Title: The Adventures of Big Dog: Troubles and Triumph
Author: Grandpa Donald R. Draayer ED. D.
Publisher: Westwood Books Publishing
ISBN: 978-1648039263
Pages: 84
Genre: Children’s Books
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Read Book Review
One of the first relationships one can build outside of their parental figures is with a beloved pet. The type of pet can vary, but one of the two most popular types of pets a person can have, especially as a child, is a dog. The canine community has hosted some of the most heartwarming and emotional connections a child can have growing up, and as Roger Caras once said, “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
In author Grandpa Donald R. Draayer ED. D.’s The Adventures of Big Dog: Troubles and Triumph, the author explores the impact dogs can have on a child in a brand new original children’s book, complete with illustrations. The narrative focuses on Dirk and Dawn, a brother and sister team who hopes to convince their parents to let them adopt a dog of their own by taking care of their neighbor’s Golden Retriever, named BIG DOG. However not everything goes smoothly, as BIG DOG has an active personality and inadvertently causes trouble wherever he goes. However, after some bonding time and a heroic act to help someone in the community, could BIG DOG’s action convince their parents of the benefits of having a dog all their own?
The author did such a fantastic job of writing a story which is perfectly understood and educational for children seeking to become pet owners, while also providing a fun and entertaining narrative for children to enjoy with their parents or grandparents. The responsibilities and work which goes into having a dog are well represented here, while also showing the positive impact pet ownership can have on a child and how it can help teach children to be responsible for others as well as themselves. The writing felt very natural and easy to read, while the illustrations really helped showcase the whimsy and fun that appeals to children so much.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy children’s books, especially those geared towards both parents and their children, illustrated children’s book fans, and those who love and enjoy dogs in general. As a pet parent myself and having grown up with dogs all my life, I can say that this is the type of story my younger self would have absolutely loved. The way the author also included breaks in between each “book” in the collection was brilliant, allowing the story of BIG DOG to feel like a complete story for a children’s book narrative.
A heartwarming, fun, and entertaining children’s book, author Grandpa Donald R. Draayer ED. D.’s The Adventures of Big Dog: Troubles and Triumph is a must-read book! The fun animated-style illustrations and the perfect balance of education with humor and excitement made this the perfect read for children and their parents alike.
