Did you know that somebody adapted The Hundred and One Dalmatians, written by Dodie Smith, into a picture book? Peter Bently has done it, and it exposes five to eight-year-olds to the original novel. If they’ve seen the Disney movie, they’ll see similarities and differences in the book. One difference they’ll see is that Perdita is called Missis. Another difference shows Dearly as the human owner’s last name. As far as similarities go, the story displays Cruella as having a sinister craving for the pups’ fur. However, in Dodie Smith’s novel, she’s even more evil (she murdered kittens in that version). Be assured that Bently’s adaptation shows her meanness without getting too dark.

Outrageous clothes are sprinkled throughout the pictures. When Cruella makes her grand entrance, she wears a flamboyant getup with peacock feathers and sparkling red gloves. Another outlandish outfit of hers is a pink bathrobe dotted with sheep, complete with sheep bedroom slippers. I like the bow tie Lenton puts on Pongo and the beaded necklace on Missis. The Dearlys’ bathroom has fun silliness with a Dalmatian-print towel and a same-colored toilet seat.

Steven Lenton’s illustrations are how I would describe a 1950s diner: retro and stylish. They radiate with personality as well. When Pongo and Missis meet Colonel the sheepdog, Pongo shakes his paw. While Cruella’s house is bleak and gray, vibrant colors splash the Dearlys’ place. One illustration has a puppy playfully wearing Mr. Dearly’s glasses.

The story’s last scene takes place at Christmas, where we see one pup holding mistletoe over Pongo and Missis as they kiss. As this happens, a couple of other pups hide their faces in embarrassment, adding humor and cuteness to the picture. We see Cruella’s cat hanging out with the Dalmatians during the holiday. While this picture book doesn’t tell us what’s up with the cat, it alludes to Smith’s novel: the cat leaves her old life with Cruella and stays with the Dalmatians.

If you want a book that offers a fresh look at a familiar story—and is filled with puppies of all sizes—add this book to your collection.

Click to tweet: Friday Fiction: The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Did you know that somebody adapted The Hundred and One Dalmatians, written by Dodie Smith, into a picture book? #kidsbooks #FridayReads

A special 32-page picture book adaptation of Dodie Smith’s much-loved classic story about a hundred and one spotty dogs, perfect for young children. When Missis’ and Pongo’s darling Dalmatian puppies are stolen, they know just who to suspect . . . the evil Cruella de Vil! She is enough to scare the spots off a pup and she would love nothing more than to turn them into a spotty fur coat! With the help of some fearless furry friends, the parents set off on a brave rescue attempt. But can the Dalmatian parents rescue their precious pups in time? Publishers Egmont have teamed up two of the UK’s bestselling talents to produce the very first direct picture-book adaptation of the classic children’s novel. Author Peter Bently’s fun adaptation of Dodie Smith’s original text and Steven Lenton’s gorgeous, stylish illustrations will introduce The Hundred and One Dalmatians to a new generation. Fans of Dodie Smith’s original story will love this new take on an old favourite – the perfect Christmas gift and a classic bedtime story to enjoy together.