This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
The Abandoned Dog/El Perro Abandonado by A.M. Vela/Mary Esparza-Vela is an educational picture book that children and parents will both love and appreciate. The book tells a simple story about a boy who rescues a starving dog. It is a story about trust and love, told with beautiful pictures and simple, easy sentences that kids will love to read and hear read aloud. The story is written in both English and Spanish, which also makes it very approachable for families that are bilingual or want to expose their children to bilingual stories.
I really liked that The Abandoned Dog/El Perro Abandonado highlights the tragedy of abandoned animals. A.M. Vela/Mary Esparza-Vela has taken a "cause" and written about that cause in a way that will interest children. I appreciated that the cover shows a starving animal and the author isn't afraid to depict Kookie the dog with his bones showing because he is starving. This was a very admirable approach and something I really respected about this book. At the end of the story is more information about animal rescue and real resources families can use if they are interested in learning more about how to help abandoned and starving animals. Not only is this a fun, light read for a young child, but parents can feel good about the message they are sharing with their children, and the dialogue that is being opened about animals and animal cruelty.
