Sterling, Best Dog Ever Book Review

Sterling, Best Dog Ever by Aidan Cassie follows the adventures of one very confused Dachshund.  Sterling hasn't had very good luck in finding a forever home.  His owners seem to always lose interest, sending him back to the streets.

One night, Sterling notices a sign at the Butlery Cutlery Company.  Their utensils are being shipped to "all the best homes."  He decides to hide in one of the boxes where he waits to be delivered to his perfect home. 

The Gilberts are surprised to see the pup inside their box of forks.  Yet, Sterling has a plan.  He won't just be any fork; he's going to be the best fork ever!  But when his plan starts to unravel, will he find the courage to be what the family really needs?

I absolutely adore this book!  This is definitely one of my favorite picture books of all time.  Sterling's character is beyond adorable.  He reminds me of my own dachshund, Hope.  Young and old alike will relate to his struggle of feeling like he needs to be something other than himself.

This story is full of emotion and heart.  I loved watching Sterling's silly antics, yet my heart broke when he kept trying to be what he thought everyone wanted.  I definitely shed tears at the end.

The character of the little girl reminds me of myself.  I noticed that her bedroom wall is covered in dog posters and drawings.  She also has numerous stuffed dogs tucked away under her night stand.  I can totally relate to her passion for pooches (especially dachshunds). 

I also love that this story sheds light on the importance of animal adoption.  As the proud pet parent to five rescue dogs, I know that many of them have a story similar to Sterling's.  They were loved for a time, yet dumped when the owners became "bored" with them.  This book would be a great addition to the humane education curriculum at animal shelters and rescue groups across the country.

Cassie's illustrations are truly stunning.  Sterling's expressions are priceless.  I was in love with his character the moment I saw the book cover.  I also love the spotlight illustrations at the beginning of the book that show Sterling trying to imitate numerous items.  My favorite was the curling iron (my husband favored the jackhammer).

This book is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  Readers will cheer Sterling on in his quest to find his true purpose.  I hope to see more books featuring the best dog ever. 

Treat Book Review

Mary Sullivan is back with more fun stories about dogs in her second book: Treat. The reader is introduced to an adorable Frenchie who longs for a treat. First, he tries scamming cereal from his youngest caretaker. Then he begs for hot dogs from the older sister. Grandma and Grandpa prove to be no help in the treat giving department either.

Even the baby is unwilling to help the poor pooch out. Will this friendly Frenchie ever get the treat that he longs for?

I am a huge fan of Mary Sullivan's work! I absolutely adored this book. To me, it read more like a comic book or graphic novel. I think this will definitely hold a young reader's attention.

Her cast of canine characters remind me of my own pack of rescued dogs. The facial expressions she uses are simply hilarious. From the perk of the ears to the wag of the tail, I was laughing at Frenchie through out the story.

This is a wonderful book for readers of all ages. Children will delight in the bright and fun illustrations and will root for the pudgy pooch on his quest for the illusive treat.

Riley Carson and the Cherokee Caves Book Review

Riley Carson and her best friend, Finn, love going on adventures.  Finn is an avid ghost hunter and Riley has a passion for animals.  Together, they make the ultimate mystery solving duo.

In Riley Carson and the Cherokee Caves by Megan Wargula, Riley and Finn discover a number of deceased dogs that seem to have been abused.  With the death of her dog, Sammy, still fresh on her mind, Riley will do whatever it takes to end the canine cruelty.

The pair believe that there may be some connection to the crimes with the mystical Cherokee Caves.  Legend has it that the Cherokee hid their gold among the complex system of caves when they were forced off of their land.  Locating the caves proves to be much more challenging than expected.

Riley soon discovers that she has a somewhat magical gift that may provide clues to this epic mystery.  Will Finn and Riley ever find the mysterious caves?  Will the dogs of Roswell ever be safe again?

I was hooked on this story from page one!  Wargula's writing style truly captures the tension and suspense that Riley and Finn face throughout the book.  When I reached the end of each chapter, I kept wanting to read more.

Being an avid animal advocate and proud fur parent to five rescue dogs, I love that Wargula's book highlights the cruelty of puppy mills.  Many people do not realize where the cute puppies in the pet stores come from.  Their parents are often treated horribly.  One of my own dogs was rescued from a puppy mill.  She was kept in a cage for most of her young life and her leg muscles did not properly develop.  While she is able to walk, she can't jump.

This is a wonderful story for readers ages 8-12.  The book would also make a wonderful gift for those that work in animal rescue or have a passion for pets.