Snow Valley Heroes: Win A Christmas Tale
There is a wonderful series of books called Planet Of The Dogs, written by Dogster member Robert McCarty. His wife, Stella Mustanoja McCarty, creates the beautiful illustrations.
The books revolve around the dogs who live on a planet on the other side of the sun, who come to earth to teach people about love.
The latest in the series is Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale. It is the exciting story of the dogs from Planet Of The Dogs who come to earth to help save Christmas.
I had the pleasure of getting to interview Robert and find out more about the series and how it began.
HH: What was your inspiration for this series of books?
RM: The Planet Of The Dogs came from one of those conversations revolving around the notion that the world would be a better place if people were more like dogs, especially, as regards the qualities of unconditional love and loyalty.
HH: How did you come up with the characters in your books?
RM: All the principal dog characters are based on dogs that have been part of our lives or belonged to family members.
HH: What is the age range for your books?
RM:The age range of kids who really like the books has been contrary to establishment parameters. We actually have very enthusiastic comments by kids and or parents from ages 4-12…obviously some kids are more advanced etc…but the unifying element, in my mind, has more to do with the love of dogs and human/canine bond.
Dogster’s group Dog Eared Book Club has chosen Snow Valley Heroes: A Christmas Tale as their November book of the month. Having recently read the book I can understand why it was chosen.
While I’m well out of the 4-12 year old range I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The book brought me back to my youth, a time when it seemed my imagination was endless, something that gets lost in adulthood.
The holidays are right around the corner and Snow Valley Heroes would make a great stocking stuffer. Thanks to Robert McCarty you have a chance to win your very own copy of the book. To enter just share what book about dogs you like, in the comment section, and you will be entered to win. The contest starts today and ends Monday, November 10th when one winner will be chosen at random.
If you would like to ask Robert McCarty a question, stop by his pup Dafi’s homepage or the Dog Eared Book Club.
Well one of our favorite books is Walter the Farting Dog. Silly title, and kind of a silly book. What we liked about it is that Walter , who was going to be given away because he had stinky farts, saves the family and gets to stay. What we didn’t like about the book was that he was going to be given away for farting. Felt like that was a sad message to children.
All in all, a cute book.
Thanks for sharing yours too!
I LOVE Marley & Me. Very touching story. Every chapter seems like another story!
Thanks for such a warm and positive review.
Dog lovers — people who have experienced the canine human bond — are a special group of people. Others have enjoyed the Planet of the Dogs series, but dog lovers and children have been our most enthusiastic and loyal readers.
Thanks, happy holidays, wags and woofs,
Robert, Stella and Dafi
i love my life with george
by judith summers
love that book
hugs
audrey
When I was a kid, one of my favorite books was “Brothers of the Sled.”
I just finished “Marley and Me”, and can’t wait for the movie this Christmas! I also recently read “The Story of Edward Sawtelle,” but it was extremely depressing!
Our favorite book is “Go Dog Go” by P.D. Eastman. I was read this as a child, and I read it to my children. “To the tree, to the tree!” is a well-worn phrase in our home. This was also one of the first books that all of my sons were able to read on their own.
I read the book “Marley & Me”. I have seen the previews of the movie and can’t wait. We have a yellow lab, his name is Ping. Named after a set of golf clubs. Some of the things in the movie remind me of Ping. . It was a good book.
My all time favorite dog book is “The Call of the Wild”. It’s an incredible adventure story that shows you the world from a dog’s eyes. Another one is “Beautiful Joe”. I would like to find that book and read it again. I haven’t seen it in at least 40 years.
It’s Okay to Miss the Bed on the First Jump: And Other Life Lessons I Learned from Dogs by John O’Hurley
my life with george
Chicken Soup for the Pet Lovers Soul is a good one. With several dogs being in it.
Clifford the Big Red Dog is another one.
i loved the book MARLEY AND ME.
marley seems like such a sweet dog to have around.
“Harry the Dirty Dog” was one of my favorites as a child. I sing/read “Snuggle Puppy” by Boynton to my children before bed.