Shih-Tzu Puppy Adventures by Barbara Ann Derksen is 100-pages of puppy adventures, told from the dog's point of view.
The 6 main characters (Alexis, Pearl, Oakley, Rosalie, Navy and Lily) are named after people Ms. Derksen knows. Each chapter focuses on a different puppy, showcasing his or her personality. The book discusses dog behavior, such as eating from a bottle (when mother isn't able to feed), going outdoors and establishing dominance. There are occasionally references to God or the Bible, but these wouldn't keep a non-religious person from enjoying the stories.
The puppies meet humans and animals along the way. Some of the animals they meet are Auntie Muffin (an older shih tzu who takes on the role of teacher), Grruummpp (a frog) and Willy (the worm).
There is either a photo of a real-life shih tzu or line drawing on every page. This makes the book enjoyable to even the youngest listener. According to Ms. Derksen, Shih-Tzu Puppy Adventures is "written at a 3rd grade level but because of all the pictures, even a two year old will sit through one story."
The stories are written in a way that can be read over and over again. This is a purchase you won't regret.
When asked what inspired her to write these stories, she replied, "I added a children's line of stories after our grandchildren were old enough to appreciate them. The Shih-Tzu Puppy Adventures begins when a litter of shih-tzu's are born in a sunny kitchen but Momma dies a day later. This truly happened to our second Shih-Tzu when she was 18 months old. She was impregnated by a stray terrier while she was in our backyard that was enclosed by a six foot fence. Anyhow, the puppies are bottle fed and the series takes them through discovering their world and finding their new homes"
Click here to read an excerpt and order a copy for yourself or the child in your life. You can even request an autographed copy, which is sure to be a keepsake for years to come. If you're in the US, save on shipping by ordering through amazon.com.
If you like mysteries or inspirational stories, check out some of Barbara's other books. Her husband, HC Derksen, is a musician. All are available through their website, and many can be found through barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.
Note: all photos are courtesy Barbara Ann Derksen
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