Hobbs, Valerie. Wolf.

Hobbs, Valerie.  Wolf.  Macmillan/Farrar Strauss      2014  117p  $15.99  ISBN 978-0-374-31575-7  elem/ms  Animals  E-BN      

“Jack, the border collie, has finally found a home and a purpose on a farm.”  He doesn’t want to disappoint Luke, but can an old dog learn new tricks and save the farm from a marauding wolf?  Jack and Luke are a pair. Both of them have finally found a home in which they feel secure.  Luke is in charge of managing the sheep for Olaf and Katrin.  Jack is in charge of training the upcoming crop of border collies. (Jackie, a two-year-old female, proves to be a discipline challenge.)  The family attends the local sheep herding trials in which Jack had excelled in the past only to lose the title this year.

Strange deaths take some of the sheep.  Jack discovers the culprit is a rabid wolf.  In a memorable story Jack, Luke, and others work together to eliminate the threat to the sheep in the neighboring farms.

Readers will immediately connect with Jack and his concern about being able to do his job on the farm.  They will also learn that farms survive because neighbors help neighbors, as everyone works together for a successful conclusion.           

Summary: “Jack, the border collie, has finally found a home and a purpose on a farm.”  He doesn’t want to disappoint Luke, but can an old dog learn new tricks and save the farm from a marauding wolf? 

Dog stories, Adventure-Fiction                                    --Linda McNeil

Blackcrane, Gerelchimeg. Black Flame.

Blackcrane, Gerelchimeg.  Black Flame.    Douglas McIntyre/Groundwood   2013  238p ISBN 978-1-55498-135-9     ms/hs      Hardback    E-BN  Dog stories

Kelsang is a Tibetan mastiff born on the northern grasslands.  He soon finds himself sold and on the streets of Lhasa fighting for his life.  He experiences some cruel masters, but one, Han Ma, inspires his love and loyalty.  After many adventures, Kelsang is reunited with Han Ma, who takes him to the rural school where he teaches.  There, Kelsang protects the young children as he walks them to and from school each day.  He is finally back to his herding role, but with a different kind of charge.  In a sudden blizzard, all of Kelsang’s skill and love is tested.

The writing is reminiscent of Kjelgard, with its deep understanding of animal instinct and behavior.  The novel is riveting, and the reader comes to care deeply for Kelsang.

Younger readers may struggle with the place names, but this is not a stumbling block to enjoying the novel. 

This title was originally published in China, where it won the National Children’s Book Award.  This is an excellent English translation.  It is an excellent choice for middle-school and hig-school readers.  

Summary: Reminiscent of books by Kjelgard, this title follows the ups and downs in the life of a young Tibetan mastiff born on the great plains.  He survives bad masters and learns to give his heart to the good. 

Dog stories, Adventure                                            --Joan Theal