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Book Reviews

 

Hero Cat

By Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by Jo Ellen McAlister Stammen
(Marshall Cavendish Children)

After finally finding a safe place to have her kittens, this caring mother cat lovingly looks after and protects her litter. But after her first trip away to find food, she returns to sirens and a fire truck outside of the abandoned warehouse she has been calling home. In a flash, she runs in multiple times, risking her own life, to drag all five kittens to safety. Based on a true story, this inspiring book is full of warm fuzzies.

6-year-old Josh says, “This cat was very brave. She loved her kittens so much she had to save them. One time we saw a lost kitten, but the fireman didn’t come.”

Dinah!

A Cat Adventure

Story and pictures
by Kae Nishimura
(Clarion Books)

Poor Dinah accidentally falls out of the window, and ends up on quite an adventure. All she wants to do is find her way home, but she meets some people on the way who don’t know who she is and can’t help her. She gets mistaken for a raccoon, a sheep, and even a watermelon. This sweet story reminds us how much it means to be part of a family, for two- or four-leggeds alike.

4-year-old Olivia says, “I love this book. I just love it. it’s so funny when they think dinah is a watermelon. then she goes home.

My Senator & Me:

A Dog’s-Eye View of Washington, D.C.

Ahh…if politics were really this easy and fun. Splash, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy’s dog, allows us to spy on a typical day at work. He explains a bit about the buildings he visits, the meetings he attends, and offers some insight into what his guardian deals with, too. It’s an interesting way for a young reader to get a glimpse into how our government works. And in case you can’t recall the “Schoolhouse Rock” song of the ’70s, there is a brief description of how a bill becomes a law.

10-year-old Abigail says: “This book was interesting. I’d like to be the first woman president when I grow up, and now that I know I can bring my dog to work, I’m even more excited!”

Living with Kids and Dogs...without Losing Your Mind:

A Parent’s Guide to Controlling the Chaos

For anyone struggling with the idea of adding a child into a pet-only household, or vice versa, this book is a must-have. The author calls this “A Parent’s Guide to Controlling the Chaos” and that is exactly what it does. From choosing a dog to teaching your kids about saying goodbye to a pet, and everything in between, this book has some concrete tools and tips that will help make everyone’s life easier. Plus, this smart author knows that with so much going on in your home, you may not have time to read the whole book, so she includes “Words for the Weary” that summarize each chapter and hit the highlights.

Mom says: “This book gave me two to three great ideas I could implement immediately to begin positively impacting our environment.”

Dog Heroes of September 11th

By Nona Kilgore Bauer
(Kennel Club Books)

In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, canine search and rescue dogs and their handlers rushed to the site of the World Trade Centers to seek out survivors. This 5th anniversary commemorative edition tells the story of 78 canine heroes and their human companions as they save lives and touch hearts in the name of their country. Sales of the book will benefit the National Search Dog Foundation and help train the next generation of heroes. —JAH