"The Secret World of Og" by Pierre Burton (1920-2004)

 

Publisher: McClelland and Stewart

Copyright: 1961

ISBN: 0771013868

This book is a lot of fun to read, it is obviously a children's book, and one I've had in my collection for many many years. I can remember one of my elementary school teachers reading it to me our class in the mid 60s. And I subsequently read it to my daughters when they were young.

The story tells the tale of five children who discover a secret passage underneath her playhouse leading to a underground civilization a little green people who primarily speak by saying the word "Og". A few can speak English, or at least a version thereof as they learned the language through comic books, children stories, etc. In addition to this the little people act like the characters they have read about in the comics, which leads to sound rather humourous encounters.

The storyline is very straightforward and would be an easy read for anybody in the middle elementary grades (grades three and up), and would make a very good story (as I know for certain) for parents to read to their children.

There was never any sequel to this book to the best of my knowledge, but it would've been nice if there was.

Highly recommended.

"101 Dalmatians" by Dodie Smith (1886-1990)

Publisher: Puffin Books

Copyright: 1956

ISBN: 0140340343

"101 Dalmatians" is a classic children's story that tells of the adventures of two dogs who have had their 15 puppies stolen by Cruella De Vil. De Vil's intention is to make the puppies into fur coats as her husband is a furrier.

Following the theft of their puppies the two dogs Pongo and Missis set out on a journey from London to Suffolk to rescue them. When they arrive they are somewhat shocked to find that there are actually 97 puppies (the majority of which had been purchased by De Vil). Pongo takes it upon himself to rescue all the dogs and bring them back to London for safety.

This book has been made into two movies, both by Disney. The first was animated (1961) and the second live action (1996). Both are nowhere near as good as the book, and those that have previously read my comments with regard to the movie industry will realize that this is one of my pet peeve's.

I first read this book many years ago when I was in elementary school. The book I read at the time was noted as being an abridged version, but having just read the unabridged version after these many years I don't notice much of a difference between the two of them but to determine that I would have to do a line by line comparison.

Ms. Smith's works total nine novels, eleven plays, and two screen plays, although she is best known for "101 Dalmatians". I haven't read any of her other work but will attempt to do so in the future.

This is an excellent book for children, young adults, and adults as the writing is high-quality and the characterization even though the characters are dogs is extremely well done.