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Mo's Best Friend

A Stone-Age Story

Bridget Marzo author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Otter-Barry Books Ltd

Published:8th Feb '24

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Mo's Best Friend cover

This captivating tale explores the unique friendship between a Stone-Age girl and a wild beast, leading to heartwarming adventures in Mo's Best Friend.

In Mo's Best Friend, readers are introduced to a charming stone-age family living in a world filled with adventure and uncertainty. The story revolves around Mo, a young girl who forms an unexpected bond with a wild beast. While her family is initially horrified by this friendship—believing that wild creatures pose a significant danger—Mo's determination to connect with this creature leads to an extraordinary series of events. Could this wild beast, whom they later name Dog, become a savior for the family?

As the narrative unfolds, the family's perceptions begin to shift. When baby Babba is threatened by a hungry lynx, it is the wild beast that springs into action, showcasing bravery and loyalty. This heartwarming tale not only highlights the bond between humans and animals but also emphasizes themes of trust, courage, and the power of friendship. The story is inspired by a real archaeological discovery: a child's footprint found alongside a dog's pawprint in the Chauvet cave in France, dating back 26,000 years.

Mo's Best Friend is more than just a story about a girl and her dog; it’s a delightful exploration of how companionship can emerge in the most unexpected circumstances. Through beautifully crafted prose and vivid illustrations, readers are taken on a journey that celebrates the origins of one of humanity's oldest friendships, making it a perfect read for families and children alike.

"Both an engaging story and a fun history lesson about Stone Age life and the domestication of dogs."

* Book Trust: Book of the Day *

'This engaging picture book brings the Stone Age to life... There's an illustrated Stone Age survival skills appendix that will be useful for cross-curricular teaching, the spectacularly atmospheric illustrations will provide the perfect impetus for art ideas, and literary teachers will appreciate the onomatopoeia and expressive language. Highly recommended.' 

-- School Reading List

"Inspired by the discovery of a child’s footprint alongside a dog’s in the Chauvet cave, this immersive, beautifully illustrated picture book tells a sweet tale of stone age family life – and a new four-footed addition."

-- Imogen Russell Williams * The Guardian *

"Bridget Marzo’s scenes of the simple hunter/gatherer lifestyle of the family group are executed in gouache, and the ochre hues employed are true to the archaeological evidence and cave paintings from 25 thousand years ago."

-- Red Reading Hub

"...I love the intimate sequence of Mo’s first encounter with the little wild beast and their subsequent animated frolicsome play of fetch and return of Mo’s stick. Bridget Marzo uses natural and earth colours for her illustrations with ochre predominating, adding authenticity to her portrayal of the story."

* Books For Keeps *

"Mo finds a new four-legged friend in this energetic and accurate story about Stone Age life and the domestication of dogs."

-- Book Trust: Books We Love in August

ISBN: 9781915659194

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

40 pages