Monday 25 February 2013

Who Let the Dogs Out…

If you’re a dog lover like me you probably can’t get enough of books or movies with dogs as one of the central characters. Scooby Doo was a mainstay on Saturday mornings for me. And when I was a girl, I used to take out armfuls of books from my elementary school’s library about dogs. Books like, Lad a Dog, Big Red, The Incredible Journey, and of course the biggest dog star of all: Lassie. A box of tissue would always be by my side when I watched a movie about dogs. There was a guarantee, an unwritten code that movie producers made sure you would cry. Don’t believe me? Watch Marley and Me, and prove me wrong. I dare you. No. I double dog dare you!

In my book, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, a smelly deerhound named Tuck—Friar Tuck’s namesake—makes a few cameo appearances. So I thought I gather together a group of fine young adult authors who have made it a point to have dogs in their books. Let the barking commence:
Walking the Dog
Linda Benson: Walking the Dog
Jared feels like he's the only one who looks past Sophie's scars to see her for who she is. But can he be a true friend when she desperately needs one?
Jared is smitten when his teacher seats the new girl, Sophie, right next to him. Even with the scar running up the side of her face, Jared thinks she’s the most beautiful girl in the entire fifth grade. But why did she transfer here so late in the year? Rumors say something bad happened to her.

Jared and Sophie become friends while walking the guidance counselor’s new puppy, but when his parents object to this arrangement, Jared fabricates a series of elaborate lies to meet Sophie on the sly. But little brothers can be pests. First Petey lets the orange cat loose at the animal shelter where Jared and Sophie have been secretly walking the dogs. Then Petey turns up missing.
And Sophie's past finally catches up with her.

Michaela's Gift

Cordelia Dinsmore: Michaela’s Gift
Twelve-year-old Michaela Cochran still believes in enchanted mountains and fairytale castles, but her happily-ever-after will never happen if she can’t convince her mother to accept the magical gift Michaela has inherited.

Michaela Cochran and her family make the trip to her father’s ancestral home every year, but this year is special. Michaela is now twelve, the age when every girl in the family receives a special gift. When Aunt Sharon explains that Michaela’s gift is a magical ability to bring one of her drawings to life, Michaela begins making plans. What she wants most is a castle high on the mountain, where her family can live together. But if she can’t figure out how to resolve the growing hostility between herself and her mother, her gift is meaningless.
The Legend of Ghost Dog Island
Behind every legend lies the truth.
Moving is nothing new for ten-year-old Nikki Landry. Her fisherman father relocates their raggedy old houseboat several times a year in search of better crabbing spots. However, their latest move has brought her to a mysterious bayou where she feels something is watching her from a nearby island.

Nikki learns of a local legend about something sinister inhabiting those swamps, stealing the souls of dogs…which would explain the strange howling sounds. Papa reassures her there’s nothing on the island but gators and snakes. He would know. He’s spent his whole life trapping and fishing those bayous and swamps. But Nikki and her new friends uncover strange happenings from years ago that may have started the old legend, and town folks aren’t talking. Then her beloved beagle goes missing.
Join Nikki as she seeks to discover the real truth behind the legend of Ghost Dog Island…before it’s too late.

To finish off this post, I thought I’d pull you back in time (a specialty of mine) to enjoy a musical romp with the Baha Men. Enjoy!
 

20 comments:

  1. Nice post, Sharon. Thanks for including my book in your pack of dog books. I couldn't get the video to work though. :-(

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    1. Hey, Rita, I just hit play and it works - a little skippy, but it works. Sorry about that. Thanks for your support! Cheers!

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    2. It must be my computer Sharon. My husband pulled it up on his and it works. He says I need to update my something-or-other...LOL

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  2. Sharon. You are a prize that I don't deserve, but I'm so happy our lives have touched. Thank you so much for including Blackie from Michaela's Gift in your doggie delightful post.

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    1. You're more than welcome, Cordelia! You've touched my life just as much! Thank you for your kind words. Cheers!

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  3. I can relate to your feelings about animals, Sharon, especially dogs. In my third book I introduced a veterinarian and a dog, along with a woman who trains horses. I'm always pulled toward any novel with dogs. Thanks for a great post.
    Patti

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    1. Like you, Patti, I'm a huge animal lover, and I want to showcase our furry (and feathered) friends along with any reads that people may be interested in. Cheers for your support!

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  4. Sharon - thanks so much for featuring WALKING THE DOG in this great post. I grew up reading dog books, too. Love them! From our house to yours, in a word: WOOF!

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  5. Yes, books and films about dogs, our faithful friends, always tug at the heart strings. I remember watching Lassie and balling my eyes out. You've compiled a great list of books. If only I could find the time to read them all.

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    1. I hear ya, Amaleen! So many dog-gone good books, so little time! Ru-oh. Cheers!

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  6. Dogs, gotta love 'em. Yup, I've got a Lab with that same soulful expression they are so good at putting on. I've always read books about dogs, but sometimes the movies are too tear-jerky for me to manage e.g. Old Yeller. I think that having an animal in a book, especially a quirky one, lends much more interest to the storyline. That's my opinion anyway, and I'm sticking to it!

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    1. Lord, Vonnie, donot get me started on Old Yeller! I'm reaching for the tissue as we speak! Three woofs for stopping by!

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  7. Great post!! I love Linda Benson's stuff and have to check out the rest of these!

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    1. Awesome, Arley! For that, you deserve a Scooby Snack! Sit!

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  8. Lassie was the one that always got me all teary. Lovely post Sharon. I am wagging my tail.

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  9. Haha, Rita, you're awesome! A big thanks to Susan for following the pack! Now...where'd I put those Scooby snacks?

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  10. Great read Sharon. I have a cheeky opinionated dog in my upcoming Musa release, Marriage Makeover. I have 3 dogs of my own so I understand your love and dedication.

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    1. Wow, best of (show), kidding I mean luck with your upcoming release, Eva! Dogs are truly one's best friend. Cheers!

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