Clydeo Takes a Bite Out of Life

September 1, 2024

Gr 1-3-With an eye toward encouraging children to search for their own special talents, celebrity author Aniston casts one of her rescue dogs as a pooch with a problem. It seems that young Clydeo just doesn't feel special as part of his bustling canine clan, and so, his motto being "Take a bite out of life!" he proactively sets out to poll some of his accomplished kinfolk, from skateboard daredevil Grandpa Clyderton to bone-digging paleontologist Auntie Clydette, about what floated their boats. None of their things prove to be his thing, but he does find his bliss at last, and in an unexpected place-the kitchen, where at his mom's request he slices, dices, and exuberantly dishes up a festive, fabulous feast. Great things can happen, he burbles at the end, a sentiment that young audiences may join, given half a chance. Jacob individualizes the members of the shaggy cast in the bright cartoon illustrations, while leaving in strong family resemblances; the author adds a selfie with the original Clyde to her afterword. VERDICT An easily digestible morsel of life advice, not too heavy on the moralistic sauce, but tweaked with a dash of cleverness.-John Edward Peters

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September 15, 2024
Drawing inspiration from her rescue dog Clyde, Emmy-winning actor Aniston tells the story of a pooch seeking his passion. The Clyde family are a talented bunch of canines: Uncle Clydester adores surfing, Auntie Clydette digs for dinosaur bones, and Great-Grandma Cly-Clyde dances salsa. "Everyone [has] something that [makes] them stand out"--except for young Clydeo, who doesn't feel special. Clydeo sets out to discover what he loves, guided by an optimistic mantra: "Take a bite out of life, I always say!" As he tries out various relatives' hobbies, he asks for advice: How will he know when he's found his "thing"? Grandpa Clyderton, the daredevil, says that his passion makes him "light up." Second cousin Clydesto, who paints blindfolded, says that art makes his world brighter. Plucky, persistent Clydeo keeps searching. He finds answers while helping his mother cook for a big family meal. "Clydeo [feels] a warm feeling in his belly...He love[s] his family, and he love[s] cooking for them." Clydeo's notion of taking a bite out of life proves to be his thing--cooking. The alliteration of the family members' names, their kernels of wisdom, and the book's lovable protagonist make for a pleasurable, meaningful read. Jacob's illustrations of big-eyed, expressive dogs exude charm and personality and make searching for one's passion seem like utter joy. An uplifting tale of family connection and self-discovery. (author's note, photos)(Picture book. 4-8)

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September 9, 2024
Actor and producer Aniston bases her picture book debut on her real-life rescue sheepdog, a social media favorite. Little Clydeo, with fluffy white fur and brown ears, yearns for a “special talent” like his family members have (“Uncle Clydester loved to surf. Auntie Clydette dug up dinosaur bones”). His elders happily mentor him, but while Clydeo is inspired by how they discovered their passions, he stumbles in attempts to follow in their footsteps. Readers are tipped off early that Clydeo is a whiz in the kitchen, however, and when his mom requests help for a big family party, Clydeo not only cooks up a storm, he also gets a “warm feeling in his belly” and realizes his catchphrase—“Take a bite out of life!”—aligns with his purpose. It’s a familiar story of finding one’s calling, with Clydeo’s large doggy family giving Brazilian creator Jacob plenty of leash for comical anthropomorphized dog portraits. Ages 4–8.