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I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me: Oliver and Elliott Series Book 3
Book 3 in the fun and silly story about two brothers who visit their grandparents and their grandparents’ mischievous dog, Boo. This is the final book of the Oliver and Elliott series.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 27, 2022
Cute little story!
Whilst this book is number 3 in the series, they can be read alone and don't have to be read in order. This is the second book I've read, by this author, to a young person and its fast becoming on of their favourite stories. A short story accompanied by colourful and bright illustrations. Each picture, interspersed throughout, cements the story and encourages children's imagination and opens up opportunities for discussion and questions. They also show in great detail the vivid expressions on the characters faces to portray their variety of feelings each are experiencing, from annoyance when the rascal Boo is licking Elliott and Oliver when they are trying to either eat or play on their favourite games, to frustration by Grandpa and Grandma at the dogs antics.
The book is easy to read, for both parents to very young children to older ones building up their reading skills. With pages of single sentences, this can help a child to remain focused on the story or reading just a few words and to keep their attention as they flick through the pages knowing they are getting into the story. It's also commendable action by the author for including a character, in this instance Grandpa, who is wearing glasses which helps all young people who, as we all know can suffer horrendous bullying for wearing them, to understand that its OK and make them feel more accepted. When reading the book together with children there are so many points of discussion with having pictures. It can also be an educational book where you can discuss colours, expressions, counting etc and improve a child's overall understanding of emotions and how we make different faces to express them. I would like to have seen a final sentence that follows the last picture explaining that whatever actions Boo takes he is still loved. Overall an enjoyable children's book.
Whilst this book is number 3 in the series, they can be read alone and don't have to be read in order. This is the second book I've read, by this author, to a young person and its fast becoming on of their favourite stories. A short story accompanied by colourful and bright illustrations. Each picture, interspersed throughout, cements the story and encourages children's imagination and opens up opportunities for discussion and questions. They also show in great detail the vivid expressions on the characters faces to portray their variety of feelings each are experiencing, from annoyance when the rascal Boo is licking Elliott and Oliver when they are trying to either eat or play on their favourite games, to frustration by Grandpa and Grandma at the dogs antics.
The book is easy to read, for both parents to very young children to older ones building up their reading skills. With pages of single sentences, this can help a child to remain focused on the story or reading just a few words and to keep their attention as they flick through the pages knowing they are getting into the story. It's also commendable action by the author for including a character, in this instance Grandpa, who is wearing glasses which helps all young people who, as we all know can suffer horrendous bullying for wearing them, to understand that its OK and make them feel more accepted. When reading the book together with children there are so many points of discussion with having pictures. It can also be an educational book where you can discuss colours, expressions, counting etc and improve a child's overall understanding of emotions and how we make different faces to express them. I would like to have seen a final sentence that follows the last picture explaining that whatever actions Boo takes he is still loved. Overall an enjoyable children's book.
January 16, 2023
Cathy Lynn Brooks has a winning formula: one part Boo (the dog) and one part Imelda Yunita Maharani Chotimah (Brooks’s illustrator). In this third instalment, Boo keenly licks Oliver and Elliott as they spend time with their grandparents. This book’s activities include eating an ice cream cone, playing on an iPad and baking, all sloppily interrupted by Boo.
‘I can’t eat with a dog licking me’ is constructed the same way as other books in this series, a collection of interrupted activities and an exasperated grandparent chiding the dog—but what I didn’t spot when I read ‘I can’t sleep with a dog on my head’ was Boo the dog sleeps on his grandparents’ heads, just the same way he licks his grandparents’ faces when they eat (spaghetti in this instance).
I’m sure preschool children will chirp in delight as each page is turned, just waiting for the dog to be scolded (for something he is allowed to do when Oliver and Elliott aren’t about). They will adore Chotimah’s excellent, colourful and playful illustrations—these are absolutely gorgeous—but the underlying message remains weak. It leaves a vague ‘do as I say, not do as I do’ feeling after reading the last page.
The formatting and typesetting for ‘I can’t eat with a dog licking me’ is fine (I’ve viewed the Kindle publication on various devices), but I recommend buying a print edition to read from. The interplay of lowercase description (“Elliott likes to colour”) and shouts for “GRANDMA!” (in red) and uppercase cries (“I CAN’T PLAY WITH A DOG LICKING ME”) are great; there’s some contrast here and guidance for the reading adult to voice appropriately. Read this in the right tone, and your over-excited kids will yell “BOO!” at the top of their lungs.
‘I can’t eat with a dog licking me’ is constructed the same way as other books in this series, a collection of interrupted activities and an exasperated grandparent chiding the dog—but what I didn’t spot when I read ‘I can’t sleep with a dog on my head’ was Boo the dog sleeps on his grandparents’ heads, just the same way he licks his grandparents’ faces when they eat (spaghetti in this instance).
I’m sure preschool children will chirp in delight as each page is turned, just waiting for the dog to be scolded (for something he is allowed to do when Oliver and Elliott aren’t about). They will adore Chotimah’s excellent, colourful and playful illustrations—these are absolutely gorgeous—but the underlying message remains weak. It leaves a vague ‘do as I say, not do as I do’ feeling after reading the last page.
The formatting and typesetting for ‘I can’t eat with a dog licking me’ is fine (I’ve viewed the Kindle publication on various devices), but I recommend buying a print edition to read from. The interplay of lowercase description (“Elliott likes to colour”) and shouts for “GRANDMA!” (in red) and uppercase cries (“I CAN’T PLAY WITH A DOG LICKING ME”) are great; there’s some contrast here and guidance for the reading adult to voice appropriately. Read this in the right tone, and your over-excited kids will yell “BOO!” at the top of their lungs.
May 17, 2024
cute story with a loving dog
"I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me!" by Cathy Lynn Brooks is a delightful children’s book that captures the playful chaos of visiting grandparents with a lively pet. The story follows two brothers whose activities are continuously interrupted by their grandparents’ affectionate dog. Each page turns into an amusing adventure as the boys try to eat, or play
, all while being bombarded with slobbery kisses from their furry friend.
The charm of this book lies in its simple yet engaging narrative that young readers will find both entertaining and relatable. The repetitive and humorous interruptions from the dog add a layer of fun that keeps children eagerly flipping the pages. Brooks' storytelling is light-hearted and captures the essence of childhood experiences with pets, making it an enjoyable read for both kids and their parents.
However, while the story itself is captivating, the artwork feels somewhat inconsistent. The illustrations, although cute, have a certain roughness that detracts slightly from the overall polished feel of the book. This minor flaw is the only reason for docking a star in what is otherwise a thoroughly charming book.
Overall, "I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me!" is a heartwarming and funny read, perfect for storytime with young children. Its whimsical plot and endearing characters make it a memorable addition to any child’s bookshelf. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
"I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me!" by Cathy Lynn Brooks is a delightful children’s book that captures the playful chaos of visiting grandparents with a lively pet. The story follows two brothers whose activities are continuously interrupted by their grandparents’ affectionate dog. Each page turns into an amusing adventure as the boys try to eat, or play
, all while being bombarded with slobbery kisses from their furry friend.
The charm of this book lies in its simple yet engaging narrative that young readers will find both entertaining and relatable. The repetitive and humorous interruptions from the dog add a layer of fun that keeps children eagerly flipping the pages. Brooks' storytelling is light-hearted and captures the essence of childhood experiences with pets, making it an enjoyable read for both kids and their parents.
However, while the story itself is captivating, the artwork feels somewhat inconsistent. The illustrations, although cute, have a certain roughness that detracts slightly from the overall polished feel of the book. This minor flaw is the only reason for docking a star in what is otherwise a thoroughly charming book.
Overall, "I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me!" is a heartwarming and funny read, perfect for storytime with young children. Its whimsical plot and endearing characters make it a memorable addition to any child’s bookshelf. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
April 12, 2023
“I Can’t Eat With a Dog Licking Me,” by Cathy Lynn Brooks and illustrated by Imelda Yunita Maharani Chotimah, is a picture book for very young children. This one is Book Three in the author’s Oliver and Elliot Series. There are not many words in this book, so it is a great choice for children who are learning to read. As in the previous book in the series that I read, “I Can’t Sleep With a Dog on my Head,” this story has as little as one word on a page. Also, each page has cute, colorful drawings that go along with the words.
These books have a repetitive style that young children tend to like. And the theme, two siblings visiting grandma and grandpa, who have an adorable little dog named Boo, is one that most children can relate to. As cute as Boo is, he is exuberant and, like most dogs, craves attention. Thus, Boo interferes with the children’s activities. This is a cute series, and I suspect young children will enjoy it. However, the story lacks a conclusion of any sort. I would have liked to see Grandma or Grandpa provide a solution for the dilemma, such as putting Boo temporarily in a penned in area and releasing him when the children complete whatever activity he had interrupted.
These books have a repetitive style that young children tend to like. And the theme, two siblings visiting grandma and grandpa, who have an adorable little dog named Boo, is one that most children can relate to. As cute as Boo is, he is exuberant and, like most dogs, craves attention. Thus, Boo interferes with the children’s activities. This is a cute series, and I suspect young children will enjoy it. However, the story lacks a conclusion of any sort. I would have liked to see Grandma or Grandpa provide a solution for the dilemma, such as putting Boo temporarily in a penned in area and releasing him when the children complete whatever activity he had interrupted.
July 2, 2023
I absolutely loved the delightful concept of this adorable and humorous children's book. It had my kids in fits of laughter, and that, to me, is the ultimate goal. The way the story unfolded and the charming characters captured their imaginations and kept them engaged from start to finish.
The illustrations in this book were simply enchanting. Each page was filled with vibrant colors and intricate details, bringing the story to life. It was very enjoyable for both the little ones and myself.
One of the things that impressed me about this book was how accessible it was for young readers. The language used was simple and easy to follow, which made it a breeze to read aloud with my children. It was the perfect opportunity for us to bond as a family and create lasting memories, especially after our encounter with our neighbor's new dog. It was like having a two-in-one experience, as the book seamlessly connected to their real-life experiences and made the story even more relatable.
I must commend the author and illustrator for their exceptional work. They demonstrated a remarkable understanding of what captivates children's hearts and minds.
In summary, this charming children's book brought laughter and joy to my kids' faces.
The illustrations in this book were simply enchanting. Each page was filled with vibrant colors and intricate details, bringing the story to life. It was very enjoyable for both the little ones and myself.
One of the things that impressed me about this book was how accessible it was for young readers. The language used was simple and easy to follow, which made it a breeze to read aloud with my children. It was the perfect opportunity for us to bond as a family and create lasting memories, especially after our encounter with our neighbor's new dog. It was like having a two-in-one experience, as the book seamlessly connected to their real-life experiences and made the story even more relatable.
I must commend the author and illustrator for their exceptional work. They demonstrated a remarkable understanding of what captivates children's hearts and minds.
In summary, this charming children's book brought laughter and joy to my kids' faces.
December 3, 2022
Loving dog strikes again
Cathy Lynn Brooks has created a series of children’s books involving a pesky pet that is likely bringing laughs and smiles to the faces of children and parents everywhere.
I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me! follows the familiar formula of two kids, Oliver and Elliott, who are visiting their grandparents and dealing with Boo, the overly affectionate dog. Every time the kids try to do mundane tasks, such as eating, playing on an iPad, or coloring, Boo, who only means well, gets in the way by licking the kids with abandon.
Brooks structures her books in a rhythmic, ordered way so that even the smallest of children will likely know what’s coming next in the short read. And once again, illustrator Imelda Yunita Maharani Chotimah has done a great job of creating rosy-cheeked humans in various stages of perplexity, anger, and laughter.
These books aren’t meant to be educational, but they might teach the art of patience. Good job by Brooks in keeping the “with a dog” series going.
Cathy Lynn Brooks has created a series of children’s books involving a pesky pet that is likely bringing laughs and smiles to the faces of children and parents everywhere.
I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me! follows the familiar formula of two kids, Oliver and Elliott, who are visiting their grandparents and dealing with Boo, the overly affectionate dog. Every time the kids try to do mundane tasks, such as eating, playing on an iPad, or coloring, Boo, who only means well, gets in the way by licking the kids with abandon.
Brooks structures her books in a rhythmic, ordered way so that even the smallest of children will likely know what’s coming next in the short read. And once again, illustrator Imelda Yunita Maharani Chotimah has done a great job of creating rosy-cheeked humans in various stages of perplexity, anger, and laughter.
These books aren’t meant to be educational, but they might teach the art of patience. Good job by Brooks in keeping the “with a dog” series going.
March 5, 2023
I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me is the 3rd book in the Oliver and Elliott Series, but this is the first one I have read. This is a picture book with a simple story and few words which is fantastic to teach pre-school-aged children how to read. I’ve read many children’s books with my own children and as an educator. The illustrations are very cute and, while simple; they convey much of the story in a way that a non-reading child could be entertained. The story being a basic, repetitive issue of the dog licking everyone and creating a disturbance in their everyday life. Anyone who has their own dog or cat knows that our furry friends love attention and show affection through their licks. A child reading this can relate to that problem and find is quite comical and relatable. However, I will say that the end of the book simply ends abruptly without a lesson or sense that the story is over. It’s up to the reader to surmise what is actually taking place in the last picture. I do wish there was a bit more to that ending, or at least a lesson for children about caring for his sweet pup. That being said, it is a good book for early learning readers to practice simple sentences.
March 23, 2023
The words of this children's book are good for a child in the very early stages of learning to read. The content is the type of thing a child of the same age will find funny and amusing. The illustration are in a cartoonish style. They are also of a cute and funny variety and are very appropriate for a toddler or elementary school aged child. I had my third grader grandson read this out loud to my kindergartener grandson. The third-grader read it with ease, as was to be expected, and I think the average six-year-old could read it with some effort. The kindergartener who only reads sight words laughed a few times during the story. There is a couple of things I didn’t like about the story, and they are related to each other. One, the story is pretty short, even for the children’s book. Two, the story doesn’t really have a conclusion. It’s basically tells how a dog does something that is kind of annoying. Nothing is resolved. Overall, I would recommend this story, but I wish the author and illustrator would have fleshed it out just a little more.
October 10, 2023
This is a sweet little tale of a dog that likes to get into people’s business. The story opens with a couple little boys and a cute little dog named Boo who seemingly cannot help himself whenever his human caregivers are around eating, reading, doing coloring book activities, etc. The poor little guy just wants to provide his affection, but it seems to drive the family a little nutty. The illustrations are simple and sweet with the characters and the portrayed objects and scenes isolated on white backgrounds.
The story is very simple but it does seem to end a bit abruptly. I thought it could have extended a bit longer with more pages explaining and showing development to resolve the situation or at least convey how the situation was remedied. Perhaps the fact that the story is something many of us have experienced with our pets or pets of extended family or friends, the author felt more explanation wasn’t necessary. In either case, many pet owners with kids will find it a giggly-relatable, positive book to share.
The story is very simple but it does seem to end a bit abruptly. I thought it could have extended a bit longer with more pages explaining and showing development to resolve the situation or at least convey how the situation was remedied. Perhaps the fact that the story is something many of us have experienced with our pets or pets of extended family or friends, the author felt more explanation wasn’t necessary. In either case, many pet owners with kids will find it a giggly-relatable, positive book to share.
November 29, 2023
This is a Children’s Picture book that would appeal to the younger end of the age range these books are for, as it’s a very easy to read story. The wording and pictures are very bold and clear and there are very few words on each page, which makes it simple for a young child to follow and understand if being read to, or to even read on their own. I liked the illustrations in the book as they were very colourful and clear and they matched the part of the story they represented well. The story was in the style of a repeated pattern that I have seen in other similar books, which while this can engage a child at first, it can also become a bit boring for them, particularly as they grow a little older. I also found the end of the story just saying “The End”, without any clear conclusion or finish to the tale a bit odd. Even in a children’s picture book, it’s nice to have a finish or round up to the story, but this just stopped. Overall, it was an ok book, but I think other parents and children would get bored with it quickly.
May 12, 2024
I recently purchased the book, I can’t eat with a dog licking me as a gift for my youngest niece, who is 2.5yrs. This is a very simplistic book aimed at babies and toddlers. It essentially follows the same formula as “Spot the dog”, or “The very hungry caterpillar” with a series of simple actions and results. My only criticism is that unlike the above, there was no real end destination after these actions had been fulfilled. Nevertheless, the illustrations are colourful and bold and will attract the attention of a younger audience. Children should find it amusing with the constant capers of the dog, Boo who licks the faces of Oliver and Elliot during eating and playing activities. Any adult reading it will easily guess the results as it’s quite repetitive, but this could be a good or bad thing, depending on the child involved. I am reliably informed, that my niece enjoyed the book and found it quite funny.
December 14, 2022
I love these I Cant ... with a Dog stories. There are three books in the Oliver and Elliot series so far. This is the third one, and I have read all three. Each book is about two brothers, Oliver and Elliot, who enjoy visiting with their grandparents and their dog, Boo. Boo is quite a character, though, and is forever causing problems. 😂😂 In this third book, Boo is constantly licking the boys' faces, interrupting their various activities such as eating, playing, or reading. The boys call out to a grandparent each time, complaining that they can't do whatever with a dog licking them!
These stories are so fun and perfect for very young children in that they have lots of pictures and few words. Both my grandnieces adore them. The books are also hilarious, and the illustrations are adorable. Parents and children alike will love them. I highly recommend this cute series. Enjoy!
These stories are so fun and perfect for very young children in that they have lots of pictures and few words. Both my grandnieces adore them. The books are also hilarious, and the illustrations are adorable. Parents and children alike will love them. I highly recommend this cute series. Enjoy!
May 2, 2024
I Can't Eat with a Dog Licking Me!', written by Cathy Lynn Brooks and illustrated by Imelda Yunita Maharani Chotimah, is a short picture book for very young children best treated as a parent read-along story. The story centers on young kids Oliver and Elliot visiting their grandma and grandpa and interacting with the grandparent's dog Boo. Boo is a young puppy who cannot keep away from the boys whether they are eating ice cream or spaghetti, or playing on an I-pad or coloring books, or baking. The story is best for young kids as it is quite simplistic and has many fun pictures and few words. The message is simple, puppies can be rambunctious, and will never leave you alone. I expect that very young children will find this fun, especially if read enthusiastically by their parents. An unruly puppy, grandparents, and two adorable kids; what’s not to love?
May 29, 2024
Basic Kid's Book
"I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me: Oliver and Elliott" is the third book in a series but is completely stand-alone. Really, there isn't a plot. It's mostly grandma's tribute to a beloved dog that licks people while they're too busy to recognize the dog's existentialist cries for attention... Yet this profundity is not stated. The story is oversimplified (even for toddlers) and the dog is cast as an irritation that is not resolved.
I mean, it's a book for 2-year-olds, I'm guessing. I wouldn't even call it "new reader." Some of the illustrations are repeated, and reading it with Kindle on the desktop computer has some sort of issues with horizontal lines through the illustrations (see picture).
It's ok for a book grandma wrote for her grandkids, but it lacks the magic of all the great children's books.
"I Can’t Eat with a Dog Licking Me: Oliver and Elliott" is the third book in a series but is completely stand-alone. Really, there isn't a plot. It's mostly grandma's tribute to a beloved dog that licks people while they're too busy to recognize the dog's existentialist cries for attention... Yet this profundity is not stated. The story is oversimplified (even for toddlers) and the dog is cast as an irritation that is not resolved.
I mean, it's a book for 2-year-olds, I'm guessing. I wouldn't even call it "new reader." Some of the illustrations are repeated, and reading it with Kindle on the desktop computer has some sort of issues with horizontal lines through the illustrations (see picture).
It's ok for a book grandma wrote for her grandkids, but it lacks the magic of all the great children's books.
May 31, 2023
This was a cute, and very relatable children’s book that I’m sure would get lots of laughs among kids. Great for those just learning to read, and predictable and easy to follow for young minds.
Oliver and Elliot go visit their grandparents and their dog Boo is licking them every step of the way. Meals, games, coloring, baking, Boo is involved. It honestly sounds like my house, except replace the licking with barking.
Overall a great story, though could use a little more substance or at least a more defined ending. Even for a kids book, I think more than one word on a page would be nice. I love the illustrations though! Would recommend to any parent or family with a dog!
Oliver and Elliot go visit their grandparents and their dog Boo is licking them every step of the way. Meals, games, coloring, baking, Boo is involved. It honestly sounds like my house, except replace the licking with barking.
Overall a great story, though could use a little more substance or at least a more defined ending. Even for a kids book, I think more than one word on a page would be nice. I love the illustrations though! Would recommend to any parent or family with a dog!
December 29, 2022
Good illustrations
It's an ok children's book. The illustrations are good but I wish they were not in a plain white background. Also, the pages with texts are just too plain. White background with a text in centre.
But, the book does do the job for kids so go for it.
It's an ok children's book. The illustrations are good but I wish they were not in a plain white background. Also, the pages with texts are just too plain. White background with a text in centre.
But, the book does do the job for kids so go for it.
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