Published: 23nd June 2022
Publisher: Anderson Press
Illustrator: Meg McLaren
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ – 5 Stars
Dot isn’t like the other dogs: she doesn’t like going out for walks, and she doesn’t like going to the park. Her favorite thing is staying at home with her favorite toy and best friend, Peep. But when Peep goes missing under the garden fence, Dot might have to venture out into the world…First things first, the illustrations are beyond adorable. I was caught immediately by the front cover, not only for the title but the image which is such an apt depiction of my own puppy with her “peep” (known as Little Friend) I couldn’t resist.
For most of the book it explores the lovely life Peep and Dot have together: strolls in the garden, enjoying snuggles inside and braving bath time. But when Peep goes on an unexpected adventure Dot braves beyond the garden to rescue him.
I liked that Dot discovers the world isn’t so bad after all, and that other dogs can be fun once they are no longer scary and new. But I also liked that despite that knowledge, despite that adventure, Dot and peep still enjoy being together inside their safe place. Dot didn’t need to change once she’s had this experience, but with new knowledge she can choose to have a new interaction if she wants to, but is also content to resume life as it was.
I cannot stress how adorable these illustrations are. Dot’s little pom pom hat is divine, Peep is so cute, and the depictions of their daily routine is incredibly sweet. It reminds me so much of my own dog and her adventures with her little friend it really made this book something extra, and it was already pretty amazing.
You can purchase Peep! via the following
