Title: Hudson and the Bush Beast
Author: Sherri C. Southers
Contributor: Robert W. Spruce
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media LLC
ISBN: 978-1-63871-664-8
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Pages: 36
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Pacific Book Review
In Hudson and the Bush Beast, readers are once again taken on a wonderful adventure of the Labradoodle named Hudson, the white dog wearing an orange hat, as a skirmish occurs at Hudson’s friend Sooner’s house.
Upon arriving at Sooner’s house, Hudson notices everyone are in a state of chaos – including Sooner, the squirrels and the dad. Something is rustling in the bushes by the fence and all of the animals are out investigating. It then is discovered what the cause of the commotion was (as a spoiler prevention, I will not tell you what it was in this review). However, things do settle down to a friendly, sharing and happy ending – that is good to know.
The expression “less is more” comes to mind as I think how much thought is put into such short text within the narrative. Children, especially those of the younger single-digit years, have to be introduced to many words, sentences, and story-telling structures, of which author Sherri C. Southers demonstrates her craft exquisitely, along with her contributing author Robert W. Spruce. Heavily laden with artistic illustrations, sometimes paging with pictures only without words, makes this book an ideal early reading, or rather being read by adults to children. It is an adventure with just the right about of action, suspense, and inquisitive curiosity for young minds to enjoy.
The artwork is perfectly matched to the storyline. Paging Hudson and the Bush Beast makes for the synergy of words and images implanting a story-board of action and suspense within the minds of youngsters. It is the ideal length for a bedtime story, and leaves its reading audience in a fanciful mood to be sent off to dreamland. I recommend this, along with all of the Hudson adventures, to be in the homes of families with youngsters.
The only thing I can’t figure out, is how Hudson manages to keep his orange hat on his head without having it fall off!
