Henry Ward Beecher, noted American writer, clergyman, and abolitionist, famously said, “The dog is the god of frolic,” and I’m inclined to agree. The simple joy our canine companions can sniff out in the smallest of activities is something to aspire to, especially in these homebound days of few distractions. Taking a walk? The dog is down. Sitting on a comfy couch? Sounds good to the dog. Digging in the dirt? Life doesn’t get much better than that!
So Roy Digs Dirt (The Blue Sky Press), the just-released picture book by author/illustrator David Shannon, is remarkably true to life. Like an afternoon stroll through the neighborhood or a chance to sink furry paws into the soil, the book paints a picture of simple joys as it catalogues the many ways Roy, well, digs dirt.
As in George Harrison’s 1970 track “I Dig Love,” the verb “dig” takes on two meanings — both to excavate and to enjoy. You see, Roy really likes dirt. In fact, “Roy thinks dirt makes him look handsome,” writes Shannon next to an illustration of a besmirched Roy. Smudges of mud give Roy a jaunty mustache, a trim goatee, and a spit curl that would be the envy of Superman. He does, indeed, look handsome.
There are the practical applications of dirt, too. Namely, dirt conceals, and Roy buries balls, sticks, chew toys, squeaky toys, bones, rocks, and rawhide in dirt. Though Roy is an ardent admirer of dirt, he’s not afraid to admit that even the best things can get better. After all — there’s mud. “Mud might be even better than dirt,” Shannon posits. “Mud is like dirty gravy.”
David Shannon
Overall, the book is a fun romp, a look at life through the largely uncritical eyes of a dog. There’s no real moral, and while some readers might blanche at that, it gives the book a breezy readability. The short, declarative sentences and companion illustrations make Roy Digs Dirt ideal for early readers just beginning their journey into literacy. The book isn’t totally devoid of good examples, though. Roy takes a few baths, and his continued fascination with the same old dirt is nothing short of inspirational. Each day, Roy greets the dirt anew: “It’s the same dirt, but it seems brand-new to Roy.”
Shannon is the Caldecott-winning author of No, David!, and the same humor and charm that characterized his autobiography are present in his newest offering as well. All in all, Shannon’s Roy Digs Dirt is a diverting (if dirty) story with low stakes and delightfully goofy watercolor illustrations. It will give early readers a chance to flex their burgeoning reading muscles with confidence. Trust me — you’ll dig it.
Thank you to Literacy Mid-South for sponsoring this weekly children’s book review! Learn more about the various programs offered by Literacy Mid-South by visiting their site literacymidsouth.org and following them on Facebook and Instagram @literacymidsouth.