The Adventures of Lucy the Cow-Dog: The Journey Begins by Christine M. B. Smith, illustrated by Nidhom, 2020.
Lucy is an energetic puppy growing up on a farm. She loves running and is full of wiggles. She wishes that she could be calm and patient, like the Wise Old Beagle in her mother’s stories, but she always feels like she has to be moving. When Lucy gets a little older, she decides to set out to find the Wise Old Beagle and learn her secrets to gaining patience.
Along the way, Lucy makes friends with another dog, Sam. As Lucy stays with him on his farm, watching the way he obeys the farmer’s commands and observing the cows in the field, she learns some of her own secrets to being calm.
My Reaction
This is a sweet story about growing up and gaining maturity. The pictures are cheerful and adorable, and the back of the book contains Lucy’s favorite story about the Wise Old Beagle and her “naughty hamburger trick.” Good things come to those who can be patient (and maybe just a little sneaky).
Disclosure: I know the author of the book, but the opinions in the review are my own. Lucy is based on a real dog, and sales of the book contribute to the Utah Friends of Basset Hounds. The book is available through Amazon.
Jestress's Children's Shelf 