From Wild to Mild Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

Today, I am excited to share my review of From Wild to Mild--a children's book by Sunny Weber.  With a house full of animal lovers--and a house full of a random assortment of pets at any given time--we thought this would be a must read!  Read my thoughts, learn about the novel, the Pups and Purrs series, and author Sunny Weber--and check back over the next few weeks as we review other books from the series as well!  Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.!
 

 

Book Title:  From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 196 pages

Genre:  animals/pets

Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press

Release date:   August 23, 2019

Content Rating: G

About the Book

Eight-week-old Australian Shepherd Kaya is kidnapped by a nasty coyote to be food for his mate and puppies. Instead, the loving mother raises Kaya with her own pups. But as hard as she tries, Kaya can’t completely fit in—she can’t kill prey or stay awake for night hunts. Why can’t she make herself a true coyote? Constantly criticized by her coyote father, Kaya finds support in her new mother and siblings. She also figures out how to contribute through teamwork with her brother and sister. Trapped by a dog rescue, Kaya re-enters the human world and learns the differences between how dogs and coyotes live. When freed to roam again, does she return to her forest freedom—or remain with her farm family? Can Kaya forever straddle between the Wild and the Mild?

My Review

Weber creates the perfect story for animal loving families.  While elementary school aged children could certainly read and enjoy this book by reading alone--I think it is the perfect book for families to share as a family read or as a family book club.  There are so many human-child life lessons and real-world discussion starters presented as Kaya the dog learns and grows and navigates her world.  I love books that present educational opportunities in unique ways.  This novel draws animal lovers in for a complete story of fiction as presented through a dog's point of view--but, allows families a lot of opportunities to discuss parallels between Kaya's story and the world surrounding children today too.  

From Wild to Mild has a wide audience appeal.  While written toward children--parents, grandparents and older siblings will find a lot to love in this book too.  From understanding life in the wild--and differences between even seemingly similar animals--to understanding acceptance and realizing that everyone (and everything) sometimes struggles to fit in and adapt to challenges--this book presents a lot of relatable entertainment for children while offer more grown up points to ponder for young adults and adults.

Would I recommend From Wild to Mild by Sunny Weber?  I love Kaya's character--and found things to love in both her wild and her mild worlds.  I highly recommend this book to dog lovers and those seeking a book to share as a family for some "extra" life skill, educating moments.  I love Weber's writing style and her ability to share such a story from a dog's "voice"--and I look forward to sharing more books from her series in the coming weeks!

Buy the Book
  Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

Other Reviews

"Sunny Weber takes readers on a remarkable journey between two worlds as we follow the puppy, Kaya, struggle to live and grow with a family of coyotes, and then experience returning to her role as a dog living with people. In addition to exciting adventures, challenges, and drama experienced by Kaya, we also learn about the differences between the animals, and their very different relationships to people. As a biologist that works with coyotes and dogs, I appreciate the creative way Sunny distinguishes the two animals in such an engaging story. Highly recommended for young readers interested in dogs, coyotes, and the world through their eyes."

Stanley D. Gehrt

Professor of Wildlife Ecology

Extension Wildlife Specialist

School of Environment and Natural Resources

Ohio State University

"What a beautiful, heartwarming book!  Sunny incorporates the stories of abused and neglected farmed animals to bring attention to their plight. Sunny does a wonderful job of telling the story of Kaya, a caring and compassionate dog who is forced to confront her values and make difficult decisions to follow her heart or to fit in. Kaya teaches us to have empathy for all animals, regardless of their species."

Chrissy Dinardo
Development Director
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary
Erie, CO

Other Books from the Series

Book Title:  Hurricane Dog: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 221 pages

Genre:  animals/pets

Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press

Release date:   Aug 8, 2019

Content Rating: G 

Pit bull mix Gator and puppy mill survivor Magnolia are abandoned during a Louisiana hurricane. They suffer dehydration and starvation after rescuers take their people to safety but leave the pets behind.

Saved from their flooded house, Gator and Magnolia recover but remain homeless. Nobody wants a pit bull. Gator’s resentment festers into intense hatred for Gavin, the boy who left them to die. He vows to never trust again.

Transported to Colorado with other refugee pets, Gator and Magnolia face the uncertainty of a new life. Eventually they are fostered by a kind woman who seems mysteriously familiar. Both dogs relax in their new lives until upheaval again throws them into chaos.

Overwhelmed by trauma, Gator and Magnolia cling to one another through change after change. Will they be separated? Will Gator forgive the Great Betrayal and love again?

What will happen to pets and their people in the next natural disaster? Can Gavin change the rules of rescue? Will Gavin and Gator reunite?

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

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Book Title:  The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 246 pages

Genre:  animals/pets

Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press

Release date:   Oct 6, 2017

Content Rating: G

“The Dog at the Gate will help teach children to be kind to animals and learn that they have feelings.”
- Temple Grandin, PhD - CO State University, Professor of Animal Science
--Author of Bright Not Broken: Gifted Kids, ADHD, and Autism

“This touching narrative, with its colorful characters and humane messaging. . .conveys a resonant message of empathy for mistreated and abandoned animals.”
- Kirkus Reviews

“Weber’s writing is clear and poignant, and includes an engaging plot and compelling narrative.”
- Blue Ink Review

“Author Sunny Weber writes with a clean, uncomplicated style. Every chapter has a charming illustration. . . an addictive and emotional adventure. . . I highly recommend it. . .”
- Caitlin Lyle Farley, Five Star Review for Readers' Favorite / Barnes & Noble Bookstores

Book Description:

Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance?
Or will his new family abandon him again?

Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. He faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and menacing raccoons. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter.

Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions - Miles, a benevolent fellow Australian Shepherd, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress.

Fans of classics like Black Beauty, Thomasina, and Beautiful Joe, which feature redemptive bonds between animals and people, will find The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special offers a touching tale of love and triumph.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com
Add to Goodreads

 

Meet the Author

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

Book Tour Schedule:

Nov 11 – ROCKIN' Book Reviews – book review From Wild to Mild / guest post / giveaway
Nov 12 –  My Journey Back – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 13 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 13 - Blooming with Books – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 14 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 15 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review From Wild to Mild
Nov 15 - Rosepoint Publishing – book review From Wild to Mild
Nov 15 – Jypsylynn – book review The Dog at the Gate
Nov 18 – My Journey Back – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 18 - ROCKIN' Book Reviews – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 19 – FUONLYKNEW – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 19 - Blooming with Books – book review From Wild to Mild / guest post / giveaway
Nov 20 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – book review Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 20 - ROCKIN' Book Reviews – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 21 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 21 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review Hurricane Dog
Nov 21 - Books for Books – book review The Dog at the Gate
Nov 22 – Jypsylynn – book review of Hurricane Dog
Nov 22 - FUONLYKNEW – book review of Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 25 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review of Hurricane Dog / giveaway
Nov 25 - Blooming with Books – book review The Dog at the Gate / giveaway
Nov 26 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 26 - Books for Books – book review Hurricane Dog
Nov 27 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – book review From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 27 - Svetlana's reads and views – book review The Dog at the Gate
Nov 28 – My Journey Back – book review From Wild to Mild / giveaway
Nov 29 - Jypsylynn – book review of From Wild to Mild
Dec 2 - Books for Books – book review From Wild to Mild
Dec 2 - Mystery Suspense Reviews – book review of From Wild to Mild

Enter the Giveaway:


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