"Dogs are also superior in the following ways: we acknowledge danger when humans won't - their capacity for denial is much, much greater. We forgive readily and often. And we do not feel one emotion while displaying another; take, for example, the prevalence of humans claiming 'I'm fine', when they are not fine at all."
Cosmo is a Golden Retriever. He is the narrator, you surely saw the "I" in the title. Cosmo tells us about his family and especially his best friend Max. Cosmo is a old dog. He is thirteen years old and his hips often ache. The good thing is age has also made him a wise dog. He has an amazing level of emotional intelligence.
"Max once told me that he loves the sky the way I love tennis balls and perhaps this is true. A ball is never just a ball; it's the smell, the bounce, the memories. It's camping trips and barbeques, winters and summers, Max and I playing fetch in dewy fields."
"I feel the urge to pace as we enter the room. Straightaway, I can sense a dramatic shift in the air, like Max and I have walked directly into a thunderstorm and our paws are getting wet."
Of course he also sometimes causes havoc - not that he intends to do this. The incident with the turkey at Thanksgiving was is very funny and yet so terrible!
"The stool wobbles. The tray wobbles. And in slow motion, the whole thing topples on to the linoleum, spraying turkey guts and juice and soggy carrots in a delicious arc.
I'm caught between feelings of terror and absolute joy. There is turkey on the floor!"
There were times I laughed out loud reading this book and moments I gasped with sadness. Luckily Max has his beautiful dog and he has his wonderful Uncle Reggie and both help him in the most perfect ways as he navigates the breakdown of his parent's relationship and the challenge of change in is life. Max himself is in turn so gentle with his little sister Emmaline.
I should mention Max is training Cosmo to dance so when you read this book grab a copy of the movie Grease so you can dance along with them. If you click this link you can see an example of a dog and his owner competing with their dance routine. (Thanks Ms Yingling).
Cosmo knows a lot about the human world. He has listened to stories such as Harold and the Purple Crayon - Dinosaur Days and Calvin and Hobbs. He also loves to watch television especially the Discovery Channel.
I do enjoy books told from the dog's perspective. I loved (for older readers) Dog by Daniel Pennac; A dog's life by Ann Martin; (and for younger readers) The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan; Spunky tells all by Ann Cameron; Choosing Crumble by Michael Rosen; and Good Dog McTavish by Meg Rosoff.
Read more plot details by clicking these review comments:
The narrative is very thought-provoking whilst also dribbling with turkey juices and doggy humour. The more you read, the sadder the story gets, so get ready with the tissues! The story is very sensitively told and is an insightful view of modern-day family life. Mr Ripleys Enchanted books
I,Cosmo is a joyful exploration of the inner world of dogs, a celebration of the relationship between a little boy and his best friend, and a kindly story about how families can confront and manage difficulties and move forward despite them. I loved it. The Bookbag
Cosmo’s narration combines wit, heart, stubbornness, and a grouchy dignity, all ably tugging at funny bones and heartstrings alike. Kirkus Star Review
Cosmo understands more about his humans than they do themselves, and he is keenly aware of Max's emotional state. This is the dog book that we all think our OWN dogs would write. Ms Yingling
I, Cosmo has a different cover in the US. Which do you prefer?
Listen to Carlie read from her book. Here is her web site.
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