Brilliant

June 8, 2015
Saint Patrick may have rid Ireland of snakes, but it takes an army of children to chase off a citywide case of the blues. Expanded from a 2011 short story that Doyle (A Greyhound of a Girl) wrote for the organizers of Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, the novel borrows its dominant imagery from Winston Churchill’s famous description of depression as a “black dog” on his back. When Raymond and Gloria Kelly hear their granny use the phrase to describe a widespread malaise brought on by high unemployment and a shaky economy, they sneak out in search of the mongrel, intent on retrieving the city’s stolen funny bone. In pursuit, throngs of other children whose “da,” uncle, or brother are also down in the dumps join the hunt. Some readers may find it disingenuous to suggest that the cure for depression is optimism, but Doyle fills the kids’ adventure with fun—farting dogs, rats with attitude, and a variety of talking animals that get the best lines in the book. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12.

July 1, 2015
The children of Dublin chase down the Black Dog of depression in order to retrieve the city's funny bone. Doyle's affection for Dublin underlies every moment in this fey, extended chase scene. When Gloria and Raymond's beloved uncle comes to live with them "for a while," they struggle to understand what's wrong. It does seem possible, as their granny says, that the Black Dog has stolen Dublin's funny bone. Setting out to find the Dog, they are joined by others: children whose parents, siblings, uncles, and aunts suffer from depression. They recruit a neighbor who has a job as a vampire-Ernie's skills of gliding and leaping prove useful in their quest-and are joined by others. At last, thousands of Dublin's children are on the tail of the Black Dog. Though they are defeated at moments by its fanged word "USELESS" spoken to their hearts, they fight back with another word: brilliant. Though the story is perhaps slightly short on plot, the run through the city is nevertheless uplifting and physical: a tribute to doing rather than waiting. There's not a hint of despair, though sadness, economic disruption, and returns from far-off wars are acknowledged. Instead, there's humor and determination. Talking animals support the children-especially charming is the zoo's chatty meerkat Kevin. And there is a deep fondness for Dublin and its iconic landmarks. Hopeful and surprisingly exhilarating. (Fantasy. 8-12)

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July 1, 2015

Gr 5-8-The Black Dog of Depression has arrived in Dublin, bringing with him a sense of despair that seems to affect many of the adults in the city. When the Dog's influence reaches their home, causing their uncle to lose his business, Gloria and Raymond (at the insistence of their eccentric grandmother) begin chasing the Dog through the streets. As more and more children join them on the chase, Raymond and Gloria wonder how they are going to defeat an antagonist that they sometimes can't even see. When they discover an unlikely weapon against the beast, they push back against his influence and discover something simply brilliant. The story itself is incredibly charming and the characters delightful. Readers will relate to Gloria and Raymond and their desire to understand and help the adults in their lives. VERDICT Doyle has crafted a clever and accessible novel that will spark conversation about both economic and emotional depression.-Wayne R. Cherry, Jr., First Baptist Academy Library, Houston, TX

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