Bookseller Publisher Review
When Ollie (`small-like a pickling jar or a shoe box') starts school, he worries that his beloved pet Augustus (`large-like a fridge or a table'; a vast creature of indeterminate breed) will be lonely, so he attempts to find him a companion. But none of the other dogs understand Augustus' quirks or the slightly unexpected activities with which Ollie and Augustus have populated their full, imaginative, independent lives (cycling, tree climbing, earnest `appreciation of sticks'). But, in a simple conclusion that will reassure children without being overtly didactic, it turns out that Augustus is just fine spending time alone, while his love and loyalty for Ollie remain steadfast. It's an utterly lovely story with hints of humour that prevent sentimentalism. Gabriel Evans' illustrations are so pleasing-recalling, in the best way, illustrators such as Emily Gravett and Peter H Reynolds. The restrained sepia palette is given depth with highlights of reds and blues, and the movement-filled pencil linework is balanced by the calm watercolours and confident use of white space. The style is more assured in its minimalism than Evans' earlier illustrations for other authors' texts, while still retaining the energetic personality and quirks of expression that bring so much detail and character (especially in Ollie's face) to his work. Ollie and Augustus is highly recommended for those aged two and up. Anica Boulanger-Mashberg is an editor and writer, and a bookseller at The Hobart Bookshop
Kirkus Review
As Ollie starts school, he worries his dog, Augustus, will miss him. Even though Ollie's "small--like a pickling jar or a shoebox," and Augustus is "big--like a fridge or a table," these best friends do "most things together." Ollie's favorite activity is digging while Augustus likes stick collecting. Sometimes they annoy and irritate each other, but if they get mad, they make up in time for lunch. Poised to start school, Ollie fears Augustus will be lonely and advertises for a friend for Augustus, emphasizing everything Augustus likes to do. Next day, canine candidates line up to interview for the position. After a series of disappointing play dates, none of the applicants understand Augustus' "favorite things," nor does he understand theirs. Although Ollie spends the first day of school sad and worrying about Augustus, he's in for a surprise. Delicate earth-toned illustrations rely on fine, sketchy outlines, pale color highlights, and all-white backgrounds to humorously flesh out the spare text. Fragile, diminutive Ollie appears an unlikely match for his massive canine buddy, but amusing vignettes reveal these pals engrossed in painting, bike riding, people watching, dressing up, tree climbing, and, of course, digging and stick collecting. An endearing, visually rib-tickling ode to best friends. (Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
It's hard to find a stronger bond than that between a boy and his dog, and Ollie and Augustus--a small boy and a refrigerator-sized dog, respectively--are well-nigh inseparable. Their chuckle-inducing antics are shown through sketch-like artwork, rendered in watercolor, gouache, and pencil, that sometimes clusters many activities (climbing trees, digging, collecting sticks, riding bikes) on a two-page spread and other times fills a single page with one image. Trouble enters the picture when Ollie has to start school, planting an Augustus-sized seed of anxiety in the boy about leaving his dog alone all day. Ollie places a want ad for a canine companion for Augustus, but unfortunately none of the pups that answer click with Augustus, and Ollie is forced to leave him home alone. Sweet and spare, the illustrations convey large feelings, especially Ollie's worries, and his relief about discovering that Augustus doesn't mind entertaining himself. This gentle account of separation anxiety and companionship is a nice tonic for first-day-of-school nerves, in the vein of Oliver and His Alligator (2013), by Paul Schmidt.
