This is the true story of Steve and Anna Tolan who retire early from the British Police force to become wildlife protectors in Zambia, Africa. The one thing they miss the most from their lives in England is a dog. Though warned by friends that having a dog in the African bush would only bring heartbreak, they go ahead and adopt a scrawny runt, a Jack Russell mix. Bulu, meaning wild dog, in the African language, quickly becomes part of the family helping to raise orphan warthogs, vervets, a baboon, a bushbuck and an elephant. He can charm and calm another animal like no one else. He stands his ground to protect his owners from anything from a lion to an alligator. He is nearly blinded by cobra venom, infected with a deadly virus from a tsetse fly, and barely survives a lion attack. Through it all, he shows remarkable strength, love, and courage for his human and animal family. This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves animals, adventure, and the rare and rich excitement of Africa.

Reviewed by: ewl

Date read: 10/4/2010

ISBN-10: 0375947205

ISBN-13: 9780375947209

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The Monroes come home from a Dracula movie one night with a new addition to the household. They have found a baby bunny in a box of dirt in the back row of the theater. Chester, the cat, is convinced that this is a vampire rabbit and takes it upon himself to warn the Monroes of their impending doom. Harold, the dog and narrator, thinks Chester is nuts, but then how can he explain Bunnicula's sharp teeth or the way he seems to walk through the wire of his cage or the juiceless vegetables in the refrigerator. This is a laugh-out-loud read. If you like this one, look for other books in the Bunnicula series.

Similar books: Howliday Inn; The Celery Stalks at Midnight; Nighty-Nightmare; Return to Howliday Inn; Bunnicula Strikes Again; Bunnicula Meets Edgar Allan Crow

Awards nominated: 2012 Bluestem Award Nominee

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 7/13/2009

ISBN-10: 0689307004

ISBN-13: 9780689307003

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Buster isn't like Phoebe, the other dog in his family. Phoebe can catch balls, and Buster cannot. Phoebe is bold, and Buster is shy. Buster doesn't know it, but he has a talent that Phoebe doesn't have. Read about Buster's triumphs in this story about a shy dog who discovers his strengths. Expressive illustrations on every page capture Buster's personality. This is a great read for dog lovers as well as anyone who has ever felt like the 'odd dog out.'(Reading Level: 3.3)

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 1/13/2011

ISBN-10: 0395850088

ISBN-13: 9780395850084

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Growl, chatter, click, and squawk along with the animals in this book! Colorful animal illustrations and rhyming text make this an inviting read. Even better, preschoolers can participate by chiming in with animal sounds like the howl of a wolf, the chatter of a chimp, or the snuffle of pandas at bedtime. The books closes as all the animals quiet down and fall asleep, then instructs the reader that it's time to do the same.

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 6/25/2010

ISBN-10: 156145396X

ISBN-13: 9781561453962

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A young owl named Soren is kicked out of the nest by his brother. He is then snatched and taken to St. Aggies, an evil school for owls. He becomes friends with an elf owl and together they must try to escape. This is the first book in the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series. If you liked this one, read book 2, The Journey.

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/5/2009

ISBN-10: 0439405572

ISBN-13: 9780439405577

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Commenter: Eve, grade 6

Commenter: St. Charles Reader, grade 0