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