Book Review: Dog Science Unleashed

DOG SCIENCE UNLEASHED by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen contains engaging activities for dog owners.

Featuring 22 hands-on science activities, this colorfully illustrated informational activity book is designed for children with access to a canine companion. The introduction describes how to use the book including safety guidelines. Four chapters feature a series of activities ending with a professional lab project. The book concludes with a glossary, information, and an index.

Librarians will find this book to be popular with dog fans as well as those interested in careers associated with animals.

Published by National Geographic Kids on September 1, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Chasing Augustus

CHASING AUGUSTUS by Kimberly Newton Fusco follows a child on a quest to find her dog.

Rosie lives with her grandfather in a dusty small town. She’s angry that her absent mom gave away her dog and becomes obsessed with finding it. Along the way, she interacts with a variety of quirky characters.

Librarians will find this book appealing to middle grade readers who enjoy realistic stories of friends, family, and dogs. The book is broken into four parts with short chapters making it nice for small group reading assignments. Pair the book with other family and dog stories such as Because of Winn Dixie.

Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House on September 19, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: A Perfect Day

A PERFECT DAY by Lane Smith explores a perfect day for creatures living in Bert’s backyard.

A cat, a dog, a chickadee, and a squirrel are all having a perfect day until an unexpected visitor appears in Bert’s backyard. The unexpected ending will leave children smiling.

Librarians will find this book to be an effective read-aloud story. Use this adorable picture book to discuss the power of perspective with young children.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://www.lanesmithbooks.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on February 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Bob the Railway Dog

BOB THE RAILWAY DOG by Corinne Fenton tells the story of the early days of the Australian railroad.

When a railway worker adopts a homeless dog named Bob, they become fast friends. However, Bob is a wanderer and soon finds himself riding the rails and exploring stations across the country. Based on a real dog, this story immerses readers in nineteenth century Australia.

Librarians will find a large audience among children who enjoy both dogs and trains.

To learn more about the author, got to http://corinnefenton.com/.

Published by Candlewick on November 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

MADELINE FINN AND THE LIBRARY DOG by Lisa Papp features a reluctant reader and a furry friend that encourages her to read.

Madeline Finn doesn’t like to read, but a dog therapy program at the public library provides the supportive environment she needs to excel. The unexpected conclusion adds to the appeal.

Librarians as well as students and teachers will be attracted to the library setting and focus on reading. Use this book to jumpstart your own “read to animals” program.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.lisapapp.com.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on October 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Juana and Lucas

JUANA AND LUCAS by Juana Medina is a new series featuring a young girl and her dog growing up in Colombia.

In her first humorous adventure, Juana shares her likes and dislikes. For instance, she isn’t excited about learning English. However when she learns about the value of language learning, she changes her mind.

Librarian will find that the short, easy-to-read chapters and comic-style illustrations will appeal to young readers. The international setting provides a unique perspective.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.juanamedina.com/.

Published by Candlewick on September 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Maxi's Secret

MAXI’S SECRETS by Lynn Plourde tells the story of a boy and his dog dealing with school, bullies, and life.

As a bribe for moving to a new town, Timminy receives a dog that he discovers is deaf. In his new school where his father is the assistant principal, Timminy worries about becoming the target of bullies. However Maxi and blind neighbor help him deal with life in middle school. Each chapter contains an interesting secret that applies to the story as well as life.

Librarians will find this title popular with both middle grade students who enjoy humor as well as dog lovers. With a diverse cast of fascinating characters and age-appropriate humor, this title will be a popular selection. However it’s important to note that like many dog books, it’s a tear-jerker.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.lynnplourde.com/.

Published by Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Publishing on August 23, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Lucy

LUCY by Randy Cecil tells three overlapping stories that come together for a heart-warming finale.

Told in four acts through through different perspectives, this sweet story explores the lives of a lonely dog, a young girl, and an aspiring juggler.

The clever storytelling approach, sparse text, and grayscale illustrations all come together for an unusual reading experience.

Librarians will find this highly-illustrated book popular with dog lovers. Both beginning readers and older children will enjoy the repetition and compelling conclusion.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.randycecil.com/.

Published by Candlewick on August 2, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Ooko

OOKO by Esme Shapiro tells the charming story of a fox seeking a friend.

After seeing people with their dogs, Ooko decides to find a human friend. However Ooko soon discovers that an animal friend might be more fun.

The simple, humorous text and engaging illustrations make this picture book appropriate for both young children as well as beginning readers.

Librarians will find this sweet story popular with young children and useful in read-aloud activities. Teachers will find the book a valuable tool for discussing friendship and individual differences.

To learn more about the author, go to http://esmeshapiro.com/.

Published by Tundra, an imprint of Random House on July 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Lenny & Lucy

LENNY & LUCY by Philip C. Stead is an absorbing picture book sharing the melancholy of moving and the joy of budding friendships.

Peter isn’t happy about moving to an old house across a wooden bridge from the dark woods. He builds two pillow people to stand guard at the bridge and keep him company. When a new neighbor invites him to play, Harold begins to feel more comfortable in this strange, new setting.

Stead’s imaginative illustrations draw readers into the setting and bring Harold’s world to life. A slash of color highlights the characters and key elements of the story.

Designed for the primary grades, librarians will find this story of moving and friendship to be a popular addition to the library’s picture book collection.

To learn more about the author/illustrator, go to http://philipstead.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on October 6, 2015. ARC from publisher.

Book Review: Stay!

STAY! by Alex Latimer is a captivating picture book about a boy and his dog.

After last year’s vacation disaster, Ben’s dog Buster will be staying with grampa this year. Ben’s dad suggests that Ben create a list of things Buster likes so Buster and grampa will have a good time. During vacation, Ben continues to think of ideas, so he sends postcards to his grandfather. In the end, grampa has some ideas of his own to share with Ben.

The adorable storyline combined with engaging illustrations make this book perfect for the target audience. Children will enjoy creating their own lists related to their pets.

Librarians will find a huge audience for this alluring picture book. Create a display with other books about naughty pets.

Learn more about the author at http://www.alexlatimer.co.za/.

Published by Peachtree Publishers on September 1, 2015. Review copy courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Cowboy

THE COWBOY by Hildegard Müller is an adorable picture book about friendship, acceptance, and helping others.

Designed for beginning readers, the story follows Anna and her toy dog Toto on their adventure to the beach. When a large wave carries Toto out to sea, a young cowboy comes to the rescue.

The large, attractive illustrations will appeal to young children and the simple, clean font is easy to read. Part of the I Like To Read series, librarians will find this to be a popular option for beginning readers.

The publisher website contains Common Core standards connections, flash cards, and discussion questions athttp://www.holidayhouse.com/title_display.php….

Published by Holiday House on May 1.

Book Review: Rescue on the Oregon Trail

RESCUE ON THE OREGON TRAIL by Kate Messner is the first book in the newly released, action-packed historical fiction series titled RANGER IN TIME. Ranger the rescue dog is sure to be a hit with young readers.

Ranger is a time-traveling golden retriever. Trained as a search-and-rescue dog, he is transported back in time to the year 1850 to help the Abbott family on their journey west along the Oregon Trail.

The authentic historical details mixed with the fast-paced story make this an excellent book for young history fans who are just beginning to read chapter books. Using a rescue dog as the main character was a brilliant move and will easily draw dog lovers into the historical context.

Although the first book in the series focuses on the Oregon Trail, references are also made to the Mormon Trail and the California Gold Rush. The outstanding author’s note section contains excerpts from real journals, facts about training rescue dogs, and additional readings.

Written for ages 6-10, this series is perfect for fans of the Magic Tree House books. Teachers will find this book an excellent interdisciplinary resource for literature circles. It’s a great jumping off spot for a more detailed exploration of the Oregon Trail.

There are lots of great websites geared to children and the Oregon Trail such as Kids on the Trail. Go to http://goo.gl/amWduJ. For a great teacher’s guide, download http://goo.gl/UgTxn6. Check out a video at http://goo.gl/5OlRsN. Check out at cool interactive map at http://goo.gl/JbRonp.

There are also apps you can download with Oregon Trail games. Try http://goo.gl/tc38tx.

The second book in the series titled Danger in Ancient Rome due out June 30, 2015.

Edelweiss ARC used for review