Two New Children's Picturebooks by Lori Doody

A sequel to the previously reviewed Mr. Beagle Goes to Rabbittown, Lori Doody brings us Mr. Beagle and the Georgestown Mystery. In this new adventure, Mr. Beagle decides to visit his cousin Georgie in Georgestown. While there, he learns that the town seems to have a burglar – presumably a cat – who is stealing everyone’s books.

Mr. Beagle uses his best detective skills once again to help solve the mystery. When he realizes the burglar is in fact a fox and not a cat, he apologizes and helps them to set up a library so everyone can enjoy many books.

Catalina is a story of a family cat who is very displeased when her owners decide to add three dogs to their household. She is unamused and annoyed by their behaviour and the disruption they’ve caused in her space. Despite trying to scare them off, the pups are still kind and caring toward her. Eventually, she realizes they may not be so bad after all and begins to enjoy their company, looking on the positive side of having their companionship. The book includes the use of many Newfoundland expressions throughout, with a glossary at the end.

Both stories are entertaining, light reads and easily capture the attention of young readers. They both represent lessons of accepting responsibility, apologizing, and giving second chances. Mr. Beagle Goes to Rabbittown has been a favourite of Adeline’s for quite some time, so it was no surprise she loved both of these stories too. The illustrations by Lori Doody are colourful and eye-catching, and the hidden puns throughout the images are amusing for readers of all ages.

Lori Doody was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland in 1976. She majored in printmaking at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College, in Corner Brook, and graduated in 1998. Since then she has worked at: a Japanese paper store, the artist-run centre St. Michael’s Printshop, and a commercial gallery. Her primary art practise has been in printmaking, especially etching, and in 2005 she was named Emerging Artist of the year by the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council. Lori currently lives in St. John’s with her husband and their two children.

Melanie Métivier

Children's Picture Book Reviewer

Melanie is the Children's Book reviewer at The Miramichi Reader. She is a mother to two young children Adeline (5 years) and Harlow (3 years). She has a Bachelor of Health Science from Dalhousie University and previously worked as a Radiological Technologist before deciding to pursue a career in health insurance administration. She enjoys sewing, crafting, and going on adventures with her family. Having lived in all three maritime provinces, Melanie now raises her daughters with her husband in Moncton, NB.