Title: Peaches and Jake and 19 Cobras: Oh, My!
Author: Paula Bailey
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 978-1-6641-8931-7
Genre: Photograph Children’s Book
Pages: 60
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
Although a rather brief book with limited galley text, the paging of dozens of photographs of Jake and Peaches makes for a dog-loving experience of real life, in author Paula Bailey’s Peaches and Jake and 19 Cobras. This is a continuum of her earlier publication staring the dynamic dog-duo.
In Peaches and Jake and 19 Cobras, readers are re-introduced to these two rescue dogs, each kind and gentle, and have time to enjoy their antics getting in-and-out of trouble, while these pups are smiling a lot! They peek from under the bed, they roam the house, which by the way is decorated for Christmas, they jump up onto the bed, and sit wherever they want. At one point they go on a RV adventure where they both sit in the front seats and “play” as if they are driving, saying things like “slow down, you’re going too fast.” This part reminded me of a Gary Larson Far Side cartoon where the cows take over the car and people are grazing in the grass. The two dogs are a bit mischievous when caught tearing out the cotton from a stuffed doll and are subsequently “sent to jail,” which is their mom’s office. Knowing how to slide the door open, they escape to freedom. Cheers can be imagined by the youngsters having their parents reading this story to them!
Paula Bailey has packed many emotional and smart dog personality traits into the photographs of her K-9 companions. From retrieving the mail – to climbing into the warm spot on her bed when the author gets up in the evening – and not letting her back, Jake and Peaches “rule the roost,” so to speak in chicken terms.
There is a synergy of using the photographs along with the storyline, a bit forced at times, but overall having a delightful flow of comforting and safe insight into the minds of such precious companions. Yes, dogs are amazing, and Peaches and Jake and 19 Cobras give readers an adventure with dog-images which can be enjoyed by children with their own dogs, and even better those who do not have a dog (for whatever reason) and yet want to enjoy the pleasures of K-9 companionship.
It’s easy to personify the thoughts and actions of dogs, as they have a special bond with humans. Paula Bailey shares some of her precious moments for all to enjoy in this charming book.
