Fans of the ever charming Dodie Smith are in for a treat with this new edition of The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Illustrated by the (almost!) equally charming Alex T. Smith this really is the perfect pairing, and Dodie’s story, and the masses of Dalmatians, are brought to life by Alex’s beautifully playful and audacious illustrations. Even the cover is perfection, with a sublimely chic Cruella depicted on the jacket and a Dalmatian spotted hardback hidden beneath.

The real highlight here though is the story. Reasonably different to the Disney film, the book is sweet and funny, and at times very stressful! The temperature drops below freezing whenever Cruella slides onto the page, and Dodie handles all of the Dalmatians with a deft hand. Her writing is crisp and effortless, filled with verve and personality and she has the skill to summon every character to fully appear. The novel is just perfect for pet lovers and fashion lovers alike, for the young and the old, and certainly for anyone in need of a fun and delightful adventure.

Isobel Moore