By AvidBibliophile
In The Big Adventures of Little Lucky by Paula Gehring-Kevish, young readers are introduced to a little, abandoned dog named Lucky. When his family moved away from the area, he was left behind to somehow survive in the sweltering summer heat of Las Vegas, Nevada. With very little accessible food or water, he had become quite malnourished, but his spirit never faltered. When a family comes along to offer him safe shelter and a new home, he soon learns what it is like to have (human and dog) siblings. He happily takes rides in trucks and makes trips to the local hardware store. One day, his tail suddenly stops wagging, and he requires significant time and physical therapy to recover from paralysis resulting from an implied spinal injury.
I do feel this book would be appropriate for all children in the targeted reading age range of 5-9 years.
The succinct sentences feature simple, straightforward, easy-to-follow terminology like “tummy rubs.” The author even utilizes the term “pet doctor” instead of the more complicated “veterinarian.” I would recommend this book
to anyone who appreciates a rescue story with a happy ending. Themes of abandonment become second
chances, and setbacks become successfully surmountable with a caring support system in place. Kids will broadly learn about the benefits of adopting, fostering, and rescuing homeless pets.
By Ramona Morrow books/Beautifully written children’s books articles and author of Jaimie’s Pet Winnioeg, Canada
The Big Adventures of Little Lucky: Book 1 is a cute story of a rescue dog who gets a second chance for a wonderful and happy life with new owners who love him very much. The illustrations are bright and very pleasing to the eye. I highly encourage everyone to read this uplifting children’s book. It is a good story to reach your kids to teach them about rescue dogs. Thank you Paula Gehring-Kevish for writing a heartwarming book for all dog lovers. A perfect book to give anyone thinking about “dog adoption” at a young age. Well done Paula.
By: Terri Hellem, Las Vegas, Nevada. Retired educator, CCSD
In looking for a new book, for my grandson, I stumbled across The Big Adventures of Little Lucky. What a touching story about a dog who was left behind when the family moved. It was a well written children’s book that my grandson asked me to read to him during every visit. I like the authors dedication which led directly into the empathetic and compassionately written story. My grandson enjoys the pictures, especially the real picture of Lucky at the end of the story. Had I still been an educator when this book came out, it would have been included both in my classroom library as well as my lessons. A MUST read for children!
by: Kristin, CCSD parent
My children, yes all 3 girls, LOVE this book so much we ordered copies for their cousins! The girls FAVORITE school counselor wrote this heartfelt book about her adorable rescue dog Lucky. The child appropriate writing perfectly tells children how some people are not nice to animals and how kids need to show empathy and compassion towards them. Can’t wait to get her second book about her rescue dog Gunner of Gunner Gets a Forever Home. Looks like she has found her next career.
by: RetiredOBNurse
What a wonderful children’s book to read! I also feel that if the concepts you mentioned are introduced to a child early in their life, they will likely become an adult with qualities we all strive to exhibit in our everyday lives. I love the idea of choosing a “rescue” dog to become a member of the family as well. Thank you for the well written review of this story about a dog named Lucky!
by: Nqobile771
Little Lucky had an unfaltering spirit. The book seems perfect for children.
by: Prisallen
I do agree that empathy should be encouraged at an early age, and this book certainly seems to do that.
Laura Bach
Such a heartwarming tale and I love the fact that it teaches children the importance of adopting pets.
