This is the second book in the Planet of the Dogs series and I must say I enjoyed it, cover to cover. This work can be read as a sequel to Planet of the Dogs, an ideal situation, but can also be read as a stand-alone with no loss to the flow of the story. This read is suitable for children of approximately eight years and up as a reader, or can well be read to children much younger. Adults will love this one also; I know I did, but then I have my fare share of kid still in me.
In the first book, we find that the world has forgotten how to love, how to be loyal, and indeed, how to be happy, several traits which dogs excel in. On the other side of the sun there is a planet inhabited by dogs. These dogs, through dreams, noted our situation and took steps to intervene and give us a sorely needed hand in getting back on track. In this work, after a year of complete peace and where mankind seems to be getting their act together, trouble starts brewing and war is about to break out amongst the Forrest People. Children are kidnapped, there is an attempt to “do away with” the new animals on earth, i.e. dogs, and things are going from bad to worse. Again, the dogs of Planet of the Dogs decide to take steps and make things right. These are wise and loving animals on the Planet of the Dogs, much like our own dogs here on earth.
As before, we have a very well written fantasy written for the young which includes a lot of good practical information and lots of goof food for thought. The time or era in which this takes place on earth is a bit difficult to pinpoint, but I would say it is during medieval times as life is still pretty primitive here on earth. This gives the author much flexibility and he uses it with great skill. A good fantasy needs enough realism to make it real, yet still have enough mimzy and whimsy in it to make it fun. The author excels in this.
The art work by Stella Mustanoja McCarty is of the same high quality that we found in the first book in this series (and we find in the sequel to this book also), and is a delight to the eye. These are a series of black and white drawing, probably enhanced by the use of charcoal, which fit the text perfectly. When you bring a skilled artist and writer together that know children and know their dogs, then you know you are in for a treat.
This book, like the others, is ideal for group reads. The paragraphs are short and concise and the story moves along quite well. There is plenty of action and as I said, plenty of food for thought buried here and there in the book. The books are soft back (the entire series, so far) and well constructed.
I might add that these books will be well received by any lover of animals and will be a welcome addition to any home, school or public library. I might also suggest that these would be ideal books for the home school folks as the author’s style is a bit different and I am absolutely certain that the success of any reading program for children must include as many different styles as possible.
Don Blankenship
The Ozarks
- Accelerated Reading level : unknown
- Perfect Paperback: 112 pages
- Publisher: Barking Planet Productions
- ISBN-10: 0978692810
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1 comment :
We are very fortunate to have such thoughtful and positive reviews for our books -- especially from an educator, a dog lover, and a children's book authority...many thanks
Robert and Stella
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