Dog Days of Summer

I am currently reading "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Flies Again" with my boys. Expect a review when I am finished. Also expect to see a review of "Priscilla the Great: the Kiss of Life," by Sybil Nelson, from my 12-year-old son and myself in the next couple weeks. Until then here is a review of a picture book for pet lovers.

"The True Story of Ten Dogs: Stay"

By Michaela Muntean

Photography by K.C. Bailey and Steve Kazmierski

For Ages 4 – 8

            Learn about 10 rescue pups their owner as they put on a circus act that will have you smiling from ear-to-ear. Rated 4 (non-fiction, dogs, circus)

If you could capture the magic of the circus in a picture book you’d end up with "Stay." This fascinating tale tells the story of Luciano Anastasinia, a seventh-generation circus performer, and his loveable canine crew. Anastasinia rescues his pups from the pound and decides to learn a thing or two about them before deciding how to put an act together. He discovers that Penny is a cross-eyed bichon fries and Bowser is a kleptomaniacal beagle mix. Not a trainer, Anastasinia shows remarkable patience with his animal buddies and develops a true understanding of how to work with them. If you find something you like to do, work is fun. And that is how they put together a successful circus act.

The vivid photographs that illustrate "Stay" tell a wonderful story of understanding and love. When combined with playful text a fantasy trip to the big top develops with a tale about overcoming obstacles and second chances that even young readers can understand and enjoy.