The Adventures of Moly

The Time Traveling Dog

Children - Animals
42 Pages
Reviewed on 11/10/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

In The Adventures of Moly, the Time Traveling Dog: Journey to Pompeii by David Alyn Gordon, readers meet Moly, a sweet and curious therapy dog who loves helping children and spending time with her owner, Ferrara. When he prepares her for her latest mission at the Falcone Foundation, this lovable pup is soon teleported back in time to the historic city of Pompeii. Along the way, she makes new friends, including a young boy named Marcus and his canine companion, Spartacus, while exploring the bustling Roman marketplace and amphitheater. But as the volcano begins to rumble, Moly’s quest becomes a race against time. Can one brave little dog make a difference in the middle of such danger? With a mix of history, imagination, and heart, this tale takes youngsters on an exciting journey filled with loyalty, courage, and learning.

I really enjoyed The Adventures of Moly by David Alyn Gordon. It’s a creative and touching story that blends adventure with historical discovery in a way kids will love. As an educator, I can see this book sparking fun classroom discussions about ancient Rome, volcanoes, or even therapy animals and their roles today. Students could draw scenes of Moly’s journey or research what life in Pompeii was really like. The writing is warm and sincere, making the time-travel concept easy for young students to follow. The illustrations by Valeria Leonova are vivid and expressive, bringing both the modern world and the ancient setting to life. I especially loved how Moly’s personality shines through in every scene—curious, brave, and full of love. It’s the kind of story that encourages empathy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder about the past.

Anne-Marie Reynolds

The Adventures of Moly by David Gordon is a story about a time-traveling dog. Moly the Beagle Terrier loves spending time with the kids at the Renaissance Academy, where she is a therapy dog, but she also has a big secret. She can travel through time. It’s time for her next trip, so she and Ferraro head to the Falcone Foundation, where she is fitted with a special collar to take photos and keep her safe on her travels. Today, Moly is going to Pompeii, and when she arrives, she meets Spartacus, a big Cane Corso, with his owner, Marcus. Moly joins them in their travels through the city, but not everything is fun and safe. What dangers does Moly face in Pompeii? Can she make it back to the Foundation safely?

The Adventures of Moly by David Gordon is a fun, educational story for young readers. The illustrations by Valeria Leonova really bring the story to life and introduce kids to ancient history on every page. It’s a magical tale, full of adventure and excitement, and it teaches the importance of friendship and having the courage to face whatever comes up. Using animals as the main characters helps kids create better connections with the story and be more involved in reading. Young readers will love following Moly’s adventures in Pompeii, and they’ll go on a journey they’ll never forget. Stories like these teach history in a fun way, ensuring kids are more likely to remember what they learn, and it's also an excellent introduction to therapy dogs and what they do. A very enjoyable story that kids will love, and the ending leads neatly into the next book in the series.