Selby (Book Series)

Selby is a self titled novel series written by Australian author Duncan Ball and illustrated by Allan Stomann. The books chronicle the adventures of the eponymous talking dog Selby, together with his owners Dr and Mrs Trifle. Since the release of the first book, Selby's Secret, there have been fourteen other releases, three companion books and another to come. The books were intended for younger children but it has spanned to other age groups. So far, there have been 14 short story books, 2 joke books and one "selection" in the Selby Series.

Selby's Secret is the first book in the Selby Series by Duncan Ball. It was first published in 1985 (and once again in 2000) and is the oldest book in the series.

Selby understands human talk while watching Hearthwarm Hearth, a show about a butler working in a huge mansion. Selby decides to learn how to speak the language by practising in front of a mirror while the Trifles were away. The now intelligent Selby decides to make this the Trifles' gift for Christmas until he realises that it would ruin his life forever, therefore keeping his ability a secret.

When Selby's cold causes a gift to be broken, Selby must try to piece the plate back together before the professor arrives.

Selby exposes his secret when Aunt Jetty steps on his tail.

A horror story written by Selby seems to come true...

Selby absent-mindedly whistles while listening he's being cured from a toothache.

A boa constrictor starts "squeezing" Selby.

Selby talks to Willy to foil his wicked attempt to win the egg and spoon race.

Selby is mistaken for a circus dog and has to walk the tightrope.

Aunt Jetty's dog Crusher destroys a cake and Selby attempts to create a new one.

Selby accidentally knocks out Postie Paterson in a play and has to take his part.

Selby tries to foil Cousin Wilhemina's attempt to win the Bogusville Canine Society's annual god show.

Following a blackout at the Bogusville Bijou, Selby experiences the events of the movie in real life.

...
Wikipedia