Title: The Adventures of Big Dog: Troubles and Triumph
Author: Grandpa Donald R. Draayer, Ed.D.
Illustrations by: Alan Tollefson
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
ISBN: 9781648039263
Pages: 84
Genre: Children’s Books
Reviewed by: David Allen
Hollywood Book Reviews
One of the wonderful things about this book is that it can be read aloud or read by children of reading age (seven years and older.) The book is complemented by a series of charming fun illustrations.
Big Dog: Troubles and Triumph is the story of a smart lovable and very frisky golden retriever named Big Dog. Dirk and Dawn persuade their parents to allow Big Dog to stay over for two whole days while his owner is out of town. And what a two days it is, with Big Dog exploring and chewing and generally upsetting everything in sight. Keeping him in the basement doesn’t help either. He somehow manages to chew through an electrical cord, giving himself a real jolt in the process, and upsets a box full of tools, cutting his paw and bleeding all over the bedsheets afterwards.
So, Mom and Dad begin to have their doubts – which only increase their initial concern about the dog’s ruinous poops and “doodles.” But this canine has his saving graces – big time. When a neighbor’s little boy is about to walk into traffic, Big Dog is on point, and saves the little boy’s life. Mom and Dad and especially Dirk and Dawn are proud of their temporary pet. Dirk and Dawn really love Big Dog and would like to have a dog of their own.
This prompts a family meeting, where the pros-and-cons of caring for a big dog are openly aired. This gives the kids a chance to express themselves in a very grown-up kind of way. They realize that a larger pet like Big Dog probably needs a larger house if not a farm to live on in order to live in comfort and cleanliness. This family meeting is a ‘win-win’ since Mom and Dad seem to suggest that a dog – a smaller one – is definitely a possibility.
This charming book is a terrific introduction to the ‘troubles and triumphs’ of pet ownership for kids and parents contemplating the same. For confirmed dog lovers, this book will be a welcome vindication of their affection. Another virtue of the book is its temperate introduction of ‘bigger’ vocabulary words and ‘grown-up’ concepts, like sharing chores and making sure pets are adopted into suitable environments. Big Dog is the kind of mascot and friend who would be welcome in most every home. The Adventures of Big Dog: Troubles and Triumph is a lovely children’s book, a welcome addition to any child’s bookshelf.