Bobbie the Wonder Dog: A True Story
Tricia Brown, Author
Cary Porter, Illustrator
WestWinds Press, Fiction, Apr. 12, 2016
Suitable for Ages: 4-8
Themes: A lost dog’s journey, Human-animal relationships, Animals
Opening: “Bobbie was going on vacation! Just as his favorite man finished securing the luggage, the mix-breed collie jumped up in one easy leap. This would be his riding place.”
Book Jacket Synopsis: Frank and Elizabeth Brazier decided that they needed a farm dog and their two daughters needed a friend. They fell in love with a six-week-old puppy, with a bobbed tail, and named him Bobbie. He was the perfect herding dog for their farm animals. When the Brazier’s stopped farming to run a restaurant in town, they decided it was best to leave Bobbie on the farm with his new owners. Days later Bobbie showed up at the restaurant.
In August 1923, the Frank and Elizabeth took a trip from Silverton, Oregon to visit relatives in Indiana. Bobbie was known to jump off the back of the car and chase a rabbit and then show up an hour later further down the road. The evening they arrived in Indiana, Bobbie was with Frank when a pack of wild dogs chased after him. This time Bobbie didn’t return. The couple searched everywhere and there was no sign of Bobbie. They made the trip back home not knowing if he was all right.
Six months after Bobbie was lost in Indiana, a dirty and skinny dog limped into Silverton. Bobbie’s paws were raw and bleeding, but he had traveled nearly 3,000 miles home to Frank and Elizabeth.
Why I like this book:
I am a sucker for a really good dog story, especially when it is based on a true story. Tricia Brown’s heartwarming story about this famous collie is destined to become a classic. Both children and adults will relate to the love and unbreakable bond between Bobbie and his owner, Frank.
Brown’s storytelling is compelling and her pacing keeps readers fully engaged. The author’s attention to detail demonstrates the amount of research done to portray Bobbie’s unbelievable story as accurately as possible. Bobbie’s 3,000-mile journey that fall and winter across mountain ranges, across rivers and through bone-chilling weather, shows his loyalty to Frank and his family. Bobbie just wanted to go home. All the characters in the story are memorable. The ending makes you want to curl up with the book and start all over again.
Cary Porter’s large, richly textured illustrations are bold, colorful, emotive and significantly contribute to Bobbie’s story. They capture the vintage 1923 automobiles and tractors, the first gasoline pumps, rickety wooden bridges, sleepy towns with dry good stores, dirt roads and cobblestone pavements. The characters are dressed in period clothing. Perfect marriage of stunning artwork and text.
Resources: This is a beautiful book for families. It will prompt many questions from children about what would happen if they lost their pet and how important it is to have pets registered with chips. Encourage kids to come up with a plan if they lose or find a lost pet. Make sure you read the author’s page about the real Bobbie (1921-1927) and his remarkable journey that sparked nationwide interest. Bobbie became a star overnight and people flocked to Silverton, Oregon to see him. Silverton erected a statue and a seventy-foot mural to pay tribute to their famous dog.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
What a story! I remember hearing about it – I had no idea he became that famous and even got a statue in tribute. Great review – I’ll probably cry throughout it – these kinds of animal stories really get to me. ;-0
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It is a moving true story. Can’t go wrong with a good dog story!
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I also know of this story! I love that the dog was a mixed-collie (so was my dog) and got lost in IN (where I currently live). 😀 I’ll have to check it out.
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You have something in common. I hope you read it as I know you’ll enjoy the story.
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I have always loved stories like this. My daughter read The Incredible Journey over and over when she was young. I know a soon to be 7 year old who would enjoy this book.
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I’m glad you know a child who’d enjoy this wonderful dog story! It is so moving.
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What an incredible story! I have a feeling I’ll need a box of tissues nearby when I read it.
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It is a beautiful true story. We’re all suckers for good dog books.
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This looks heartwarming and challenging at the same time. And I love a great true story.
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It is a heartwarming story for dog lovers. I love true stories. Interesting period artwork.
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Our family owns a well-worn The Incredible Journey VHS tape. How do animals do this?? A lot smarter than I am.
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Reading a story about a dog like Bobbie is always so inspiring and makes us wonder. I believe animals have senses far more developed than humans for survival purposes, to find food, communicate, directions. Elephants use their feet to pound the earth to communicate warnings and information about food/water supplies to other herds at long distances.
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It reminded me of The Incredible Journey as well. Since I fell in love with the Ladd a Dog series, I loved almost every dog book I could find. definitely sounds like a book that requires Kleenex. Thanks for highlighting it.
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I loved the Incredible Journey. We are all drawn to stories like this with amazement and wonder. Glad you enjoyed my review.
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This connects to a couple I”m working on – will be on the lookout!
Thanks for sharing!
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That’s nice to hear. You can probably find it in your library.
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Oh gosh I live realistic fiction! Add a dog and boom, I must read. Thanks for the review. 😊
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I think many of us love books about dogs. They grab my attention too.
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It amazes me how animals can find their way back home. They have terrific noses. This sounds like an amazing story.
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Yes, I think we are all in awe of stories about dogs traveling long distances to find a loved owner. I believe animals have stronger senses then we do, perhaps due to survival. I think about how million of Monarch butterflies cross Lake Erie every year and land on the trees of a farm on the exact same date. It has to be in their DNA, because their life span is short.
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I’m also into reading a good dog story (as long as the dog doesn’t die) so thanks for sharing this one. I’ll look for it.
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Glad you enjoyed my selection. I love good dog stories.
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You’re a genius, Bobbie! No wonder they say you’re a wonder dog! Brilliant choice, P.
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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I knew you’d like this book, Cupcake! Such an inspiring story!
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Fantastic story, Pat…I’m so glad you shared this for PPBF…we need lots of stories about loyalty and love, and this is a wonderful one.
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Yes, it is an inspiring story about love and loyalty. I love true stories.
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Oh my goodness, that sounds like an amazing book. As a forever-dog-lover I’m going to have to read this one!
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You won’t be disappointed. Thanks for visiting!
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Reblogged this on Doug Johnson and commented:
Have a look at this!
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I am such a sucker for dogs-journeying-home stories! I remember this story, too.
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Me too. Glad you enjoyed my review. Lassie was my favorite, as a child.
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This sounds like a very inspiring story. 🙂
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It is an inspiring book for everyone. But a great story for dog lovers.
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Sounds like a heartwarming story, Patricia. While I am not a dog person, I know many children who would enjoy this book. What a loved dog to have a statue erected in his honour. Thanks for sharing.
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It is more than just a dog book — it’s also a period piece with beautiful artwork. Something for everyone!
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Sounds awesome.
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