy Raymond from Wordery.

Many thanks to Walker Books for sending a copy of this books for review. 

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