“Snow Valley Heroes—A Christmas Tale” (Planet of the Dogs Series) by Robert J. McCarty

If you are looking for a children’s story with adventure about dogs that actually has an interesting plot, Snow Valley Heroes—A Christmas Tale (Planet of the Dogs Volume 3) by Robert J. McCarty is it! This is sort of a silly story but one that gets the message across that dogs a wonderful creatures. The king of the North who lived in the Ice Castle decided to end Christmas by stealing a couple of Santa’s reindeer and ambushed the traders delivering supplies to Santa’s Workshop. At this time all dogs lived on a separate planet but heard of this and after holding a meeting, were anxious to come to earth and help save Christmas. Only children and elves can communicate with the dogs. (I told you it was silly.) I loved the ending, but will not give it away and spoil it for you.

I thought the map in front of the book was very helpful which showed the places that were referred to in the story such as Santa Claus Village, Snow Lake Trail, Royal Forest, Snow Town, Tundra Town, Tundra Trail and Snow Hills. I also liked the names of the places on the dog planet: Terrier Town, Waggy Valley, Muttville, Retriever Meadows and Spaniel Corners. There are also other illustrations throughout the book.

I enjoyed reading this book because I love dogs and had no idea how they would help save Christmas. I particularly loved the part when the dogs were running through the Ice Castle with the guards trying to catch them.

The Planet of Dogs Series was inspired by stories the author made up for his children and grandchildren. The first two in the series are Planet of the Dogs and Castle in the Mist. To read a sample chapter, order a book or for more information visit www.planetofthedogs.net and the blog at http://barkingplanet.typepad.com.



We received a complimentary copy from Barking Planet Productions to review this book and will include it in an upcoming giveaway among others to show appreciation to our followers.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Let's Take The Long Way Home" by Gail Caldwell

Let's Take The Long Way Home is a wonderful true story of friendship.  One of the best books I ever read was Pack of Two by Caroline Knapp.  Let's Take The Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell tells of her friendship with Caroline and their dogs.  The friendship these two women had was truly special.  We should all be so blessed to have these kinds of friends.  I really enjoyed this book very much!!  It is like a love story--call it "Pack of Four."  This is a powerful and emotional read.  I am glad I read it.  Thanks for telling the story, Ms. Caldwell and rest in peace, Carolyn.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

Teaser Tuesday: The Choice & The Man Behind The Nose & Snow Valley Heroes

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought I would play for fun! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teaser. 

Karen's:

By the time she got back to work, the only thing Gabby knew for certain was that as forgiving as he'd been, she'd never live down what she'd done, and since there wasn't a rock large enough for her to crawl under, it was in her best interest to find a way to avoid him for awhile. Not forever, of course. Something reasonable. Like the next fifty years.

From p. 50 of The Choice by Nicholas Sparks.

The Dog Council had sent a message to all the dogs to come to a meeting in Waggy Valley.  The Council wanted them dogs to know of a dangerous problem people were facing on planet earth, and why the dos were, once again, being asked to help.

From p. 7 of Snow Valley Heroes--A Christmas Tale (Planet of the Dogs Vol. 3) by Robert J. McCarty.

Gerard's:

So I was running in twenty different directions and didn't know what to do with my life.  It was a weird feeling.  I wasn't putting myself through all this in pursuit of money but in pursuit of an insatiable desire to try more, do more, achieve more--to live more.

From p. 85 of The Man Behind The Nose by Larry "Bozo" Harmon

Meet Us On Monday--Oct. 4, 2010 (Bloggers Over 40)

We thought you might like to get to know us better so we will do this meme now and then hosted by Never Growing Old.  Here's the questions for this week. Sometimes we'll post it on this blog, and sometimes on our other blogs. Go over there to meed more bloggers over 40 or to join it!

Questions:
1.  What is the best dish you can make?     
The best I ever made is ice cream cake. 

2.  How often do you change your sheets?
         About once every two months.  I know we should do it once a week, but it just doesn't happen that often.

3.  What is the longest car trip you have ever taken?
         King's Island in Cincinnati. (4 hour drive)

4.  What is your favorite fruit?
         Karen's:  grapes        Gerard's:  apples and bananas

5.  Would you rather have breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?
         Breakfast for dinner.  We both like cereal and breakfast food.  I could eat it anytime.

This was fun.  I included some links to posts we've done about these things if you would like to read more about it.  I hope you will visit our other blogs as well!

We Give Books--Read For The Record!

You can read kids books online and help organizations donate a book to a child in need at www.wegivebooks.org.   You get to choose the charity you read for.  On October 7, "Read For The Group" is trying to set a record for the most people reading the same book on the same day.  The book designated is The Snowy Day by Ezra Keats.  The book can be read for free at www.wegivebooks.org.  For every copy rad, the Jumpstart organization and We Give Books will donate a book to a child in need!

I just found out about this great site in PEOPLE magazine today.  Please help me spread the word!