A badly drawn dog decides he needs a different look. But each time a "real" artist redraws him, something goes wrong. In the end, he decides he'd rather just be himself. The various art styles Badly Drawn Dog is recreated in are fun and the silly names will grab children's interest. The "just be yourself" theme is well-worn, and I can't help feeling that, at some point, telling kids it's bad to change your image can be just as stultifying as being forced to match someone else's idea of what you should be. Badly Drawn Dog isn't allowed to enjoy his new looks because his friend, Doodle the Poodle, is more comfortable with him unchanged. Eventually, he decides he's happier as he is. But he was happy with his new appearance until Doodle criticized him. I think Badly badly needs a new friend.

Verdict: Just my weird take on the story. The swirly, smudgy, art is fun though.

ISBN: 978-0340878064; Published January 2005 by Hodder Childrens (out of print); Borrowed from the library