Exclusive Book Cover Reveal!

Today, The Furever Home Friends is revealing the cover for their new book, Just Me, Wrigley! See the cover below!

Wrigley loves to dance. She can shake her tail all over the animal shelter. But for some people, Wrigley’s rhythm isn’t enough. Wrigley is a mutt; she doesn’t know what breed she is. While others come to the shelter looking for schnauzers, labs, and Dalmatians, Wrigley wonders when it will be her turn. Can Wrigley find the confidence to stay true to herself and dance her way into a forever home?

Like with all Furever Home Friends books, 10% of this book’s profits will benefit no-kill animal shelters!

Just Me, Wrigley is currently available for preorder on fureverhomefriends.com, and will officially release on Amazon on Saturday, August 11!

What do you think of the cover? Let me know in the comments below!

Niblet & Ralph Book Review

Niblet & Ralph by Zachariah OHora follows the escapades of two mischievous cats.  The clever Calicos have figured out that they live in the same apartment building.  While they spend most of their days talking to each other on the phone, they soon decide to meet face to face.

Ralph uses a clothesline to make his way into Niblet's apartment.  Meanwhile, Niblet pounces on the perfect opportunity to race across the hall to see his friend.  Both cats decide to wait until the other returns.

When their owners, Gemma and Dilla, arrive home from school, they are shocked.  Ralph doesn't want his hello hug.  Niblet wants nothing to do with his favorite toy.  Clearly, the cats are fakes!  So why don't their parents believe that a catnapping has taken place?  Will Ralph and Niblet ever be able to go home?  

I greatly enjoyed reading this story.  The plot reminds me of a mixture of The Parent Trap meets The Prince and the Pauper.  OHora's characters are hilarious.  I love how their personalities shine through in their love of music and cheesy triangles.  This brought images of my own cats to mind.  They are definitely different from one another.

The illustrations and funky and fun.  OHora uses acrylic paint on Stonehenge printmaking paper to really make the images pop.  His use of a bold color palette draws in the reader's attention and is a true feast for the eyes.

I love the detail that OHora has put into the characters of Ralph and Niblet.  Their faces are mirrored opposites that can fool even the sharpest of readers.  This adds a very Where's Waldo element to the story.

This is a fun read for children ages 3-5. 

The Detective Dog Book Review

The Detective Dog by Julia Donaldson follows one super sleuth canine on a mission to solve a most puzzling mystery.  Detective Dog Nell loves solving crimes.  But that's just what she does Tuesday through Sunday.

On Mondays, she goes to school with her six-year-old boy, Peter.  The children read all sorts of wonderful stories to the popular pooch.  Nell's favorite books are the ones about dogs.

One Monday, Nell's sensitive sniffer detects a problem.  Racing inside, she and Peter discover that all of the books have been stolen.  Will the dynamic duo be able to find the clues and recover the stolen property?

I greatly enjoyed reading this book.  I love the idea of a mystery solving canine that uses its nose to snuff out crime.  Donaldson's characters are smart and lovable.  Nell's larger than life personality definitely tickles my funny bone.  I wasn't expecting for the text to be in rhyme, but it adds a fun musicality to the mystery.

I also love that Donaldson includes children reading to Nell as part of the story.  As a certified therapy dog handler, this is a program that is close to my heart.  I hope that more schools will open their doors to therapy dog teams as the benefits of children reading to dogs is truly monumental.

Sara Ogilvie's illustrations are amazing.  Her style appears to be ink with watercolor.  Each image pops off of the page and will certainly delight young and old readers alike.  I love how expressive she made Nell's ears.  My favorite illustration is the vignette of a boy reading a book about knights to Nell.

This is a fun, furry mystery read for children ages 3-6.  I can't wait to read about Nell's next adventure!

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog Book Review

Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp tells the tale of one girl's journey to become a better reader.  Madeline hates to read.  Book, magazines, menus on ice cream trucks.  She wants no part of the reading scene.

Ms. Finn has a secret.  She has trouble reading.  Words become a jumbled mess on the page.  Her mouth traps sentences like flies in a frog's tongue.  She stutters and stumbles doing her very best.  Still, her classmates laugh at her.

All Madeline wants is the coveted gold star from her teacher.  But the Keep Trying hearts are piling up fast.  One Saturday, her mom takes her to the worst place ever:  the library.  Mrs. Dimple, the librarian, has a trick up her sleeve that might just change the way Madeline reads forever.

I love this book!  The story is full of compassion and heart.  While I never struggled with reading, one of the elementary students I mentored while in high school did.  He tried so hard to get the words right, but his lisp and speech impediment made it difficult.  I wish Bonnie could have visited him.

Being the owner of a certified therapy dog, this story definitely has a special place in my heart.  While we have not yet tried the reading program, I know how much children love dogs and open up to them with free hearts and minds.  My dog and I visited a kids' club that had an Autistic little boy.  The club workers were shocked when he ran over to my dog and not only touched her but spoke to me.  They then informed me that that was the first time they had ever heard the boy speak.

The story shows just how amazing dogs truly are.  They make no judgments and place no blame.  Dogs only love unconditionally and hope to have their affections returned.  They are the perfect companion and reading buddy.

Papp's illustrations are gorgeous.  They remind me of the original artwork from the A.A. Milne Winnie-the-Pooh books.  I especially love the colorful cast of canine characters.  I also like how the illustration styles are different on every page.  Some are single page spreads, others are doubles, some feature vignettes, and more.  This really captured my attention and made me pause to enjoy each one.

This is a fabulous story for (especially struggling) readers ages  4-8.  I could definitely see this book also being used in therapy dog programs throughout the country.

Old Hat Book Review

Old Hat by Emily Gravett follows one pioneering pooch as he seeks to find the ultimate hat.  Harbet loves wearing the hat that his Nana knitted for him.  It's cozy, colorful, and keeps his ears warm.  But the fact is, it's an old hat.

Harbet noticed a group of trend-setting animals wearing fruit hats.  He quickly donned the new topper, but soon discovered that hat was now old too!  Trying to stay ahead in the world of fashion is hard work!

He bought Top Hat Magazine to research the trends.  He camped outside of the hat shop so he could have first pick of the caps.  His hat selections were still seen as old and out-dated.  Will Harbet ever find a way out of the hat havoc? 

I absolutely adore this book!  Gravett's story is full of humor and heart.  Young and old alike will relate to Harbet's struggle of keeping up appearances in a fashion-frenzied world.

Gravett's illustrations are gorgeous.  The characters she has created are truly memorable.  Harbet couldn't be any more adorable.  He actually reminds me of my Chiweenie, Penny, who has a severe overbite.

I love how much detail is contained on every page.  From the tiniest trim on a hat, to the actual articles in the Top Hat Magazine, Gravett shows a mastery of the drawing craft.

This is a wonderful book for readers of all ages.  The ending really packs a positive punch and serves as a great reminder to adults as well.

I Love Cats! Book Review

I Love Cats! by Sue Stainton introduces the reader to a young girl who really loves cats.  She walks around town happily describing all of the different kinds of cats that she loves.  Some of the cats seem strange, but she doesn't mind a bit.

Hilarity ensues as the reader is taken on a journey through the girl's city meeting a menagerie of cats.  From dancing and cooking, to reading and juggling, these cats know where it's at.  The girl becomes sad when she has to leave her new friends behind and head home.  She soon discovers that her parents can be just a sneaky as an alley cat.

I really enjoyed this story.  Being a fellow cat lover, I quickly identified with the little girl and her desire to take all of the cats home.  Stainton's characters are full of happiness and heart that will make even the youngest of readers smile.

Bob Staake's illustrations are amazing.  His characters are larger than life and really pop on every page.  I also love his use of a bright and bold color palette.  Children will be captivated by the creative cats appearing throughout the story.  I also appreciate the nod to one of America's most beloved Beagles.  

I love that the story also sheds light on the adoption option.  Being the proud pet parent of three rescue cats, I love sharing their adoption stories whenever I met new fellow animal lovers.  This is also a great way to let other interested adopters know about local rescue groups and animal shelters in their area.   I could also see this book being used as part of the humane education curriculum in animal shelters throughout the country.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 4-8.  The book would also make a great gift for the cat lover in your life. 

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. 

Cat Writers' Association Conference 2018

Ding!  My iPhone announced the arrival of a new e-mail.  Unlocking the phone, I read "CONGRATULATIONS!" in the subject line.  My heart pounded as I read the message.  "You have won a ticket to the Cat Writers' Association annual conference."

A million thoughts began to swirl around in my mind.  I actually won?  I'm going to Houston, Texas?  How much vacation time does my husband have left?  What type of clothes should I pack?

With just a week before the conference, my house bustled with activity.  From booking the hotel, to packing, to going over the eight page care guide for our fur babies with my parents, there was so much to do.  Being an active member of the Dog Writers Association of America, I could hardly wait to see what the CWA had in store.

We made the 12 hour drive from Illinois to Texas in record time.  The hotel had its own restaurant and we decided to give it a try.  While we waited for our food, a friendly female hotel guest walked over and complimented me on my cat shirt.  I soon found out that she was also attending the CWA.  We immediately began talking about our blogs and cats.  These are definitely my people!

We made it to Houston...with no problems!

The schedule for the conference was packed full of great sessions.

The CWA members were so welcoming.  I felt like I was chatting with friends I had known all my life.  We shared photos of our fur babies and talked about our blogs, books, and passion for all things cat.

The first session was entitled Research:  First, Last, and Always.  The panelist did a wonderful job explaining why research is crucial to all types of writing.  They even offered some special tips and tricks along with wonderful resources to help make research a breeze.

Panel experts Amy Shojai, Patricia Fry, Arden Moore, and Lea-Ann Germinder.

Cozy mystery author Mollie Hunt took to the stage for her session entitled:  Changing the World Through Fiction:  7 (plus 1) Techniques to Effectively Promote Your Point of View.  She delved deep into the world of fiction writing while stressing the importance of maintaining values as an author.  I loved how passionately she spoke about introducing one's cause into his/her writing.

Author Mollie Hunt spoke about adding values in fiction.

The CWA Conference keynote was delivered by none other than America's Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker.  His presentation focused on the Fear Free brand that he created to help pets (and their humans) take the stress out of going to see the vet.  Dr. Becker offered up great strategies for attendees wishing to build their own brand.

America's Veterinarian, Dr. Marty Becker!

Marketing guru Lynn Thompson shared her knowledge of branding in Brand Yourself!  Presenting a Unified Image Online.  Following a quick break, author/blogger Amy Shojai took to the stage for her presentation:  The Hybrid Author:  Publishing Print, Ebooks, & Audio.  Amy gave great advice as well as links to websites and services that she uses to publish her books.

Amy Shojai breaks down the world of publishing.

The final presentation on Friday was one of my favorites.  Photographer Rick Reichenbach shared his secrets to taking awesome cat photos in:  Cat Photography Made Simple.  I was blown away at how simple taking photos of my cats can really be.  Reichenbach did a fabulous job of keeping the photographer jargon to a minimum.

As a special treat, CWA attendees were invited to El Gato Cat Cafe.  Having been to Mauhaus Cat Cafe in St. Louis, Missouri, I was eager to attend.

El Gato Cat Cafe in Houston, Texas.

This cafe is amazing!  The staff was beyond friendly and the cats were simply adorable.  I love the layout and design of the cat rooms.  They are definitely catified.  Jackson Galaxy would be proud.

Check out these adorable photos of the gatos!

This dedication wall is amazing!

I fell in love with this gorgeous muted calico.

Toothless dominates the cat bridge.

Saturday's sessions were equally amazing.  Editor Janiss Garza gave an amazing presentation about adventure cats.  She even had her gorgeous cat, Summer, with her.  Summer even performed tricks to the smitten crowd.

Summer dazzled the crowd with her tricks.

The final session was presented by Lea-Ann Germinder, President and Founder of Germinder + Associates.  She gave a very informative presentation about storytelling methods that work for brands both on and offline.  

CWA attendees were also allowed to attend the CFA Cat Show taking place on the main floor of the hotel.  This was my very first cat show and I absolutely loved it!  All of the owners were more than happy to gush about their cats.

Meet Aharon!  Can you believe that this showstopper was left outside by his previous owners?

This pretty kitty has only one coat of fur!

A judge inspects a kitty contestant.

I had a fabulous time at my first CWA conference and cat show.  I'm in the process of completing my CWA application and hope that I will be able to join this group of amazing cat writers soon.  To learn more about the organization, please visit:  http://catwriters.com/wp_meow/

Thank you, CWA!

Snow Dog's Journey Book Review

Snow Dog's Journey by Loretta Krupinski follows the winter time adventures of siblings Anna and Olen.  The pair love to play in the snow.  Anna decides to build a snow dog instead of a snow man.

The children fall in love with their snowy creation.  They even provide a scarf and hat to keep him warm.  Later that night, the Frost King, bringer of all snow, flew overhead.  Spying the cool canine, he stopped and decided to make the pooch his companion.

Snow Dog can't believe that he has come to life!  The Frost King happily scoops him up and flies back to his icy palace.  Snow Dog cares greatly for the King, but deeply misses Anna and Olen.  He must now make the ultimate decision:  live forever with the King or risk melting away to be with the children he loves.

I thought this was a fantastic read.  The story is a mixture of Frosty the Snowman meets Pinocchio.  Krupinski has created in-depth characters that are full of heart.  The idea of a Frost King bringing the winter snow is truly magical.  Children will love the sense of fantasy that this story evokes.

Krupinski's illustrations are stunning.  Most of the scenes take place at night.  She does a magnificent job of balancing the dark background with cool blue tones to create winter pictures that will make readers want to snuggle up with a blanket a mug of cocoa.

This is a wonderful book for animal lovers of all ages.

Widget & The Puppy Book Review

Widget is back in an all new adventure in Widget & The Puppy by Lyn Rossiter McFarland.  While  relaxing with Mrs. Diggs and the girls, a puppy wanders in through the cat door.  Mrs. Diggs puts Widget in charge of watching the puppy while she attempts to locate the owner.

Reluctantly, Widget takes on his new role.  The puppy starts getting into everything!  From eating the girls' food to drooling on everyone's beds, this pup proves to be a challenge. 

Widget is run ragged by this mystery guest.  He accidentally falls asleep and loses track of the puppy.  Will he be able to find the precocious pup before Mrs. Diggs returns?

I really liked this story.  Widget's character is lovable as well as funny.  McFarland does a wonderful job of describing the actions of a puppy.  I felt tired right along with Widget.

Jim McFarland's illustrations are vibrant and fun.  Children will delight in his depictions of animals at play, especially the puppy!  The expressions on the cats' faces are hilarious.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 3-6.  I think that this book would also be a great gift for those who are considering adopting a puppy.

Sofa Dog Book Review

Sofa Dog by Leonie Lord follows one dog on his epic quest to reclaim his sofa.  Sofa Dog loves spending time on his sofa with his human Sophie.  They are soon interrupted by the neighbor's cats who also want to share the sofa. 

Sofa Dog makes room for the two cats and Sophie.  Then the doorbell rings and Sophie's three aunts have come to stay.  The sofa is getting more and more crowded.  Will there still be enough room for Sofa Dog?

I love this book!  I fell in love with Sofa Dog the moment I saw the cover.  Being the owner of five rescued dogs, I can totally relate to Sofa Dog's situation.  This usually happens with my lap.  Each dog believes that my lap is his/her property.  Somehow, my lap always seems to have room for one more.

Lord's illustrations are whimsical and fun.  I love the intricate detail of the flea.  Children will love the colorful cast of characters that seek the comfort of the sofa.  They will also cheer Sofa Dog on as he attempts to regain his favorite spot.

This is a great read for children ages 4-8.

Ball Book Review

In Mary Sullivan's debut book, Ball, the reader is introduced to a portly pooch who loves his red ball.  Even more than his ball, he loves playing fetch with his little girl.  She happily throws the toy as she gets ready for school.

When she heads out to the bus, the poor pup seeks out other friends to play with.  Mom is too busy getting zen.  The baby is terrified of the large, red orb.  And the cat wants no part of that!  Will the playful canine ever find a ball-loving companion?

I love this book!  I am a huge Mary Sullivan fan.  I love how her stories read more like comic books and graphic novels.  The fast-paced story had me eagerly turning the pages.

Sullivan's illustrations are adorable and heartbreaking at the same time.  My eyes welled with tears at seeing the dog's sadness without his favorite playmate.  Children will fall in love with the energetic canine and cheer him on in his quest.

This is a wonderful read for children ages preschool and up.  I think this book would also make a fantastic gift for the animal lover in your life.

My Dog Spot Book Review

My Dog Spot by Jack and Norma Levin introduces the reader to a young boy's dog named Spot.  He has a black ring around his left eye along with large pointy ears and a very long tail.  Spot is definitely unique.

This caring canine wears his heart on his fur.  He uses his tail to show his emotions.  Spot also loves to talk and talk....  There's so much to love about Spot!

I thought this was a fun read.  The descriptions of Spot are easily attainable for young children.  The story definitely brought back childhood memories of my first dog, Spots.  A beautiful Border Collie, he was my best friend for numerous years before losing his battle with lymphoma.

I also love Jack Levin's gorgeous illustrations.  They are large and often take up the entire page.  I find that this works very well with the minimal text.  I really like the illustrations where Spot's body spreads across both pages.  The medium used reminds me of crayon drawings that I used to do as a child.  I think that children will be drawn to the simply, yet striking images.

This is a wonderful read for children ages 4-8. 

Tiny and the Big Dig Book Review

Tiny and the Big Dig by Sherri Duskey Rinker follows one small pup on his quest for a bone.  Tiny knows that a BIG bone is hiding beneath the dirt.  All he has to do to claim his prize is dig.

While digging, Tiny attracts a crowd.  A bluebird, cat, and fellow dog all agree that Tiny will never be able to uncover the bone.  He is just too small to do something so big.  Will Tiny be able to prove them wrong?

I love this book!  The story is told in rhyme and flows beautifully throughout.  My favorite lines involve Tiny's mantras about how strong he is.  Children and adults alike will be able to relate to Tiny in his quest to overcome the preconceived notions of others.

Being the owner of several differently-abled animals, I know exactly what Tiny is going through.  Our dog, Hope, was born without eyes and is completely deaf.  Everyone thinks that she needs extra help, however, she continues to do amazing things without any assistance from us.  Dogs are very adaptive and determined.  Nothing gets in their way!

Matt Myers' illustrations are big, bold and fun.  The watercolor and ink combination really pops off of the page.  Tiny is adorable and will steal the hearts of everyone he meets.  Myers makes fantastic use of white space to enhance his amazing artwork.  The double page spread illustration is one of my favorites. 

This is a wonderful read for children ages  3-5.

Can I Be Your Dog? Book Review

Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings follows a stray dog, Arfy, on his search for a forever home.  Arfy is tired of living in the soggy cardboard box in the dark alleyway.  He dreams of a cozy house with a loving human.

Arfy begins sending letters to the residents of Butternut Street.  He just knows that someone will want him as their pet.  But when the rejection letters start piling up, Arfy begins to feel that he will always be a stray.  Could his fears be true?

This is one of my new favorite children's books!  I love that the story is epistolary (told through letters).  The reader really gets inside Arfy's mind and knows his true emotions.  The letters are also hilarious!

Being the owner of five rescued dogs and three cats, this story definitely tugged on my heartstrings.  I'm not going to lie, I was in tears by the end of the book.  This story will absolutely resonate with animal rescuers and lovers alike.

This story goes way beyond the typical "adopt a pet" theme.  Children get a glimpse at how stray dogs live.  Through the rejection letters, they will also learn how many stray/street dogs are treated.  This book is a wonderful teaching tool in lessons about kindness towards animals and humans alike.

Cummings' illustrations are big, bold, and adorable.  Arfy stole my heart!  Arfy's facial expressions made me laugh and cry.  I also love how each rejection letter is distinctly unique and remains true to the mystery characters behind them.

I love Arfy's letter to the reader on the last page!  Included are tips on how to help homeless animals.  With nods to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Humane Society, this book truly has it all.

This is a fantastic read for animal lovers of all ages.  I could definitely see this book used in humane education curriculum in shelters and rescue organizations across the country.

I Got a New Friend Book Review

I Got a New Friend by Karl Newsom Edwards tells the tale of a little girl who has just been given a puppy.  At first, the puppy is shy and scared.  The pint-sized pooch is afraid of her new surroundings.

The little girl is not about to give up on her new friend.  Being patient, she allows the dog time to get to know her.  Will the girl's persistence pay off?  Can the pouting pup learn to trust humans?

This is a fantastic book for children who have just adopted a pet.  The story presents helpful tips on how a child can help care for the new addition.  I love that even though the little girl is telling the story, she appears to be speaking from the dog's point of view.  She knows exactly what the pup needs in order to feel safe and loved.

Edwards' illustrations are adorable.  Children will fall in love with the puppy from page one.  I really like Edwards' use of white space, especially for background imaging.  The main characters truly shine and take center stage.  The use of a limited color palate is refreshing and keeps the story flowing at a great pace.

I would highly recommend this book to parents of young children who are considering adopting a pet.  I would love to see this book incorporated in animal shelter and rescue groups across the country.  The story would tie-in wonderfully with any humane education program.

Smile, Chewie! Book Review

Smile, Chewie! is the second installment in the Furever Home Friends series written by Savy Leiser.  Chewie is having a difficult time adjusting to life in the shelter.  He had gotten used to living as a stray.  Except when he was injured after begging for food from the wrong human.

Now Chewie bares the scars from that horrible night.  He shies away from potential adopters.  Chewie knows that no one will want to adopt a pit bull.  Will he ever be able to find a forever home?

I really enjoyed this book.  Being the owner of five rescue dogs and three cats, this story really tugs at my heartstrings.  I love how Leiser tackles the controversial issue of pit bulls and the stigma that surrounds them.  I think that children will have a better understanding of the breed after reading Chewie's story.

Christy Schneyman's illustrations are adorable and heartwarming.  The images have a hand-drawn feel and her use of light and pastel colors is truly stunning.

This is a wonderful story for dog lovers of all ages and would make a great gift for those working in animal rescue.

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.