Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! And WOW…it’s been a busy week for me. As some of you know, I’m putting my house on the market…going through years of accumulation of this, that, and TONS OF PICTURE BOOKS! I called several local critique buddies and they’ve come to the rescue…helping me sort through stuff…and leaving with this, that, and definitely some picture books!
But my copy of ODIN: DOG HERO OF THE FIRES is going nowhere…except into a box with my other treasured picture books that I am taking with me. It only came out a few days ago, but take it from me – this one is going to win lots of awards. And if you leave a comment at the end, you will be entered into the giveaway of a copy of this wonderful book…thanks to author Emma Bland Smith who is one of my fellow Storm sisters!
ODIN: DOG HERO OF THE FIRES
Written by Emma Bland Smith
Illustrated by Carrie Salazar
Published by West Margin Press (June 30, 2020)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Courage, dogs, natural disasters
Synopsis: From Amazon:
The incredible true story of one dog’s heroic feats during the 2017 Tubbs Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in California history.
One October night in 2017, when wildfire raged in Sonoma and Napa counties, the Hendel family was suddenly evacuated from their homes and farms to escape to safety and forced to leave behind their Pyrenees dog, Odin. Odin refused to leave his nightly post of guarding the family’s eight young goats, despite the family’s desperate attempts to lead him away. Brokenhearted, the Hendels were sure they would never see their dog again.
But when the fire calmed and the family returned home, to their shock they found Odin singed yet safe, along with all the goats and several orphaned deer the dog had protected as well. Odin, Dog Hero of the Fires is a touching and inspirational true tale that honors the bravery and strength of Odin as well as commemorates the stories of those affected by the Tubbs Fire.
Why I love this book:
- Fabulous text that puts us right in the mind of this young dog
- Perfect pacing – kids will not be able to put the book down until they finish it
- Wonderful illustrations that pair perfectly with the story
- And what a great mentor text if you are looking to write a story from the POV of an animal…Emma does an amazing job!!!
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Photo courtesy: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com
There are many different craft activities at that website.
And although you maybe not have many full toilet paper rolls, perhaps you have some empty ones? Here’s the perfect use for them:
For detailed instructions: https://www.easypeasyandfun.com/toilet-paper-roll-dogs/
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend…and a Safe and Happy 4th of July.
Please remember that authors and illustrators need us more than ever before…if you love a story, please:
- Buy the book if you can
- Review the book if you can.
- Tell friends about the book.
- Ask your local library to purchase the book for their collection.
And don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway…share on social media for more tickets in the giveaway hat!
Quick happy note…Making Their Voices Heard: The Inspiring Friendship of Ella Fitzgerald and Marilyn Monroe made the 2020 Summer Reading List of A Mighty Girl: https://www.amightygirl.com/summer-reading
what a wonderful cover and perfect picture book subject. Love to win!
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Thank you, Barbara!
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I can’t wait to read Odin! It sounds like an amazing book! I know my students are going to love it!
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Thank you, Cory! I hope they like it!
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Books about animal heroes are my favorite. I missed the event by the publisher. I’m not tech-savvy and by the time I found the email in my inbox with the link, it was too late to attend. Sigh! But I did check out YouTube and loved the book. Congrats! I live in Italy and if you have a .pdf of your book I would be glad to leave a review on Goodreads.
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Thank you so much for watching, Eleanor! Im glad the Youtube video worked. Yes, I do have a PDF. If you want to email me at emmasmithsf[at]yahoo.com, I’ll send it to you!
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Just looking at the cover sold me on this book. I read the description with a tear in my eye. That fire was so damaging that it’s wonderful to have a happy ending. Thank you for writing this book, Emma and for featuring this book, Vivian. Best wishes in your downsizing.
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Thank you, Jane–what a sweet comment!
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I can’t wait to read about Odin! A true hero with paws. ❤️ Congratulations, Emma! Good luck with your move, Vivian!
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Thank you, Judy! I can see from your profile pic that you’re a fellow dog lover!
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Looking forward to reading this book! I love a good dog story, especially one that is true.
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Congratulations, Emma! I can’t wait to read this. It looks amazing!
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Thank you, Beth!
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Aaaaaahhhhhhhh! This book looks like it was written just for me (I mean, er, my kids, sure, my kids). Looks beautiful and moving and I can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you so much, Rhett!
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I love happy endings and this has it in spades! And Odin reminds me of our dearly departed Komondor, Anna. This book would surely grace any bookcase!
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Thank you, Mary! I had not heard of Komonodors, but looked them up, and of course I recognize them–beautiful! Definitely seem to have something in common with Great Pyrenees, as guardian dogs.
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Sounds like a great hero story – Can’t wait to read it!
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Thank you, Doreen!
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Wow I just love dog stories. I can hardly wait to read this. Thanks so much!
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Thank you, Deb! I love a good dog story, too!
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I can’t wait to read ODIN, DOG HERO OF THE FIRES. I AM going to judge this book by its cover – gorgeous cover and compelling story.
Thank you for the recommendation, Vivian!
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Thank you so much for the kind comment, Kathy!
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I cannot resist a good dog story! Congratulations Emma and good luck with your move, Vivian! Thanks for the great post.
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Thank you so much! Yes, I love a good dog story, too!
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This book sounds amazing! Congrats, Emma, and congratulations to you too, Vivian, on making the Mighty Girl list. Fantastic! Good luck with the move.
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Thank you, Arlene!
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Vivian, I love those activities. We should “tag-team” more reviews. Twice the coverage & twice the activities. I love Emma’s POV and and obvious admiration of Odin.
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Thanks, Maria! 🙂
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Beautiful cover! It’s always fascinating to read about the partnership between people and animals. Love your activity! Looking forward to seeing this book.
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Thank you, Beth! And I agree that Vivian’s craft looks adorable!
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We humans sure can learn a thing or two from our four legged friends.
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Thank you, Elizabeth! I agree–animals are amazing.
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I enjoy reading books about animals, especially dogs who love unconditionally. I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/622637931116576768/perfect-picture-book-friday-odin-dog-hero-of
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Thank you, Danielle–and wow, thanks for sharing on your Tumblr!!
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What a truly amazing dog! What a truly amazing nonfiction picture book dog story with a happy ending! I’d love to win a copy. Thank you, Emma Bland Smith, for the truly wonderful giveaway opportunity!
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Thank you, Lynn!!
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Animal heroes and animal rescue stories always squeeze my heart. I’m looking forward to enjoying reading this book. Also, the art projects you included look so sweet and fun to create!
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Thank you, Leslie!
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Book looks great!
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Thank you, Zachary!
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Sounds like an amazing book❤️
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Thank you, Emmie!
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Everyone loves a dog story, and this one sounds great! I can see why Vivian wants to keep it.
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Thank you so much!
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Hi Vivian. This book is the kind of reading I enjoy (and I’m not a kid anymore), and a book every library should have.
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Thank you so much for that kind comment, Lynn!
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Hi Vivian, I would love to read Odin’s story. I know moving is a lot of work, but hopefully, it will be worth it! xo
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Thanks so much!
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Wow! I would love to win this book. What a gorgeous cover. Sounds like a real heartwarming story. All the best with your packing and so on for your move. Wish I was closer so I could help (and have a nosey in your pile of picture books 😉 ) Hugs.
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Thanks so much for the kind comment, Diane!
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This book looks wonderful
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What a heartwarming story – any dog story is a must in our house but this one sounds extra special! The cover looks amazing, what a gorgeous and heroic dog Odin is. We have to try and make those toilet roll dogs as well – my little one would love them! Thank you for the review and opportunity to win Vivian, and hope your house move went well!
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Looks like a lovely story
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