Hope...Kids need hope.
There are invaders, warriors, evil rulers , and dangers in our Planet Of The Dogs Series. But there is also hope.
However, as our readers become older and enter the booming book world of young adults (YA) there seems to an absense of hope. There is, instead, darkness.
There is controversy and a criticism of themes and content in young adult(YA) literature these days. There is also a lot of big money swirling around.
After the huge success of Harry Potter, Twilight appeared and the big trend was books about the paranormal.
And then came the Hunger Games and dystopia.The Hunger Games trilogy has now sold over 50 million copies; the Hunger Games phenomena has surpassed Harry Potter.
Adults are also reading YA books, and former barriers regarding what is appropriate are in shambles. Reactions have often been passionate. Here is the opening of Rebecca Keegan's review in the LA Times
A Dark Mirror on Our Own World..."Children murder one another in a multitude of gruesome and memorable ways in "The Hunger Games", deployinng spears, arrows, rocks, venomous wasps, mutant wolves and their bare hands in a televised gladiatorial death march.
The juvenile slaughterfest depicted in the film and its source material, Suzanne Collin's trilogy of bestselling young adult novels, may give audiences (particularly parents, pause -- is this what contemporary entertainment has come to...?"
Violence can destroy hope.
We don't really know how much impact our books have on our young readers...but we think it's good that the dogs find non-violent ways to stop war and bring peace to the land.
The dogs bring hope, love and loyalty wherever they go...and kids with dogs have hope.
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LitWorld believes in giving hope to the young everywhere through the power of reading.
They work is many countries and offer many programs.They have a passion for their work.Their mission, in their own words...
"LitWorld's mission is to use the power of story to cultivate literacy skills in the world's most vulnerable children through Education, Advocacy and Innovation.
LitWorld creates resilience building reading and writing experiences which connect and fortify communities."
523 Million Girls and Women worldwide cannot read or write.
"By learning to read and write, all girls in the world can protect themselves against poverty, poor health outcomes and lifelong stuggles..." Stand UP for Girls is Litworld's latest campaign for literacy and to create positive change for Girls and Women. Here is the link: standupforgirls
This is an ongoing program culminating in a celebration day on October 11.
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The Childrens Literary Salon at the New York Public Library is a lively, informative,
and insightful discussion about children's books...They are organized by Librarian Elizabeth Bird...the next one, Acts Of Mischief,on September 15, is on the subject of children's picture books. The principle speaker will be prize winning children's book editor, Patti Lee Gauch...Time is 2PM, Saturday, Sept 11, main branch NYPL, Schwartzman Building, South Court Auditorium...and it's free.
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If you live in or near Schenectady, NY, check out the Animal Protective Foundation's 20th Annual Fireplug Walk...3/4 mile scenic walk of dogs and people and kids...plus contests, raffles, food, Pet Vet, Cupcake Bus, Adoptable Pets, and lots more...Here's the LInk: Fireplug
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Duel Of The Book Geeks
We learned that Ariel Wulff, author of Circling the Waggins and Born Without a Tale will
be in a TWITTER WAR... Baffled, we asked her to explain...this is her reply:
"There's only one thing that authors like better than writing...and that's reading. Bob Tarte, the Bird Nerd-- author of Enslaved by Ducks, Fowl Weather, & Kitty Cornered -- and I have both read dozens of books about subjects of our obsessions. Now, the two of us will duke it out via a Twitter war to see has more expertise under their belts...it's the Duel Of The Book Geeks! Join the live event, September 3, at 7 pm est #BIRDvsDOG."
Meanwhile...You Tube has a funky, funny video where you can actually see and hear the dog lady and the bird man; here is the link: twitterwar
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We learned about Portland's Fences for Fido from our passionate dog advocate friend and author Deb Eades. Deb was our introduction to the Dog Rescue Railroad, and her true life book, Every Rescued Dog Has a Tale, was a turning point in our awareness.
Their website contains many encouraging rescue stories, photos and videos of members giving chained dogs a new life...Link:FIDO..check out the "Recent Build" video on their home page.
"...The work of Fences For Fido is deeply rooted in making that kind of change between a dog and his family, but our work does not end there. We create safer and improved conditions for chained dogs by providing shelter, veterinary care, and spay and neutering services when necessary. We work to educate families on how to best care for their four-legged family members during the heat of the summer and the cold, wet winter months. Twice a year our team of tireless volunteers visits all of the dogs in the FFF family to make sure they remain unchained, safe and healthy.
With more than 235 dogs already unchained since May 2009, the mission of Fences For Fido continues. With generous help from our volunteers and donors, FFF hopes to share many more success stories."
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All books in the Planet Of The Dogs series can be purchased at your favorite independent bookstore or on the internet through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Powells and many others.
Librarians, teachers, bookstores -- order our books directly from Ingram...professional discount, of course.
Therapy reading dog owners, librarians and teachers with therapy reading dog programs...write us at [email protected] and we will send you free reader copies of books from the Planet of the Dogs Series.
Read Dog Books to Dogs....Ask any therapy reading dog: "Do you like it when the the kids read dog books to you?"
The photo was taken in teacher Julie Hauck's third grade class in the Longfellow School, Sheboygin,WI. Developed by Julie with her own Therapy Reading Dog, the program is called Pages for Preston. Higher reading levels, skills and appreciation for books have resulted from the children reading to Preston.
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A video smile for everyone...
http://www.slideshare.net/PowerLegacy.Com/how-to-pick-out-a-dog'
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Be the Dog...
Dennis Merritt Jones, in his Blog on the Huffington Post, makes a Zen connection with his dog. He begins by quoting Eckhart Toole and then speaks of his own experience with his dog, Mac Doodle.
"Be alert as you watch a dog at play or at rest. Let the animal teach you to feel at home in the now, to celebrate life by being completely present. You just watch the tail ... with some dogs you just look at them -- just a little look is enough -- and their tail goes ...'Life is good! Life is good!' And they are not telling themselves a story of why life is good. It's a direct realization." ~Eckhart Tolle
The philosophy of Zen comes to mind when I witness dogs "being" themselves. My understanding of Zen (in part) is that it is the practice of "be-ing" 100 percent present and one with what is in the field of my awareness, or whatever I am doing. Given that meaning, it's safe to say I have a new Zen master in my life. His name is Mac Doodle, aka, "Master Mac." He is an 18 month old, half Goldendoodle and half Labradoodle. I receive new teachings from him daily. Today he taught me the importance of spontaneously taking a time-out from my usual busyness to play a little, which I did because he wouldn't leave me alone until I did. This was a win/win for both of us. I was a bit tired and losing my focus anyway. Now I feel twice as alive, energized and connected to what needs to be done ... and he is taking a snooze so I can get my work done."
To read more by author, speaker, and spiritual mentor Dennis Merrit Jones' ideas about being in the moment, appreciating life, and experiencing dogs as guides to more fulfillment, visit : BeTheDog
The illustration is from Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale.
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Celebrate the 74th Annual National Dog Week September 22-28
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If you combine imagination with the unexpected, a bookmark blossoms...a bookmark blossoms? What does that mean? It means imagination and a fondness for books take the viewer on a video journey where a strong wind, a forgotten book, pages becoming ocean waves, and a morphing bookmark are waiting for you: MuchBetterNow ...a reader's delight video.
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Read Sample Chapters at www.planetofthedogs.net
Planet Of The Dogs
Castle In The Mist
Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale
"I loved this series of books"...Don Blankenship reviewing for Good Books for Kids
www.booksforkids-reviews.com
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There is a farm in Central Nebraska that is an important part of the dog universe. It is also the home of
Nancy L Houser the creative impetus, editor and primary writer behind Way Cool Dogs. Her dog experience is a reflection of her concerns for good traditions that involve caring, responsibility, and compassion. And she is a woman acts who on her convictions.
For instance, in 2009, when economic problems were pressing hard on people in their state, Nancy and her best friend, Sandra Marquiss, started Nebraska PETS Meals on Wheels..."Way Cool Dogs has recently started a hub of volunteers to assist Nebraska individuals who are in need of pet assistance — food, medical care, transportation, etc. Right new we are gathering new donor names throughout the state as more jobs are
lost and the recession enters our state more heavily. We are seeking volunteer services of each member in their home town and surrounding communities, acting as a contact for other NPMW hub members and for assistance..."
They also run a rescue center, "a private dilapidated ol' ma and pa kettle home for elderly and middle-aged dogs, with most arriving with...medical and behavioral problems due to old age and previous hardships...none will leave here and will pass the remainder of their lives here...ranging in age from 8 to almost 20, they are cared for by two middle-aged women with behavioral issues of their own, making on wonder who is taking care of whom!..."
I recommend Way Cool Dogs to all dog lovers.
The photos are of Chewie and Buttons, two of their rescued dogs.
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National Walk n' Roll Dog Day...September 22, 2012
Barb Techel, author of two inspirational books about her recently departed therapy dog, Frankie, has been the prime motivator/mover in establishing National Walk 'n Roll Day to "honor and celebrate dogs in wheelchairs who teach us to embrace each day with love, hope, and joy."
Her delightful award winning illustrated books -- Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog and Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog Visits Libby's House -- have inspired multitudes of children. To learn more about Barb and her work, visit: Barb
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A dog is in distress...What do I do? What are my options? I want to be helpful, but this is all new to me... For answers, examples, true stories and more, visit Sunbear Squad...Let the experience of compassionate dog lovers guide you.
SunbearSquad
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"If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat." Author Unknown"
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