Waggit's Tale

by Peter Howe

Overview

He is nameless. He is homeless. He is lost.

Until he is found . . . by a team of mutts who shelter him and teach him how to survive the wilds of the city park.

And so he becomes Waggit, the best hunter and tracker in the pack.

But life in the park is dangerous and uncertain. In winter, food and warmth are scarce. Another team of wild dogs is a constant menace. And there is always the fear of capture by park rangers. Waggit can't help feeling that something is missing . . . something warm and cozy . . . and human. Then one day everything changes and Waggit must face a new threat and a new choice.

Peter Howe's tale of an abandoned puppy's search for home is an exciting mix of humor, adventure, and suspense. Most of all, it is a story of how love can turn strangers into family.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061910937
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/19/2024
Series:	Waggit , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	292
Lexile:	910L (what's this?)
File size:	1 MB
Age Range:	1 - 12 Years

About the Author

Peter Howe was born in London, lived in New York for more than thirty years, and currently resides in Connecticut with his wife and two dogs. He is a former New York Times Magazine and Life magazine picture editor and the author of two books on photography, Shooting Under Fire and Paparazzi. He is also the author of the Waggit’s Tale series, about an abandoned dog and his pack who live in Central Park.

Editorial Reviews

Howe makes an auspicious children's-book debut in this satisfying novel about an abandoned puppy who finds a family among a pack of stray dogs in Central Park. The pup, dubbed "Waggit" by his new friends, soon finds himself adapting to their ways and discovers his talents as a hunter and tracker. A fearsome group of enemy dogs, however, shares the same domain and leads an equally precarious life. Readers will get caught up in the dogs' adventures and the sad realities of life as a stray: The pound is an ever-present threat, one that Waggit learns about from first-paw experience. His rescue by a loving woman leads to a touching conclusion. Waggit's relationship with his compatriots develops well and lovingly, with humor. While the dogs speak English for readers' convenience, children will nevertheless get a realistic and sobering idea of the dangers strays face, and they will be heartened by the dogs' intelligence and camaraderie. A pleasant read for middle graders, dog lovers or otherwise. (glossary) (Fiction. 9-12)

Kirkus Reviews

Howe’s children’s-book debut presents a charming, mostly episodic tale complete with endearing characters.” — ALA Booklist

“A coming-of-age tale told from the canine perspective. Dog lovers will enjoy. Readers will find themselves drawn into the struggles and triumphs of Waggit’s found family.” — Publishers Weekly

“This is an excellent book to add to your dog collections.” — School Library Journal

“A richly imagined story of a puppy, abandoned by his owner. Will delight readers 10 and up, and younger children are likely to enjoy it read aloud.” — Newark Star Ledger

“A charming, sometimes heartbreaking tale.” — Litchfield County Times

“This children’s book will pull your heartstrings!” — Quick & Simple

“Peter Howe’s Waggit’s Tale, about an abandoned puppy surviving in the wilds of a city park while looking for friendship, mises emotion and suspense.” — Parade

“The story will appeal to young dog lovers and to devotees of New York City and Central Park.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Waggit’s relationship with his compatriots develops well and lovingly, with humor.” — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

The story will appeal to young dog lovers and to devotees of New York City and Central Park.

Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

A charming, sometimes heartbreaking tale.

Litchfield County Times

Howe’s children’s-book debut presents a charming, mostly episodic tale complete with endearing characters.

ALA Booklist

A richly imagined story of a puppy, abandoned by his owner. Will delight readers 10 and up, and younger children are likely to enjoy it read aloud.

Newark Star Ledger

This children’s book will pull your heartstrings!

Quick & Simple

Peter Howe’s Waggit’s Tale, about an abandoned puppy surviving in the wilds of a city park while looking for friendship, mises emotion and suspense.

Parade