Tag: dogs

Posted in Book reviews by kids, Mater Dei School QLD,

Book review: Paws

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
Paws by Kate Foster

REVIEWED BY OLIVIA, 12, QLD

Paws by Kate Foster, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760652661

Olivia’s review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition.

What do you do when you’re trying to make cool friends? This is what 11-year-old autistic Alex thought about a lot. Alex knows the signs of emotions, so there is no fooling this young boy. This boy is sensitive to sound so reading this touching book just might make your friendship better. Sometimes we don’t know how people react to different situations, so this book certainly displays different perspectives making it even more intriguing.

This heart-warming story is set in Alex’s neighbourhood. At home Kevin, Alex’s cockapoo, is his best friend, and their bond can not be broken but making a friend with similar styles is his focus, especially with high school next year. He has an older brother Ned, Mum, and Dad and together they live in a quiet street close to school. When Alex is driving home one day from school and spies an advertisement on the coolest dog competition PAWS, he peers back and sees that it is coming to his town. He decides to enter Kevin in the competition and trains him up for days, but on the day with his older brother holding up time he ends up in a twist on what to do, this problem left me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Discover all kinds of friendship as you dive into the world of kindness and balance in companionship as Alex (and Kevin) also discovers that you can be yourself to make cool friends, cool friends can be defined differently and the best way to find your cool friend is by being your own, unique self.

This story left me with a message – friends come when you least expect, and things happen the way they are meant to. Friends who are meant for you might just need a little finding. This touching storyline might just make rain run rivers into your eyes as you experience what true friendship is. Paws shows that friendship isn’t one universal fit, and you do not have to be the best to make cool friends. This book is packed with detail from  Kate Foster’s own perspective as an autistic author, and it is great to see other situations in another point of view

I read this book for book club, and it is an easy, nice read that can be read by 8-year-olds to any age group as all parents in the book club loved it. Ultimately Paws is not just a read it is an experience, and it leaves a mark of the heart-warming storyline long after the final page is turned. I rate this book 5 stars and I could gladly read it over and over again without getting bored.

If you are looking for a story on real friendship this is the one.

Olivia’s review was longlisted in the Primary category of Alphabet Soup’s 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. The competition is now closed, but we publish book reviews by young writers all year round. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by kids

Book review: I am Rebel

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

REVIEWED BY REBEKAH, GRADE 5, NSW

I am Rebel by Ross Montgomery, Walker Books, ISBN 9781529502909

Rebekah’s review of this book was longlisted in the 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition.

This heartachingly tender quest novel is an adventure from the very first page.

In Ross Montgomery’s I Am Rebel, readers are whisked away into a world where bravery and imagination collide. Set against the backdrop of a dystopian, war-torn world, this middle-grade novel introduces us to a canine protagonist, Rebel, who embodies the true essence of loyalty. As I journeyed through its pages, I found myself captivated by Rebel’s courageous spirit and the profound themes woven into Montgomery’s narrative tapestry. I Am Rebel not only entertains but also challenges young readers to experience the world in a refreshingly new way.

Rebel is a good dog, and he loves his simple, perfect life on the farm with his owner, Tom — until one day, the war comes too close …

Now Tom is determined to join the rebellion to defeat the king’s men. But Rebel knows war is dangerous, and he will stop at nothing to save the human he loves, meeting unexpected friends along the way.

The main characters of this story include Rebel, Tom, and the animals Rebel befriends on his journey to find Tom:
– Rebel’s role in this story is key; the book is told from his perspective and his role is just to be the true embodiment of doggedness. He stops at nothing to find Tom or help his friends, and he is caring, kind and courageous. At one point, he says:

I’m Tom’s dog, and he’s my boy. And if he’s stepped right inside the jaws of death, then I’m going to follow him into them and bring him back out.

– Tom is a determined 12-year-old, and he lies that he is 16 so that he can join the rebellion. Tom’s role in this story is to be Rebel’s goal to reach.

– Rebel’s animal friends provide him with shelter and help him navigate his way to the High Castle, where Tom is.

The themes in I am Rebel are meaningful and deep, especially in the dystopian world that Rebel must navigate through.

Themes of friendship, love and loyalty are explored in this book. Rebel’s hunt for Tom is the central message of this story, and it displays all of these.

The author, Ross Montgomery, has woven these themes in such a way that they are rooted in every nook and cranny that they can be.

Montgomery uses much description, and as I delved deeply into this book, it was as if I could feel pain, or heat, or rushing water. The emotive language is heartwarming, and the tension keeps you on the edge of your seat. There are parts where you bury your face in the pages and say: “No! It can’t end there!” Montgomery has used these elements in a perfectly balanced way.

Some other feedback from other readers:

“I Am Rebel both broke my heart and made it sing. This book is as close to perfect as it’s possible to get.” Natasha Farrant.

“A beautiful, heartfelt adventure.” Sophie Anderson.

Overall, this book is a classic; with strong themes, description, and the occasional dash of humour, it’s a treasure of writing.

Rebekah’s review was longlisted in the Primary category of Alphabet Soup’s 2024 Young Reviewers’ Competition. The competition is now closed, but we publish book reviews by young writers all year round. To send us YOUR book review, read our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in Book reviews by Anwen, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Kelpie Chaos

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's book: Kelpie Chaos by Deb Fitzpatrick

REVIEWED BY ANWEN, 10, WA

Kelpie Chaos by Deb Fitzpatrick, Fremantle Press, ISBN 9781760993856

The publisher provided a review copy of this book.

I think that Kelpie Chaos is a great book for all ages of readers because there is that thrill and excitement that many readers thrive with in their reading. It’s very clear and descriptive in a way that helps you create a picture in your mind but also lets you imagine what it looks like and what’s going to happen next.

This book has a story that a lot of people would be able to relate to – an excited puppy racing about and the sick feeling that you might not find your beloved friend. I also like how the titles sort of point out one sentence or part of that chapter and that most of them are really funny.

I encourage everybody to read this book and you see what I mean about it being amazing! Read and enjoy!

Read chapter one at the publisher’s website.

Read our interview with the author: Deb Fitzpatrick.

Anwen is a regular book reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her reviews here. If YOU would like to send us a book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in authors, interviews

Deb Fitzpatrick on Kelpie Chaos

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
A woman leans on a stack of books with her chin in her hands
The cover of a children's book: Kelpie Chaos by Deb Fitzpatrick

Deb Fitzpatrick writes for adults, young adults and children. She loves using stories from real life in her novels and regularly teaches creative writing to people of all ages. Deb’s own dog is a kelpie, who is absolutely not a failed sheep dog. Today we’re talking to Deb about her latest novel, Kelpie Chaos.

The publisher provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of Kelpie Chaos.

From the publisher:

A kelpie puppy is about to be sent to the pound and Eli knows he has to do something. After adopting the flame-chested kelpie, now named Zoom, the family falls in love, but they soon learn there’s a lot involved in raising a dog. Especially a working dog, who is hardwired to round up pretty much everything … even socks. When Zoom goes missing on a family bushwalk, the family sets out on a frantic search. What mischief could a dog get up to in the bush?

Can you tell us a bit about your own dog?

First thing I need to say here is I adore our dog, Louie. He really is our fur-baby!! He is a kelpie crossed with Australian shepherd, just like Zoom in Kelpie Chaos. And just like Zoom, he can be cheeky. Louie is black all over and has a small white flame on his chest, is dead handsome and smart-as. He has a huge loving heart, prefers people to dogs, and loves to take us on walks as frequently as possible! 

Louie was a huge inspiration for Zoom in Kelpie Chaos, along with a story another dog-walker told me about her father’s kelpie. This kelpie would spend all day with him out at work on construction sites in the country. One day he disappeared, and what happened next became part of the book. 

What’s the naughtiest thing your dog has ever done?

Thankfully, our dog Louie isn’t very naughty, except when it comes to chasing cats. By far the naughtiest dog we’ve ever owned was a gorgeous, intelligent and seriously cheeky fox terrier, when we lived in Costa Rica. We used to call him Chester the English Fox Terrier. My husband had gone to a lot of effort to bake a cake one morning and he left it to cool on the counter while the two of us went out to work. When we returned home, the cake was just crumbs all over the floor. Chester the English Fox Terrier did not spend that night inside with us, put it that way. I re-imagined this story in Kelpie Chaos, changing it to suit the book. I love to take things from real life and mash them into my fiction, as some of your readers may know from my other books.

What are some of your favourite books about dogs?

There are so many brilliant books about dogs and the connection between children and their dogs. There are several picture books about dogs that I particularly love, starting with Dog In, Cat Out by Gillian Rubinstein, which I read with my kids when they were younger. More recently, I love Briony Stewart’s Magoo books and When Billy was a Dog by Kirsty Murray and Karen Blair. Dianne Wolfer’s Scout and the Rescue Dogs is a huge personal favourite and I’m so happy to see it shortlisted in multiple literary awards this year! When I was a kid I adored Lassie Come-Home by Eric Knight and then developed an obsession with the television show ‘Lassie’. Finally, I have to mention the ABC TV documentary series about working dogs, ‘Muster Dogs’, which I can’t get enough of. Those beautiful kelpies and border collies!

Do you have a word prompt or scenario you’d like to challenge young readers to try?

Here’s my challenge to Alphabet Soup readers: Write a scene or story, poem or song about your dog (or other beloved pet). Weave in a human character who is a bit like you and feel free to tweak a few details and add an event to make the story funnier or more dramatic. Have fun and see where it takes you! That’s pretty much all I do with my writing, and somehow I now have a small pile of novels with my name on them!

What’s next for you and your writing projects?

I’m halfway through the first draft of a new book – similar to Kelpie Chaos and also for middle readers,but this one’s about a different animal and a different family … It has adventure-in-the-forest vibes and that’s all I’m willing to reveal at this stage! Watch this space!

Kelpie Chaos is out now! Find it at your favourite bookshop, library or order online.

AWESOME EXTRAS:

Take a sneak peek inside the book!

Download the Teachers’ Notes for Kelpie Chaos

Visit Deb Fitzpatrick’s website for more about her and her books.

The cover of a children's book: Kelpie Chaos by Deb Fitzpatrick
Posted in Book reviews by Elizabeth, Book reviews by kids

Book review: Scout and the Rescue Dogs

Posted on by Alphabet Soup
The cover of a children's novel: Scout and the Rescue Dogs. The cover illustration shows Scout (a girl with red hair) and six dogs of various breeds. In the background is a blue truck.

REVIEWED BY ELIZABETH, 11, NSW

Scout and the Rescue Dogs by Dianne Wolfer, illustrated by Tony Flowers, Walker Books Australia, ISBN 9781760655860

Elizabeth received a review copy of this book.

Driving in Big Rig – Bill’s truck – Scout, who is in Year 7, and her dad deliver food to the dog shelters in Australia. Scout always wanted to own a dog herself after her mum passed away because dogs always reminded her of her mother. Her father allowed her to choose a dog, but Scout does not know which breed to choose because every dog is special in its own way. But bushfire season has sprung, and Scout discovers there are dogs in the dog shelter that no one wants. What will Scout do now with all the dogs and bushfire season?

What I found interesting was that Scout was being loving and kind to the people that were being disrespectful and rude to her. Two girls from school were laughing and mocking her but still she wrote a loving and generous letter and she forgave them.

I rate this book by Dianne Wolfer 10/10 because it is based on what happens in the bushfire season in Australia. This book has changed my perspective on what bushfires are really like such as how hard it is to live in the bush. 

Read an interview with Dianne Wolfer, author of Scout and the Rescue Dogs.

Elizabeth is a regular reviewer for Alphabet Soup. You can read more of her reviews here. To send us YOUR book review, check out our submission guidelines. Happy reading!

Posted in authors, interviews

Dianne Wolfer on Scout and the Rescue Dogs

Posted on by Alphabet Soup

MEET THE AUTHOR

Dianne Wolfer, author
The cover of a children's novel: Scout and the Rescue Dogs. The cover illustration shows Scout (a girl with red hair) and six dogs of various breeds. In the background is a blue truck.

Dianne Wolfer lives on the south coast of Western Australia, but she grew up in Melbourne, Bangkok and Albury. Dianne writes picture books, novels for children and teenagers, and nonfiction for all ages. Today we’re chatting to Dianne about her latest novel Scout and the Rescue Dogs, illustrated by Tony Flowers.

The publisher provided Alphabet Soup with a reading copy of Scout and the Rescue Dogs.

From the publisher:

The summer holidays have finally arrived and Scout can’t wait for her adventure in the big rig with Dad. They’re on a mission to deliver donations of dog food to animal rescue shelters right across the state. But Scout and her dad get more than they’ve bargained for. It’s bushfire season – and it’s not just the dogs who need rescuing …

You have a rescue dog yourself, can you tell us a bit about Harry?

I’m always happy to talk about our beautiful rescue boy. His personality inspired aspects of a previous book, The Dog with Seven Names, and now he has inspired another! 

We saw Harry on the SAFE rescue site ten years ago. He was huddled in a corner with a plastic cone around his head looking very sad and lonely. Harry was found running in the street. He’d been badly treated and was a terrified, little fellow. He had many fear triggers. When we were driving to collect him, another dog attacked Harry, so when we first met him, he had a nasty gash across his neck. We brought him home and truckloads of love soon helped him settle and trust people again. He’s had a good life since then, being walked, and spoilt. This past winter he enjoyed a road trip to Broome where he swam at the beach every day. Our grown-up kids reckon Harry is the favourite child.

Is the character Scout based on anyone you know?

No, however aspects of myself, my friends and family have found their way into the story. Like Scout, I love dogs and animals and was distressed by the impacts of the 2019/2020 bushfires on wildlife and our forests. 

I’d completed a read-through draft of the story when terrible fires broke out in many of the towns Scout visits. It happened around Christmas, the same time as my novel. I had to decide whether to change my settings or include the fires. My family was impacted by ‘Black Summer’, so I did the latter. Like Scout I experienced hellish orange skies and weeks of toxic air when I stayed with my mother in Albury. My sister evacuated her home in the Snowy Mountains. Before leaving she put out dozens of water trays for the birds and insects. My cousin’s husband and daughter fought huge, horrific walls of flames at Corryong, and the truck convoy taking hay to starving cattle was inspired by true events. I grew up near Scout’s Beechworth home and swam at Woolshed Falls and Lake Hume. My friends lived in Howlong and Burrumbuttock. The places in Scout’s story are all very familiar to me.

Have you been in a rig?

Not properly. I do a lot of country driving and was inspired by truckies during Covid, the unsung heroes who kept our country functioning. I’ve often parked beside big rigs and peered up into the cabins. Creating truck-driving characters was fun. Whenever I see a dog in a truck, I ask the driver if I can take a photo for my collection. There are some very cute truck dogs on the ‘Scout’ page of my website.

Can you tell us a bit about what you’re working on next?

Books take a long time from idea to publication, so I usually have a few things on the go. In Feb 2024, a new edition of Granny Grommet and Me will be published (illustrated by Karen Blair). It’s been out of print for several years so I can’t wait for the grannies to surf again. I’m also looking forward to the publication of a picture book with my friend and fabulous illustrator, Frané Lessac. It’s about cattle mustering in northern Australia and was inspired by the lovely Brahman cattle I saw in the Kimberley. A longer project: this year I’ve been researching an inspirational Australian aviator who achieved many things in her short life, but I don’t want to say more until I finish a read-through draft. I’ve written about 12,500 words and so I’m getting closer … It’s due for release late 2024 or early 2025. And I’m also thrilled to have a set of haiku coming out in the 2024 poetry collection Right Way Down and Other Poems. 2024 looks like being an exciting year.

Do you have a tip for young writers who would like to write a story set in real life?

Real life inspires many of my stories. I often take a story spark from history or my life then use my imagination to weave a story around it. That can vary from surfing grannies in Albany (Granny Grommet and Me) to a wartime air raid (The Dog with Seven Names) or the only horse to return from WWI (The Last Light Horse). Or Scout!

My advice for writers is make time to write. Take lots of notes and get down a first draft, no matter how rough, without questioning yourself or overthinking it. Write the beginning and end, with dot point chapters in between, then join those dots. Once you have that first draft you can edit and rework it. Your characters might even take you in another direction. I do dozens and dozens of drafts. If you get stuck, put that story aside for a few weeks and work on another one. Don’t give up.

Scout and the Rescue Dogs is out now! Ask for it at your favourite bookshop or local library.

The cover of a children's novel: Scout and the Rescue Dogs. The cover illustration shows Scout (a girl with red hair) and six dogs of various breeds. In the background is a blue truck.

AWESOME EXTRAS

Check out the truck dogs’ photos on Dianne Wolfer’s website

Visit Dianne Wolfer’s website for more about her and her books.

Read our 2020 interview about another of Dianne Wolfer’s books: a biography of Munjed Al Muderis