Over the past couple of weeks, I shared reviews of From Wild to Mild and The Dog at the Gate. Both are upper elementary / middle grade children's books 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 have been very taken with this series! I have also had the opportunity to read and review Hurricane Dog from the series and I am honored to share my review of this novel today. Read my thoughts, learn about the novel, the Pups and Purrs series, and author Sunny Weber and 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: 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
About the Book
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?
My Review
Gator's Story Looks Through a Dog's Eyes into a Real World. As readers follow Gator's journey--the author presents a lot of real-world reality and discussion points even as Gator grows and lives through happy times with a loving family. Readers learn a lot about Gavin's life and the facts of the world at play around Gator's family and environment. Like the other books in this series, the author doesn't sugarcoat the problems of the world--and readers should expect an emotional journey to the end of the story.
Hurricane Dog is the perfect book club or family read. Like the other books of the series, the author writes this novel for children--but adults and older siblings will find a lot to love in this book too. This novel addresses a host of social issues and plights beyond those only affecting the treatment of the leading dog(s) of the story. I think it is the perfect book club book--and is a must-read for families--if read AS a family. The author creates a strong story with characters readers will love (and hate). Allowing Gator to share the story lets the story unfold without human rationalizations and "grey areas." Gator shares a complicated world with readers and gives a book club, family, or class a lot to discuss as the story flows.
Would I recommend Hurricane Dog by Sunny Weber? Hurricane Dog is another very emotional story from the author's series. Expect to think and worry--and cry as you read Gator's story. I would certainly recommend this novel to families or tween/teen/family book clubs seeking a story with strong messages presented in a unique voice. The author creates very realistic fiction--and does address animal abuse, death, and abandonment. While middle-grade readers will be drawn to the story--I would recommend reading it as a family and discussing the story's messages.
Check out 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
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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. We also received a copy of this ebook for use in our review. All thoughts are our own.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. We also received a copy of this ebook for use in our review. All thoughts are our own.
About the Book
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?
My Review
Gator's Story Looks Through a Dog's Eyes into a Real World. As readers follow Gator's journey--the author presents a lot of real-world reality and discussion points even as Gator grows and lives through happy times with a loving family. Readers learn a lot about Gavin's life and the facts of the world at play around Gator's family and environment. Like the other books in this series, the author doesn't sugarcoat the problems of the world--and readers should expect an emotional journey to the end of the story.
Hurricane Dog is the perfect book club or family read. Like the other books of the series, the author writes this novel for children--but adults and older siblings will find a lot to love in this book too. This novel addresses a host of social issues and plights beyond those only affecting the treatment of the leading dog(s) of the story. I think it is the perfect book club book--and is a must-read for families--if read AS a family. The author creates a strong story with characters readers will love (and hate). Allowing Gator to share the story lets the story unfold without human rationalizations and "grey areas." Gator shares a complicated world with readers and gives a book club, family, or class a lot to discuss as the story flows.
Would I recommend Hurricane Dog by Sunny Weber? Hurricane Dog is another very emotional story from the author's series. Expect to think and worry--and cry as you read Gator's story. I would certainly recommend this novel to families or tween/teen/family book clubs seeking a story with strong messages presented in a unique voice. The author creates very realistic fiction--and does address animal abuse, death, and abandonment. While middle-grade readers will be drawn to the story--I would recommend reading it as a family and discussing the story's messages.
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
About the Book
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.
Read my Review
Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 246 pages
Genre: animals/pets
Publisher: Pups & Purrs Press
Release date: Oct 6, 2017
Content Rating: G
About the Book
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.
Read my Review
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?
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
Follow the Book Tour
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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
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
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What a thought and discussion provoking story. Perfect for teaching children empathy for our four-legged friends. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you once again for a thoughtful review. I appreciate your support! Sunny
ReplyDelete