You may have seen this post and this one featuring the artist Domenica More Gordon's wonderful felt dogs. Domenica and I have a close mutual friend from whom I recently heard the most touching, heart-warming story concerning these dogs. Discretion forbids me from repeating it here, but it showed how unique and special these little works of art are and just how much they mean to those who are lucky enough to own one.
Those of us who don't have a Domenica original can still enjoy her talent through the pages of her new book. Archie (the first of a series) has just been published, and both Harrods and Selfridges have chosen it as their book of the Jubilee month of June - and with good reason!
It begins with Archie receiving a surprise parcel from his Great Aunt Betty. Inside is a sewing machine, and with it Archie decides to make a coat for his dog. The results are magnificent and soon Archie's handiwork is bringing him commissions from other owners keen to outfit their dogs in style. Then one day, the phone rings with an order from a very special person ...
This is a terrific picture book with real charm - something to leave on the coffee table where adults as well as children will pick it up and be delighted by it.
You can see more of her work - including a trailer for the book - on Domenica's website.
(Books of the day no. 2 - in which I had a hand - is here).