The Dog That Nino Didn't Have

By Edward van de Vendel, Anton van Hertbruggen (Illustrator)

A boy's imaginary dog helps him cope with loneliness until reality challenges his dreams.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 481 ratings

32 pages

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Bookroo's summary

Nino's imaginary dog is his companion against loneliness while his dad is away. When a real dog enters his life, it's not the perfect match he envisioned. As Nino navigates this unexpected reality, he learns to appreciate what he has while still cherishing his dreams. Will he find the balance between imagination and reality, or will his dreams take a new shape?

From the publisher

A hopeful look at the power of imagination in the face of loneliness and disappointment. Nino doesn’t have a dog, but he likes to imagine that he does. His imaginary dog chases squirrels and plays in the lake with him. His imaginary dog licks the tears off Nino’s face and helps Nino feel less lonely while his dad is traveling. But when Nino gets a real dog, it’s not quite what he expected. As he spends more time with his dog, though, Nino learns how to be content with what he has, but that doesn’t stop him from continuing to dream…. Named to best of the year lists by Booklist, Publishers Weekly, and the Huffington Post, this acclaimed book beautifully depicts the art of finding a balance between imagination and reality.

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