Review: Why Dogs Have Wet Noses

Noah is packing the ark with his two-by-two animals. The rain is about to come down and the very last animal on board is a dog with a soft black nose.

The ark sets sail on the swelling sea and the animals settle in for a long, and very cramped voyage.

It's a pretty full-on job looking after so many animals, but Noah does a sterling job ... until after twenty days at sea, the ark springs a leak!

Panicked, Noah does the only thing he can think of at the time. He grabs his faithful pooch and plugs his soft black nose into the hole. But can it hold? And what will come of the dog?


This is a gorgeous twist on a classic tale that will charm both adults and children. Its delightful twist and sweet ending make for an entertaining story that will encourage any reader to see the world in a different way.

Oyvind Torseter's brilliant illustrations are folksy, funny and absolutely divine. I adore his colour palette and linework, and his use of both full scene and vignette. The interior of the ark, with all its rambunctious animals, is sheer delight, and will utterly entrance kids.

A fun, visually beautiful book. A must for illustration lovers.

Title: Why Dogs Have Wet Noses
Author: Kenneth Steven
Illustrator: Oyvind Torseter
Publisher: Enchanted Lion, $35.95 RRP
Publication Date: 23 June 2015
Format: Hard cover with dust jacket
ISBN: 9781592701735
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book