A boy and his family pay a visit to the local animal shelter and big-heartedly select the dog that had been there the longest. Norman is friendly and funny but, does not respond to the usual dog commands and they love him anyway. On an outing in the park they discover that Norman is really smart and speaks Chinese! On a quest to communicate with Norman the family attempts to learn Chinese. They do not take to it well but, Norman does not mind, he loves his new family anyway.

2015 USBBY Outstanding International Book s List, 2015 Chocolate Lily Book Award (shortlist), 2015 Christie Harris illustrated Children's Literature Prize (shortlist), 2015 OLA Best Bets (Picture Books).

Author lives in Vancouver, Canada.

Published by Groundwood Books, House of Anansi Press.

Norman, Speak! tells the comical yet thought-provoking story of a boy and his family who adopt a dog that just can’t seem to learn the things other dogs do.

Overwhelmed by dogs in need at their local animal shelter, a young boy chooses Norman, the stray that’s been there the longest. But, upon bringing him home, the family quickly learns that Norman won’t respond to commands. He doesn’t even know his own name.

During a chance encounter with another dog owner in the park, the family is very surprised to learn the reason for Norman’s confusion; he “speaks” Chinese instead of English! And so the family enrolls in a language class, determined to understand their uniquely loveable pet.

The humorous text, from award-winning author Caroline Adderson, and Qin Leng’s delightful illustrations combine to create a picture book that will be enjoyed by readers (and dogs) no matter what language they speak.