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Bob Merz is the author of a new children’s picture book series, Parker the Homeless Dog. Its debut installment introduces a precious puppy living on the streets who is looking for a loving home and a family who will give her a name. The series aims to help families and educators of young children explore challenges, new experiences, and life skills with early readers.
Inspired by his family’s own rescue dog, Parker, Bob learned a lot from the rescue experience, which he found extremely rewarding. He wants his stories to teach important values that stay with the reader long after the book is closed. Empathy, acceptance, and building friendships are the themes of the initial three titles.
A marketing and communications executive living in Colorado, when he isn’t writing heartwarming stories for children, Bob enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, three children, and seven grandchildren. He also likes to follow the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, attend stage plays, concerts, and movies, strength training, and being outdoors.
Bob is an advocate for several children’s causes and animal rescue organizations and supports charities dedicated to veterans and cancer research.
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
Parker The Homeless Dog by Bob Merz is about a dog who wants to be adopted by a family. The homeless dog sleeps under a car, looks for food in garbage cans, and gets yelled at and kicked. Even children laugh at her and throw rocks at her. All the dog’s attempts to impress people with what a nice dog she is go nowhere. A dogcatcher captures her, but a kind teacher tells the dogcatcher that the dog belongs to her. She names her Parker and takes her home to a loving family. The author uses the book to illustrate the attribute of empathy. This is the first in a planned series featuring Parker to teach children about necessary and useful life skills. The book is illustrated by Debbie J. Hefke and is based on a true story.
Kids of all ages will enjoy reading Parker The Homeless Dog by Bob Merz. I certainly did. The story is charming and carries a wonderful message. The author certainly meets his goal of teaching the quality of empathy. Also, I believe that many children will be able to identify with Parker the dog. If they are being bullied or feel left out, they’ll learn that there’s hope for them to be accepted. The feel-good ending will please anyone who reads this book. Although Merz doesn’t say what ages the book is for, it would be perfect for youngsters who are just learning to read or old enough to be read to. Debbie J. Hefke's illustrations fit perfectly and add much to the enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this book to children, their parents, and their grandparents.
