posted on 26 Jun 2025

Scooter Dog by Lo Cole

As far as I am aware, this is one of few picture books about the many joys of scooting. This is strange because, if you are ever about at school run times of day, you will know that it has become very popular with children of all ages. Even the youngest scooters can pick up some impressive speed and more experienced and skilful scooters can show off a range of clever tricks. A story about a dog on a scooter is even rarer, so I was excited to share this one with a group of four- year- olds, especially as it is the latest one by a favourite author/ illustrator.

The brightly coloured cover promises a feel-good adventure story with a smiling dog looking out at us. We were pleased to see that he was wearing a helmet - although one safety-conscious girl pointed out that he probably needed knee pads too but her wise friend explained that his fur would protect his knees if he fell off. 

I have already focussed on the distinctively bold and retro illustrative style that Lo Cole brings to his unusual stories . This latest one includes interesting depictions of speed as Eddie the dog is shown moving swiftly through fields, woods and the beach and finally: 

 ‘HURTLING down the 

steepest hill in town ...

          … without using his brakes! 

We collectively held our breaths before turning the page to see the inevitable crash which also involved Thema the tortoise who was walking up the same hill.  As the badly damaged scooter needs to be repaired, Eddie reluctantly realises that walking is his only option. We talked about what might be the pros and cons of doing this and one boy suggested that he would be very miserable, because it would take him ages to go anywhere. As a grandparent who sees my own grandchildren disappearing at speed in front of me on their scooters, I remember when I could take time to chat with and point out everyday wonders as we sauntered along together. Much to my delight, this is the pleasantly slowed down version of the world that follows as Eddie realises what he has been missing. 

We enjoyed the change in pace as he notices all the fascinating details in the streets such as ‘a door knocker shaped like an elephant’ and ‘a gnome with a snail on its head’. We especially liked the dramatic change in layout with the two- page landscape design at the top showing him ‘bumbling along beaches’, traipsing around trees’, and ‘strolling back across fields.’  The lower pages zoom in on some of the detail in the top pictures which gave us the chance to spot them – always a fun activity.     

I strongly recommend this stimulating picture book which is a visual feast as well as exploring some interesting vocabulary that includes plenty of alliteration. It also provides scope for discussion about the built and the natural environment, seeing the world from different angles, the importance of friendship and trying new experiences. You will need to read this wonderful story for yourselves to find out whether Eddie gives up the joys of scooting, or not.  

Published in August by Rocket Bird Books, it should be available to order from your local independent bookshop or directly from the website www.rocketbirdbooks.co.uk       

Karen Argent

June 2025