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Finding Home: My Arf-O-Biography: A Grandmother/Granddaughter Review + Giveaway!

carolbaldwin
Congratulations to Clara Gillow Clark for winning Hanukkah Hamster from last week’s blog. Clara is a fellow writer and blogger with whom I often trade books!
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In this post, I’m introducing a new format for some of my book reviews. I’m known to five of my six grandchildren as the grandma who loves books. (The sixth is only 3 months old. Give him time.) When I read this book I knew it would be a perfect read for my seven-year-old granddaughter, Libbie, who not only loves dogs, but has wanted to be a veterinarian since she could say the word. She agreed to read the book and give you her thoughts. So here you go, friends–a book review brought to you by Libbie and me!

This sweet early chapter book is perfect for the 1-2nd grade reader who is starting to read on her own. This is Bridgett Langson‘s debut book and her love for all things four-legged and fuzzy comes through loud and clear.  


Like Christie Miller’s book, Raccoon Rescue, FINDING HOME is written for young readers from the point-of-view of the animal character, involves a rescue, and is self-published.


“Puppy” as his new family calls him until they decide on his name, wants one thing: a boy of his own. He and his “Sis” were abandoned by their parents (Marf and Darf) in an attempt to protect them from a mean man they called Bad Boots. Puppy is thrilled when his boy, Eric, wants to keep him. But Puppy’s problems aren’t over. He arfs too much and doesn’t always go potty in the right place. Even though he does his best to look cute and adorable,


Illustration by Edwina L. May

Eric’s father dislikes his yapping and is not convinced he wants to add another dog to the household. 


Puppy’s “dialogue” with Moka, the big scary dog who belongs to Eric’s brother John, as well as his own thoughts are interspersed throughout the story. During a visit to Sis she tries to convince him to stay with her. He says,


I love visiting you, but I need to go back to my own home. Darf was right. It’s the way of dogs to live with their own humans. (p.88)

At another time Puppy thinks,

Guess what, you boy named John? Dogs do know human talk! Even puppies like me, I arf. (p. 55)



Puppy has a keen sense of smell, and can smell when a person is scared. This sense of smell saves the day when Puppy finds Eric’s father lost work notebook. 


This is the last illustration in the book. I’ll give you one guess how the book ends!

Illustration by Edwina L. May

LIBBIE’S THOUGHTS



AUTOGRAPHED GIVEAWAY

Please leave me a comment by December 6 and I’ll enter your name in the giveaway. Bridgett will be happy to provide an autographed copy for one fortunate winner. This will make a great holiday present for a young reader. Don’t forget to leave me your email address if you are new to my blog.

Published by carolbaldwin

Carol enjoys teaching writing and has presented at many educators' and writing conferences. She has published widely in newspapers and magazines and along with Rebecca Wheeler, co-publishes Talking Story, a newsletter for educators and media specialists. When she isn’t reading, writing, or blogging, you’ll find her walking with friends, golfing, or gardening.

24 thoughts on “Finding Home: My Arf-O-Biography: A Grandmother/Granddaughter Review + Giveaway!”

  2. I always enjoy reading your thoughts but Libbie's review is the perfect touch! I loved learning aboiut Finding Home and I appreciate the chance to win it.Conniecps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  6. I love the grandmother-granddaughter duo review! Libbie’s illustrations were a delightful bonus, too. It’s great to hear what young readers think of the books they’re reading. Brilliant, Carol!

    Reply

  7. An adorable review by Libbie and a dog book giveaway in time for Christmas. How can you beat that? Please enter me in this one. Thanks! Merry Christmas, Carol!

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  9. Dear Carol and Libbie,Thank you for your review of “Finding Home.” So clever. It's fun to see a habit going from generation to generation!Sincerely,Joan

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  11. Dear Carol,I know for a fact that you do pass along your love for books and for the Lord to your grandchildren and to everyone that you meet!Never Give UpJoan

    Reply

  14. I always enjoy reading your thoughts but Libbie's review is the perfect touch! I loved learning aboiut Finding Home and I appreciate the chance to win it.Conniecps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  18. I love the grandmother-granddaughter duo review! Libbie’s illustrations were a delightful bonus, too. It’s great to hear what young readers think of the books they’re reading. Brilliant, Carol!

    Reply

  19. An adorable review by Libbie and a dog book giveaway in time for Christmas. How can you beat that? Please enter me in this one. Thanks! Merry Christmas, Carol!

    Reply

  21. Dear Carol and Libbie,Thank you for your review of “Finding Home.” So clever. It's fun to see a habit going from generation to generation!Sincerely,Joan

    Reply

  23. Dear Carol,I know for a fact that you do pass along your love for books and for the Lord to your grandchildren and to everyone that you meet!Never Give UpJoan

    Reply

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