Author(s): Babette Cole

Picture books

Truelove is a dog who has had his wet, loveable nose put out of joint by the arrival of a new baby in the house. He tries his best to attract his owners' attention, but finally gives up and leaves home. Soon he falls into bad company and is forced to return shamefaced. His owners are delighted to see him...and his slightly dodgy new friends, of course. The text is made up of a series of aphorisms about love, while the illustrations depict the little dog's own experiences. The combination is sometimes ironic, sometimes sincere but it is always hilarious and the book is full of warmth and understanding.