Bill Wallace (1) (1947–2012)

I read this aloud to my son. I can't decide whether it's worth keeping. On the one hand, Brad's relationship with his older sister really bothered me--it's pretty snarky tho probably meant to reflect current family dynamics in America. Also, the family members are stiff; and his new friend Nolan is another cardboard character written in to provide a local contact. On the other hand, he does show compassion and appreciation for the wild coyotes nearby, and learns the hard way that keeping a wild animal for a pet is not a good idea.
My son does not have the ability to express judgements, but does like hearing about human-animal interactions, has requested reading more about Scooter, but isn't obsessed when I said the book wasn't available now. This does seem to indicate he didn't identify with Brad either.
As an ecologist, I am really surprised by another reviewer's opinion that animals are better off in captivity. If that reviewer had ever experienced the sense of freedom expressed in this book, they wouldn't have been able to state wild animals are happier living in a cage.… (lisätietoja)

Freddie, a fluffy, white, well-mannered dog had the best life. He had a good home with a good boy who loved him and played with him, took him for walks and Freddie loved his boy right back. But it all disappeared one day when the boy’s father took Freddie for a ride and dumped Freddie out in the country. No rhyme or reason.

While Freddie is looking for food, he comes upon a junk yard being guarded by two dogs, Tiger and Spike. Spike is a watch-dog-in-training, who isn’t really the type. Spike and Freddie form a friendship when Freddie helps Spike escape.

They set off on a hunt for food and a place to sleep. Both had had bad experiences at the hands of humans, but their travels lead them to tow humans that make them wonder if there are humans to be trusted again.

A tale of friendship and caring is a line that runs through the books by Carol and Bill Wallace. A good read for kids and adults.… (lisätietoja)

This was okay. The boys thought it was okay but nothing special and they didn't ask if there was a sequel which is an indication of whether or not a book really drew them in. Their final judgement was "what does that have to do with the dog thinking he was Santa?" The story was all over the place and didn't have a clear focus. The names were too close together and it was difficult to read out loud. And the dog being named Frank was just confusing as it wasn't always easy to remember he was the dog. One thing that annoyed me was that the little girl, Susan, constantly misused words and then someone would correct her. I felt like I was in the middle of a grammar lesson. Oh and this book spills a few beans about Santa without warning which I didn't appreciate as I read it to my boys.… (lisätietoja)