Tell Tail

Description

'Distinctive illustrations accompany this thought-provoking tale about the importance of self-expression, which could be used to explore the concepts of emotional intelligence, diversity and acceptance with young children. -- Book Trust The illustrations bring these colourful characters to life, especially in the depiction of Bailey and his amazing tail.' -- Reading Zone Dex is a Staffie with an unruly tail. All the other members of Dex's family are tough as nails, but Dex is cut from a different cloth. He likes to chat and play, and when he does, his tail wags wildly. When he's sad, his tail tucks under. Everyone can see exactly how he's feeling. The rest of Dex's family find it very embarrassing, so Dex tries to rein his tail in - to no avail. One day at the park, Dex is doing his best to control his tail when a big red dog called Bailey bounds up to him. Bailey has the waggiest, most ridiculous tail Dex has ever seen. They have a marvellous time playing, until Dex catches sight of his dad's disapproving face. Dex runs and runs and runs, until he stops caring - about his tail - about anything. When Dad finds him, his tail is completely still. It doesn't wag, it doesn't tuck under. It's just there. After a couple weeks, Dad starts to feel uncomfortable. What could be wrong with Dex? Dad and Dex go back to the park, where with the help of Bailey, they rediscover the joys of self expression.

Katie Brosnan is a graduate of the Cambridge MA in children's book illustration. She is the author of Keith Amongst the Pigeons (Child's Play) and Gut Garden (Cicada) C K Smouha is the author of Born Bad, Sock Story and Iced Out (Cicada).

'The illustrations are brilliant. They are full of expression and heart. The book does a masterful job of getting to the core of how Dex feels when he was not accepted by his own family and how he tries to change himself to fit in. The life lesson to take away is no matter who you are the best possible thing that you can be is....yourself! I highly recommend this book'. -- Storywraps 'This is a funny and bright book telling the sad tale (sorry!) of Dex and his overly waggy tail that gets him into trouble... Bright, bold and colourful illustrations run throughout, alongside this thoughtful exploration of feelings and expression, with a happy ending bound to bring a smile to your face and a wag to your tail too! ' -- What I Read 'This is a story about family, difference and acceptance. The illustrations bring these colourful characters to life, especially in the depiction of Bailey and his amazing tail. The pages are full of movement and, in the earlier pictures, contrast the stillness of a very restrained Dex with the fluidity of Bailey. A highlight for me was the double page portrayal of the three dogs tumbling and rolling down the hill. In this story, readers may identify with the feeling of being different from other family members in character or interests, which could lead to further discussion and exploration.' -- Reading Zone 'Distinctive illustrations accompany this thought-provoking tale about the importance of self-expression, which could be used to explore the concepts of emotional intelligence, diversity and acceptance with young children.' -- BookTrust 'I love this tale of a tail! Dex has an uncontrollable tail and it is getting him into plenty of trouble at home. Finding anger from his Dad, Dex tries to stop the tail wagging even when it was really hard to do. Meeting a new friend, Bailey, who happily and proudly wags his tail, Dex and his Dad find that wagging their tales is a brilliant form of expression. A delightful tale and a brilliant story of being proud to express who you are! CK Smouha and Katie Brosnan are the ultimate dream team for this picture book. An important message for all children!' -- My Shelves Are Full