Category: dogs

children, dogs

Black Dog, Brown Dog

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Nina & Derek Zaragoza
Illustrator: Tominda Adkins
Publisher: Creative Curriculum Connections Publications
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISBN: 978-0-98432-408-8
Pages: 24
Price: $11.99

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Tasha and Lady are Labrador retrievers. Tasha is black, Lady is brown, and both dogs have their own distinct personalities.

Tasha is neat. She has nice manners and comes when called. But Lady likes the mud and wants to do as she pleases. Both dogs are loved by their owners, even though their temperaments are so different.

Black Dog, Brown Dog shares the differences between these two Labs in contrasting pages. But even though children love dogs and will readily pick this book up, it doesn’t have enough of a plot to hold their attention for long. The illustrations are very simple in neutral colors, and don’t add any additional dimension to the story.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

dogs, mystery

Dino Vicelli Private Eye

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Lori Weiner
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing
Genre: Mystery
ISBN: 978-1-4349-0294-8
Pages: 98
Price: $10.00

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In an alternate-reality version of New York City, dogs can talk and mingle with humans as if human themselves. Dino Vicelli, an Italian greyhound, is a private eye who takes on what seems to be a missing persons case. But he has no idea that what he’s really investigating is an illegal cloning experiment.

With a beautiful Afghan accompanying him, he attempts to evade the police while tracking down the perpetrator of this scheme. But things get complicated when he doesn’t know who he’s chasing – the originals or the clones?

Dino Vicelli Private Eye presents a unique twist on the usual private investigator novel with the main character a dog. But I found that some of the things that happened to Dino puzzled me. I never understood why the police were after him so unexpectedly, with no evidence or even a motive. The story moves quickly – maybe a little too quickly – and the scenes and characters aren’t developed fully. This is an intriguing plot, but I felt it needed a little more editing before being published.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Planet of the Dogs

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Robert J. McCarty
Illustrator: Stella Mustanoja McCarty
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISBN: 9780978692803
Pages: 104
Price: $14.95

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The people of Green Valley live a peaceful life. They farm the land, raise animals, and enjoy their homes and families. But the Stone City warriors live very close by, and they’re now threatening the security of Green Valley.

When the Planet of the Dogs receives news of the troubles brewing on Earth, three of the dogs are sent as ambassadors. With the help of two Green Valley children, Daisy and Bean, these dogs will try to stop the Stone City warriors from destruction.

The Planet of the Dogs knows only love and cooperation, so these visiting dogs plan to stop the warriors in a peaceful manner. Rather than go to war, they use their creativity and love to end this threat.

There are so many stories about battles between good and evil, and at times it’s hard to know who’s on which side, when so many lives are lost. So it’s a breath of fresh air to see a book presenting a peaceful resolution. Planet of the Dogs may be a fairy tale, but it gives us hope that peace may someday be restored on earth through kinder and gentler means. Dog lovers and those who love a nice story will really enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

dogs

Follow Me, David!

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Jonathan Russell
Publisher: Peter E Randall Publisher LLC
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 978-1-931807-61-6
Pages: 240
Price: $17.95

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Jennifer Trewlove is convinced that dogs have to go to Heaven. After all, the Great Creator loves all His creatures, great and small. How could He leave dogs behind?

But just to be on the safe side, Jennifer needs a plan to ensure her beloved greyhound, David, crosses over with her. Marrying Reverend Houndsditch might solve her problem, but will her beau go along with her plans? After all, he’s a very proper Reverend, and his parish might not approve of his holding a Christian burial for a dog.

In the midst of this lighthearted romance, the author reminds us of the plight of greyhounds forced into a cruel sport and then abandoned once their racing days are over. Jonathan Russell also intends to donate part of the proceeds from the sale of this book to help greyhound rescue efforts.

Although for the most part, Follow Me, David! was an enjoyable read, I was a little surprised at the ending. Jennifer’s actions didn’t feel quite right, when faced with a very real tragedy, and her loyalties and affections seemed misplaced. But if you believe, as she does, that all dogs do go to heaven, you’ll be satisfied with the outcome of her elaborate scheme.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs, holiday

Snow Valley Heroes

Bergers Book Reviews

heroes
A Christmas Tale (Planet of the Dogs Vol. 3)
Author: Robert J. McCarty
Illustrator: Stella Mustanoja McCarty
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions
Genre: Children / Dogs / Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-9786928-2-7
Pages: 81
Price: $14.95

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The King of the North has decided to put an end to Christmas, so he hatches a plot against Santa and the elves to be sure no one will ever celebrate again. But he doesn’t count on the Planet of the Dogs coming to Santa’s aid.

When word reaches the dogs that Christmas is in jeopardy, they come back to earth to join the two human children they’ve worked with in the past. Executing a daring plot to infiltrate the Ice Castle, they wreak havoc on the King and his men. But will they be successful?

In this third volume of the Planet of the Dogs series, readers are once again treated to the kindness and cooperation these dogs embrace as part of their very nature. Not only do they save Christmas, but they also teach the King of the North an important lesson he’ll never forget. Written in folk style and illustrated in beautiful pencil drawings, Snow Valley Heroes is a charming and heart-warming Christmas tale.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

dogs

Dogology

Bergers Book Reviews

dogology
Author: Vicki Croke and Sarah Wilson
Publisher: Rodale Books
Genre: Nonfiction
ISBN: 978-1594869204
Pages: 244
Price: $17.95

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Did you ever notice how a dog seems to reflect the personality of its owner? Some folks wonder if such an occurrence could be pure coincidence or perhaps a product of some unconscious element of natural selection. The authors of DOGOLOGY have playfully determined that a person’s choice of dog and subsequent relationship speaks volumes about their own personality.

Vicki Croke and Sarah Wilson, the writers and self-proclaimed Dogologists, have created a “foolproof self-analyzing system” that helps slot a person into a particular Dogology Type. Through this process, a person learns more about their own personality and what makes them tick. With that, they are better able to recognize which dog breed may be best suited as a lifelong companion.

Although the book seems written with a slight bend toward women, both sexes will enjoy learning where they fit into the various personality types. Folks contemplating dog ownership will especially find the book beneficial. Choosing the right pooch may become a lot easier once they know how and why their personality fits with a certain breed. The best lifelong companion could be just around the next page.

Dogology is a worldly, playful, and laid back read. Most readers should find it insightful and reassuring.

Reviewer:  Gene Berger

children, dogs

Baron Thinks Dogs Are People Too!

Bergers Book Reviews

baron
Author: Laurie Dean
Illustrator: Kevin Collier
Publisher: Big Tent Books
Genre: Children / Dogs
ISBN: 978-1-60131-035-4
Pages: 24
Price: $14.00

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Baron lives with his human mom and dad. He loves to be around people, and especially loves squishy hugs. His parents let him play outside with some neighborhood kids, but what he wants most is a best friend. Finally his wish is granted.

Baron and his human companions come to life in Kevin Collier’s vivid illustrations, but this simple story seems to lack something. Dogs are a strong attraction for kids, but I felt Baron’s problem was too easy to solve. It would have been more interesting to me if he had to overcome some kind of obstacle, rather than simply showing up to accomplish his goal.

Romping, playful puppies are fun, and kids can relate to wanting a best friend. Younger children will probably enjoy reading Baron Thinks Dogs Are People Too!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Puppy Stew

Bergers Book Reviews

puppy-stew
Author: Caroline Gregory
Illustrator: Michael Suorsa
Publisher: Sortis Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-097720259-1
Pages: 28
Price: $8.99

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A hungry witch spies a little, lost puppy. Aha! she thinks. What a good stew he’ll make! But first she needs to fatten him up. He’s way too scrawny to eat just yet.

So she feeds him, and cuddles him, and lets him sleep with her on the bed. And soon the years have passed and the puppy has grown fat, but the witch still hasn’t made stew of him. In fact, she doesn’t even want to anymore.

By the end of this story, the wicked witch undergoes a radical change. Illustrator Michael Suorsa vividly demonstrates this through the change in scenery and witch’s appearance, from dark and spooky to bright and cheery.

Puppy Stew shows us that even the wickedest witch can be transformed by the unconditional love of a dog. A fun read for kids and dog lovers!

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Tasha Finds Her Forever Friend

Bergers Book Reviews

bookcover_tasha1
Author: Deborah J. Hall
Publisher: BunnyBud Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0981812199
Pages: 28
Price: $9.50

Author’s website

Tasha is a German Shepherd with a special purpose. As a graduate of the Summit Assistance Dogs school, she has the skills to help those who are physically challenged do some of the things they find difficult.  But she still doesn’t have a special person to live with.

Tasha has learned a lot from her teacher, Baker, a golden retriever. She can open doors, get the telephone, and carry things, as well as pick up things her person has dropped and help her person stand up.  When she meets Cecily, a girl who has difficulty walking due to Cerebral Palsy, it’s love at first sight.

Tasha and her friends love to help people, and now they want to teach others about special dogs like them. BunnyBud Books are designed to show kids how dogs can help people with disabilities.

By using the dogs’ perspectives, these stories come alive in a more personal manner than simple instruction.  The photos are of actual dogs in action, as they demonstrate how they can help people.  Fun to read, informative, and enjoyable, BunnyBud Books are a great resource in sharing the work of these wonderful dogs who do so much good for the people they live with.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, dogs

Hello, My Name Is Baker

Bergers Book Reviews

bakerAuthor: Deborah J. Hall
Publisher: BunnyBud Books
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0981812144
Pages: 32
Price: $11.95

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Baker is a golden retriever with a special purpose. As a graduate of the Summit Assistance Dogs school, he has the skills to help those who are physically challenged do some of the things they find difficult.

Along with some of his friends, Baker shows us the skills that he’s learned. He can open doors, get the telephone, and carry things, as well as pick up things his person has dropped and help his person stand up.

Baker and his friends love to help people, and now they want to teach others about special dogs like them. BunnyBud Books are designed to show kids how dogs can help people with disabilities.

By using the dogs’ perspectives, these stories come alive in a more personal manner than simple instruction.  The photos are of actual dogs in action, as they demonstrate how they can help people.  Fun to read, informative, and enjoyable, BunnyBud Books are a great resource in sharing the work of these wonderful dogs who do so much good for the people they live with.

Reviewer: Alice Berger