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Rating: 
Summary: Great book!
Review: I really like this book! It's a kid-friendly story with great pictures and message. Pam Flowers tells the true story of how the smallest dog in her dog-sled team saved the life of her biggest, strongest one...and also made possible the successful finish of her expedition across the American and Canadian Arctic. And she subtly sends the message that each of us can mazimize our strengths and lead useful, productive lives, even if others think we have too many weaknesses. We may even become heroes!Anna's small; and small dogs aren't usually what mushers want in their teams. But Pam sees Anna has a big spirit and is curious, intelligent, willing to learn and a hard worker. So even though Anna's young, Pam puts her where her exceptionally-good leader, Douggie, can teach Anna the ropes of that critical position. Then things happen; and physically-small Anna is "big enough" to do what needs to be done. She saves not only Douggie but also the expedition. I'd read "Alone Across the Arctic" (also by Pam Flowers with Ann Dixon,) and admired Pam's own fortitude, intelligence and perseverance. I wanted to know more about the adventure. Here's a gold nugget of a book that does that. And it's well written; both youngsters, and the adults who may share it with them, will read it all the way through...several times. The great illustrations (paintings) by Bill Farnsworth perfectly capture the story and the attention of young children. I love looking at them each time, too. This is a great Christmas present. If you've finished your shopping, surprise everyone for Valentine's Day.
Rating:
Summary: Exquisite, no matter what your age
Review: This exquisitely illustrated book is based on the true story of a litle sled dog who rose to the occasion and became a hero in her own right. Anna, a small Alaskan Husky female, was judged too small to be of any use when Pam Flowers made her historic journey across the Arctic with a team of sled dogs(chronicled in ALONE ACROSS THE ARCTIC). But when Pam's wise old leader dog disappeared, Pam put little Anna in the front because in spite of her size she was such a hard worker. Douggie, the wise old leader dog, was eventually found, but was so exhausted that little Anna had to take over and take charge of the trip. This lovely book not only teaches an important lesson--- that what matters is how much heart and spirit you have, not how big you are--- it is so beautifully done that I'm giving it to all my adult dog loving friends for Christmas.
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