I received this book at no cost from the publisher
Coop The Great by Larry VerstraetePublished by Yellow Dog on November 15, 2018
Genres: Dogs, Family
Pages: 160
Goodreads
Coop the Great by Larry Verstraete
Publication Date: November 15, 2018
Publisher: Yellow Dog
Link to Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42069074-coop-the-great
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Chapters-Indigo | McNally Robinson | Great Plains Publications
Coop is an aging, cynical, down-and-out dachshund who faces the ultimate test when his new owner, Mike, and Mike’s grandchildren, Zach and Emma, run into trouble. Mike rescued him, but does Coop have what it takes to do the same?
Drawing strength from the stories about great dogs that Mike shares with him, Coop charts a dangerous journey to save his new family.
Cooper the dachshund has been through so many homes and now back at a no-kill shelter, he assumes that he is a permanent resident with a revolving cycle of roommates. Then he is adopted by an older man who just lost his wife and Coop, as he is now called, tries to adjust to a new life. That new life includes a cat and at least he can bring along his favorite blanket that he has had since birth. That blanket is the one constant. Mike hasn’t had a dog in a while but knows that Coop just might be the thing to help him and they can grow old together.
Coop and Mike adjust to life and when Mike’s daughter has issues, he brings them to live with him, which, in a small way is good for Mike since his health is declining. Coop again adjusts in his own way to this new family. I am not going to lie, this book was a very emotional read for me. I grew up with rescued dachshunds and although we never knew their history, I am sure some had the same as Coop. I am not quite sure which age group this book would be appropriate for so I am going to recommend this one for parents to read along with their children.
What really struck me about this book is the fact that the author really captures the voice of Coop. I have read many failed attempts at this point of view, but Verstraete does an amazing job. I don’t think I could survive another chapter in this book since it was filled with almost too much excitement for one small dog. Fans of Spencer Quinn, Bruce Cameron, and Garth Stein will love this one. Parents: I am not sure which age is best suited for this one but a mature middle grader would probably love the adventure.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Larry Verstraete (B.Sc, M.Ed.) is a Winnipeg writer and educator. A teacher for 30 years, his experience ranges from teaching university courses to teaching at the senior and middle years levels in public school. An author of books for youngsters, Larry has also written for writer’s manuals, science textbooks, and educational journals, and has conducted sessions in science and writing for youngsters and adults around the country. His writing career began as an off-shoot of his teaching one, and here is his story…..
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Giveaway Details:
Three (3) winners will receive a copy of Coop the Great by Larry Verstraete (INT)
I wondered if you’d end up doing a post for this book. I didn’t have time for a review, so just did a promo. But I couldn’t not promote a book with a dachshund! I wondered about the age range for this to be read by. Thanks for sharing the review!
The story broke my heart but then I am overly attached to anything like this. Normal people that aren’t so dachshund obsessed would probably have an easy time and not be so emotional. A Dog’s Purpose is a great reference point.
I love books about or with dogs in them and this one sounds like an awesome read! Thanks for the chance to win it.
I love dogs and dogs as characters in books and it’s hot or miss whether or not an author can truly find a dog’s voice. I’m so happy read you thought he did this successfully.
I think the story sounds great.
Interested in this book. Thanks for posting.
What a wonderful book! Coop sounds like a very special dog.
I like the fact that the book is written from the perspective of a rescue dog.