Courageous Clooney


Children - Animals
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 01/23/2025
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

C. Strassel was inspired to write Courageous Clooney after adopting her dog Clooney as a Hurricane Ida rescue and discovering he had heartworm disease. Clooney is now healthy and happy at home with Christina living in Delaware.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Courageous Clooney by Christina Strassel is a heartwarming story that captures the essence of bravery and the power of friendship. The book follows Clooney, who develops heartworm after being bitten by a mosquito. That results in his first trip to the veterinarian, where he is initially scared until the vet makes him feel comfortable. The story is about the real Clooney, a 2021 Hurricane Ida rescue dog adopted by the author. The story tenderly explains the vet trips and how Clooney doesn’t feel well even as he takes medicine and gets shots. Eventually, he gets a clean health bill and becomes a happy, healthy dog with a loving home. Strassel handles the story with sensitivity and deliberate pacing so children aren’t overwhelmed.

The illustrations by Lucia Benito significantly enhance the emotional tone. The artwork is beautifully rendered, with a style that captures the essence of the story's mood. Benito’s use of color and light works harmoniously with the text, adding depth and enhancing the storytelling. The language used is engaging, making it suitable for young readers and enjoyable for parents to read aloud. Clooney’s encounters are beautifully crafted to teach young readers about empathy and kindness. Courageous Clooney speaks of second chances and how it only takes one person to make a difference in the life of another, be it human or canine. The story of the real Clooney is at the end of the book with his picture. Christina Strassel promises there will be more Clooney stories, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him next!

Doreen Chombu

Courageous Clooney is a heartwarming children’s picture book written by C. Strassel with illustrations by Lucia Benito. It follows Clooney, an adorable rescue dog who loves to sniff flowers. One day, his snout is bitten by a mosquito, and he develops heartworms that make him sick. His new mom notices Clooney's unusual behavior and takes him to the vet. Clooney is scared since it is his first time at the vet, but, with the support of his loving mom, he learns to be brave and trusts her decision. The vet staff are kind, offering him treats and making him feel comfortable. They diagnose his condition and begin a treatment plan that includes medicine and shots. Throughout his journey, Clooney discovers that with love, support, and courage, he can overcome his fears and face the challenges ahead.

Courageous Clooney is an informative tale that teaches young readers about compassion, courage, and the importance of seeking help when confronted with fears and challenges. Children will learn about the significance of veterinary care for pets, as well as vet procedures and treatments, and how love can help their pets in recovery. C. Strassel explores the emotional bond between pets and their owners, capturing precious moments that are essential in building trust. She also raises awareness about rescue animals and heartworms. I love that this story is inspired by real events, as it adds authenticity and emotional depth. The colorful illustrations bring the narrative to life, with a flower theme that adds warmth to the pages. Overall, Courageous Clooney is a wonderful tale that conveys valuable lessons about trust, love, and courage.

Philip Van Heusen

Most children love a good dog story. Courageous Clooney by C. Strassel is an adorable story of a dog’s journey with heartworms. Your child will be introduced to various steps in combating the debilitation caused by heartworms. They will learn how dogs acquire the worms, what the worms do, and the treatment that will save the dog’s life. Your child will learn about vets and how they show compassion to their animal patients. Shots may hurt, but they are given to make the animal better. The first time your child’s dog goes to the vet, they may become nervous around all the other animals. This book will help prepare your child for what their pet will go through. I highly recommend this book to every child with a pet to read before taking their best friend to the vet for the first time.

Courageous Clooney by C. Strassel is written on a child’s level and explains the seriousness of heartworms in a dog in easy-to-understand language. This fantastic picture book can help prepare your child for what to expect. The educational value will increase your child’s understanding of why their dog is always tired if they have heartworms. Lucia Benito does a masterful job of depicting Clooney, the other animals, and even the heartworms. As you read this book to and with your child, let it open many conversations, including taking responsibility for our pets, following the vet’s recommendations, patience as their dog heals, and paying attention to a pet’s needs. Heartworms in a dog can be scary, but this book helps your child understand all that the treatment requires.