Blog Archives
THE HUMAN CANINE CONNECTION: Enriching Your Life by Loving Your Dog
The Human Canine Connection is a comprehensive guide that delves deep into the intricacies of building and nurturing the bond between humans and their canine companions. The book combines scientific insights, practical training tips, and heartwarming stories to provide readers with a well-rounded approach to understanding and enhancing the human-canine relationship. From decoding dog behavior and mastering training techniques to addressing common behavioral challenges and celebrating real-life success stories, this book offers a rich, holistic perspective on how to deepen the connection with your dog.
One of the aspects I particularly appreciated about the book is its emphasis on understanding canine emotions. The author does an excellent job of explaining the science behind dog behavior, making it accessible and relatable for readers. This scientific approach, combined with practical advice, such as recognizing stress signals in dogs, makes the book both informative and useful for dog owners seeking to improve their relationship with their pets. The author’s passion for dogs is evident throughout the book, and this enthusiasm is contagious. His anecdotes about his own dogs add a personal touch that makes the content even more relatable.
The book’s structure is another strong point. It is well-organized, with each chapter building on the previous one, leading readers through a logical progression from understanding dog behavior to advanced training techniques and finally to real-life success stories. The inclusion of these stories towards the end of the book is great, as it ties together the concepts discussed earlier and demonstrates how these ideas can be applied in real-life situations. One particularly inspiring story was “The Senior Dog Who Learned New Tricks,” which underscores the message that it’s never too late to strengthen the bond with your dog.
The Human Canine Connection is a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their relationship with their dog. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or a seasoned trainer, this book offers something for everyone. Its blend of scientific knowledge, practical advice, and personal stories makes it both an educational and enjoyable read.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0D8RT9YR2
My Dream Dog
A Dog for the Red Gods provides readers with a glimpse into your life and the special bond you shared with your Labrador Retriever. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I wanted to provide a lasting tribute to the memory of this once-in-a-lifetime dog. He was so amazing and I loved him so much. I wanted to share the incredible journey he and I shared together.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I think the connection between hunter and dog is not often explored. I found it incredible when I realized he and I were thinking the same thoughts and I know others must have experienced this closeness but never put it into perspective. I wanted to tap into those bonds my readers maybe never considered.
What is one of your favorite memories of Breaker, and why do you think your bond was so strong with him?
The hunting adventures were a blast but I’d have to say my favorite times with Breaker were when it was just he and I doing the random things best friends do together-fishing, building a duck blind, sitting together on the steps while I read the newspaper. He was my dream dog. I always wanted a special Labrador and he was beyond what I ever imagined.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
That Breaker was the best dog there ever was!
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
No Dog Food, Please!
Linda Costarella’s No Dog Food, Please! is a charming children’s novel that explores themes of adjustment, family dynamics, and the special bond between animals and humans. The story, seen through the eyes of Jack, a Labrador Retriever, transitions from city life to rural farm living, offering an engaging contrast for young readers.
The opening chapter, “I’ve Been Moved,” skillfully introduces readers to the family dynamics, highlighting the differing attitudes of the stern grandfather and the more understanding grandmother. As the story progresses, the focus shifts to Jack’s day-to-day farm experiences, presenting a thoughtful exploration of his adjustment process and the family’s life, including their market activities and the grandfather’s traditional views on animals. This portion of the book paints a vivid picture of Jack’s world, lending authenticity to the setting.
The narrative then moves to explore Jack’s interactions with the children, offering a delightful contrast to the grandfather’s views and underscoring the generational differences in perceiving pets. These episodes are particularly effective in showcasing the growing bond between Jack and the children, infusing the story with warmth. The novel revisits Jack’s past, giving readers a poignant glimpse into the events that led to his relocation. This backstory enriches the narrative by providing deeper insight into Jack’s character and emotions.
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this book is the depiction of a family birthday party, which serves as a pivotal moment in illustrating the family dynamics and the affectionate relationship between the children and Jack. This festive element adds wonderful depth to the narrative. The novel culminates in a storyline focused on Jack’s distaste for dog food and his connection with Ben, a child who sympathizes with him. This aspect not only adds a touch of relatability for young readers but also underscores themes of understanding and acceptance within the family amidst adult apprehensions.
No Dog Food, Please! is a delightful and heartwarming tale that expertly captures the nuances of change and the sense of belonging. Costarella’s storytelling has a particular resonance with children, reflecting their experiences of adapting to new environments. The book’s accessible narrative and relatable themes make it an appealing choice for young readers, especially those fond of animal stories.
Pages: 333 | ASIN: B0CJR3G4FM
The World of Children’s Literature
Dogs: A Counting & Comparing Book introduces beginning readers to popular dog breeds while teaching them numbers and the skill of making comparisons. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I have always loved dogs, well any animal really! As a child we always had animals around us – dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chickens. My grandfather had a farm – so there were even more animals there. My first picture book was a counting book about Monsters (Monster Counting Book 1 to 20) and it remains a best seller for me – so I thought it would be great to complement this book and create another counting book about my favourite animal – dogs.
How has your experience as a teacher influenced your writing?
My experiences as a teacher have greatly influenced my writing career. Being a teacher enabled me to explore the world of children’s literature and to experience first-hand how children react to stories and what they enjoy most. So when I started writing my own books I wanted to make sure they were educational in some way – but most importantly – that they were fun to read.
The illustrations in your book make me smile. Can you tell us a little about your illustration process?
I am not an illustrator. I wish I was! So I have to rely on finding illustrators that match the vision for my books. I tend to choose illustrators that create funny images. I want the children as well as the adults to get a giggle out of my books.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is a non-fiction book about the smallest animals in the world. It will have information about each featured animal as well as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activity to encourage children to become problem-solvers and creators.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This book is a delightful parade of comical pooches bounding through a world of numbers; crafted to captivate the eager minds of 2 to 5 year-olds. This is where learning feels like play, and every page turn unfurls a new layer of fun.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes leap from the pages, teaching your child to count from one to ten. But it doesn’t stop there—the loveable canines bring comparisons alive: long versus short, young versus old, tall dogs juxtaposed with short ones, happy pups with sad ones, and energetic dogs sprinting past those drowsy and dozing.
Your challenge? Find all the dog breeds listed at the back of the book!
Whether snuggled up for bedtime stories or learning in early years’ classrooms, this book promises to be a treasure trove of giggles and learning. Prepare to watch your little one’s understanding of numbers and comparisons blossom, hand-in-paw with their newfound four-legged friends. So, ready for the pawfect count-along? Let the tails begin!
You Can Find Humor Everywhere
In Queen Molly and the Summer Palace, a German Shepherd and her owner venture northward to enjoy the cooler temperatures and embark on new summer adventures. Where did the idea for this story come from?
I have lived part of the year in PA and part of the year in FL for several years; a reverse snowbird, I guess. Of course, that means two road trips a year with my various dogs. Two years ago, I made the trip with Molly for the first time, and her responses to all the new experiences fascinated me. I thought a book written from her perspective might be kind of fun to write and read.
Is there anything from your own life that you put into Molly’s adventures?
All of Molly’s adventures have a basis in reality. I guess I am more observant than I am creative.
I enjoyed the humor woven throughout your book. How important is it for you to create lighthearted moments in your children’s books?
I have come to the conclusion that my greatest contribution to this world, behind my wonderful daughters, is adding a little humor to it. So many people seem to be taking everything so, so seriously! I believe humor helps put everything in perspective. I have always been able to laugh at myself and, fortunately, have helped my kids adopt that attitude, and they’re happier for it. If I can let other kids know that the world can be a fun place and you can find humor everywhere if you look for it, that’s a good thing.
Can readers look forward to a third book in the Molly series? If so, when will it be available?
Yes, I will be writing one more book in this series. When Molly and I returned from the Winter Palace, Meghan was pregnant. Readers will be able to see that pregnancy through Molly’s eyes. As to timing, I hope for late Spring. I need to scrape up enough money to pay for my Illustrator! I am definitely not in this for the money.
Author Links: Amazon | Twitter
Dogs: A Counting & Comparing Book
Dogs: A Counting and Comparing Book, by Frances Mackay, emerges as a delightful and educational experience for children, cleverly intertwining the joy of canine companions with fundamental counting skills. This book transcends the typical format of a counting book and engages young readers in more than just number recognition by bringing an array of dogs to life on each page. From Dachshunds to Pugs and Shar Peis to Terriers, young readers will find Mackay’s book a delight.
Mackay’s approach is far from a mundane enumeration. Instead, each page overflows with vibrant energy as a variety of dog breeds playfully guide children through numbers. The book’s structure, alternating between counting and comparing the different breeds, maintains reader engagement and adds an educational layer, encouraging observations about the dogs’ diverse characteristics. The art style in this book is both friendly and contemporary, resonating well with modern young readers. It successfully captures the essence of classic children’s literature, reminiscent of authors like P.D. Eastman, yet it stands out with its own unique flair. One particularly memorable moment is the depiction of an “extremely long dog” stretching across an entire page, showcasing the book’s creative and humorous side. The book is accessible and enjoyable for early readers and their families, fostering a fun environment for learning.
Dogs, A Counting & Comparing Book is an excellent choice for young readers who have a fondness for dogs and learning. It skillfully blends entertainment with education, making it a noteworthy addition to children’s literature in the genre of counting and comparison.
Pages: 34 | ISBN: 0646890042
Queen Molly and the Summer Palace
Queen Molly and the Summer Palace, by Gary John, is a charming narrative told through the eyes of a spirited German Shepherd named Queen Molly. Residing in her beloved Winter Palace in Florida, she is doted upon by her human companions, Gary and Megan. The story paints a vivid picture of her daily escapades – from engaging in conversations with neighborhood pets to her enthusiastic squirrel chases, and even taking Gary on walks, which adds a humorous twist to the pet-owner relationship.
As the setting shifts with an unexpected change in weather, Queen Molly embarks on a journey of discovery in a new environment. The story adeptly captures her adventures and new friendships, highlighting her adaptability and zest for life. The inclusion of a special frozen treat adds a delightful touch to her summer escapades. Told predominantly from Molly’s perspective, the book employs a playful tone, especially in how Molly perceives Gary as “her human,” humorously reversing the typical pet-owner dynamic. This perspective is not only engaging but also sparks several laugh-out-loud moments, contributing to the book’s overall charm. Samantha Deir’s illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, adding vibrancy and a sense of warmth that resonates with the story’s joyful essence. The conclusion of the story is satisfying, neatly wrapping up the current adventure while also hinting at future escapades. This leaves readers anticipating more delightful stories about Queen Molly.
Appropriate for a wide range of readers, this book stands out for its storytelling and humor. It is an excellent choice for shared reading experiences, particularly during storytime. Queen Molly and the Summer Palace is a captivating and heartwarming story that promises to be a hit with families and readers who appreciate a light-hearted, animal-centric narrative.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0CPMTMHHX
Words And Labels Can Destroy
“Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart” follows a misunderstood dog and an incarcerated man who cross paths and discover a chance at redemption and the transformative power of connection. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?”
The awareness of several circumstances caused the writing of this book. As I learned of our rescue dog’s history with “Pups on Parole,” it just so happened that one of my dearest friends had also been a doctor in the same prison system for 30 years. When asked what she believed was the percent of prisoners she worked with (thousands) that could not be “reached” or helped, she said 5%. It made me realize the immense number of prisoners who, like Gabbi, felt trapped in a label. At the same time, I became aware of stories of foster children, abused children, one of whom (9 years old) tried to hang herself with her jump rope…who also wondered…why am I back in this situation? Am I “bad?” The collective stories of how words and labels can destroy a life were the setup for the story.
The theme of looking beyond societal labels is strong in the book. Can you share a personal experience that influenced your perspective in this matter?
As a teenager I volunteered to work with Cuban refugee children coming into the United States without their parents. I heard their heartbreaking stories and felt their sadness. At my high school I overheard comments of several students calling them derogatory names. I felt that if people could only “know” an individual and the stories behind each person, they would not be so quick to ridicule, shame, or label them.
Joan Zander Millard’s illustrations are fantastic. How did the collaboration process work between the two of you?
Joan lives in Wisconsin and I in Nevada…but our collaboration was close and personal. From day one, we were a team. We discussed many times how her pictures told the story just as much if not more than my words.They were what the kids would look at and remember. She has an amazing way of feeling the words and creating the picture she felt while reading. We wanted to make sure the “eyes” sent an important message, …given the title of the book. Numerous times she would, on her own, redraw the picture as she felt adjustments would tell the story with more impact. She is an amazing, sensitive artist and I am eternally grateful to have worked with her and hope to continue doing so in the future.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
There are two ideas I am working on. One is a continuation of Gabbi’s story as she finds herself in a “forever” home… how we feel doesnt change overnight – it changes when we finally believe in ourselves. It takes continuous love and reinforcement. The second story is relevant to being in Nevada, where we have hundreds of wild mustangs not having a chance to live their full potential. Learning of the amazing healing power of horse therapy for adults and children alike, my intention is to write about the value of every living being…through the eyes of animals and nature with parallel themes as in Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart. I hope to have them ready by the end of 2024.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
