Series: Anna Belle Cook and The Boy Who Talked to Dogs
Free
Mystery, Action & Adventure, Humor, Teen & Young Adult, Children's
This sensitive series, set in Austin, Texas in 1958, tells the story of Bobby, a 6-year-old boy who has faced challenges since birth due to brain damage. This led to his having a difficult time with speech and understanding. Enter Anna Belle Cook and her friends who are kind to him, and how his learning to talk to dogs leads them all on a series of humorous adventures in a world where dogs can talk. Along the way your child will learn about dogs, communication, perception, and the importance of compassion toward those who struggle with disabilities. Vocabulary and grammar lessons are integrated into the stories, as well as the importance of being empathetic toward others. Based on real-life experiences, the boy Bobby and the dogs in the stories are inspired by the author's personal encounters, while other characters are lifted from his novel Doves in a Tempest-The Valley of Horror, which targets a slightly older audience but can be enjoyed by children of all ages.