Bobbie the Wonder Dog

March 28, 2016
Brown (Charlie and the Blanket Toss) teams up with newcomer Porter to recount the story of a dog's 2,800-mile journey to reunite with its "people" in 1923. Frank and Elizabeth Brazier initially purchased Bobbie, a collie, as a farm dog; despite injuries suffered from run-ins with a horse and a tractor, Bobbie remained devoted to the family, even after they moved into the restaurant business, walking into town from the farm on his own: "Days later, Bobbie ambled into their restaurant, as if to say, âHey, didn't you forget somebody?' " After the Braziers drive from Oregon to their old Indiana hometown, Bobbie gets lost, chased off by wild dogs. Porter's detailed and dramatically lit paintings trace Bobbie's difficult solo trip back to Oregon, crossing through snowy forests and rain-soaked fields. An end note reveals additional details about Bobbie's remarkable life (in addition to nationwide fame, Bobbie appeared in a silent film and fathered a litter of 16 male puppies), fleshing out a quietly inspiring story that's just as engrossing now as it was some 90 years ago. Ages 4â8.

February 15, 2016
A farm dog named Bobbie finds his way back home from Indiana to Oregon in this true story from the 1920s. When Bobbie's owners take a driving vacation to visit relatives in Indiana, they take their beloved dog along on the trip. Bobbie is chased by a pack of dogs and becomes lost in an unfamiliar town, and though the owners and friends search for Bobbie, he can't be found. The brokenhearted owners return to Oregon, and six months later, their dirty, injured dog limps back into his hometown. This long-for-the-format story is both interesting and informative, with a good deal of well-researched period details and skillful inclusion of both emotions and drama in the unfolding story. Finely detailed, soft-focus illustrations with a period feel capture Bobbie's personality and his difficult journey through a variety of perspectives. Thoughtful art direction shows the owners and Bobbie moving from left to right as they head east, but Bobbie then moves from right to left in the illustrations showing his return trip to the west. A helpful map and an extensive author's note are pleasing additions, including a photograph of the real Bobbie and his owner. This touching tale has a wide audience, from preschoolers to young readers who like true animal stories to older, reluctant readers who need a strong story with an emotional hook. Dog lovers of any age will find Bobbie and his amazing journey irresistible. (Informational picture book. 4-10)

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May 1, 2016

Gr 1-3-During a family trip to Indiana in August 1923, Bobbie, the Brazier family's beloved pet dog, went missing. After an exhaustive search, his heartbroken family returned to Oregon without Bobbie, never imagining seeing him again. However, exactly six months later, Bobbie was spotted back in his hometown by one of his family members-skinny, dirty, and exhausted but elated to be reunited. Incredibly, Bobbie had trekked the nearly 3,000 miles back home to his family. Readers follow Bobbie's story from the time he was a puppy, learning about his disappearance at the age of two and his extraordinary six-month journey back home to his family. The large, colorful illustrations enrich the text, with the characters dressed in 1920s style. Back matter includes more details of Bobbie's short life and the events upon his return, as well as a photograph of the real Bobbie with his owner. VERDICT A heartwarming tale that will appeal to dog lovers and those who love true stories. It would make for a fine read-aloud and good independent reading.-Megan Kilgallen, Packer Collegiate Institute, Brooklyn, NY

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