I AM JAX, PROTECTOR OF THE RANCH
and
I AM AVA, SEEKER IN THE SNOW
A Dog’s Day Series, Books 1 and 2
by
CATHERINE STIER
Illustrated by Francesca Rosa
Genre: Animals / Adventure / Farm Life / Ranch Life / Chapter Books
Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company
Date of Publication: April 1, 2020
Number of Pages: 96
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
Spend a day in the life of a livestock guardian dog!
Jax the Great Pyrenees has a big job. After the Texas sun goes down, it’s up to him and two other LGDs to protect their ranch from predators. But when the lead dog gets hurt, Jax and a young pup are the only ones left to protect the flock through the night.
Told from the dog’s perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.
CLICK TO PURCHASE!
Spend a day in the life of an avalanche rescue dog!
Ava is a chocolate Labrador retriever with a big job. She and her handler have trained for years to be ready to help people at their ski resort if an unexpected avalanche hits. But Ava quickly finds out there’s much more to being an avy dog than daring rescues.
Told from the dog’s perspective, this riveting story also includes back matter about the breed and the role of the working dog.
A few months ago, I reviewed a picture book for another Lone Star blog tour and along with the book, the publisher provided a catalog of additional available or new release children’s books. Browsing through it, I saw this series and instantly knew my boys (7 and 5) would love them! Not only are they huge dog fans, but my 5 year old’s nickname is Jax!
I made a purchase suggestion to my local library, which they approved and added both books to their catalog. We immediately checked them out, and we had such a great time together as I read them aloud. It was such a lovely surprise to see the series come up on tour and I just had to jump on!
This is an incredibly charming book in a series that young readers will absolutely enjoy as they spend an exciting day in the life of a working dog!
Ava specializes in avalanche rescue, so it was fascinating to explore all aspects of her job that included everything from what makes a dog a good fit for this duty to their daily training. Even the bond between human and animal is important because this connection ensures success when a recovery mission occurs. Told from Ava’s point of view, this perspective certainly works well with children as they too are constantly discovering the world around them. As Ava learns new words in reference to the jobs that she will do, young readers will build vocabulary right along with her. For example, the trainers remark that Ava has good “instincts” and then key descriptors are provided to reinforce the meaning of that word. This is a solid and unique reading experience that works to challenge without being discouraging.
Ava’s story will entertain young readers with it’s simple, yet adventurous plot that moves seamlessly from meeting the dog, learning about her personality, understanding her rescue tasks and training, and moving into an actual mission! This illustrated chapter book is a fun beginning read for emergent readers, but so engaging for even your most reluctant reader! Filled with lots of interesting facts that are interspersed within the narrative, this would also be a great choice for readers who prefer non-fiction, but need to fill the fiction void. This story is such a fantastic way to boost confidence for children who are bored with traditional early readers and seeking to read chapter books, but are not quite ready to take the leap into the world of juvenile or middle grade fiction that is very text heavy. A fast-paced read that is also delightful as a family read aloud.
The illustrations are endearing and welcoming for children, reminding them of the animated shows they will be more than familiar with. I love that the images are action oriented and realistic, which works well to visually respect the nature of the job being done.
Ava is a well developed character that will resonate strongly with young readers. Though each book showcases the individual abilities of one specific breed, they all become connected by the overall theme of the challenging and important work dogs provide for humans every day. My kids and I are super excited to meet and learn about other hardworking dogs, so we can’t wait for more titles within this highly recommended series! Everything about this book offers a timeless quality that will keep it relevant year after year and generation after generation!
As the first book in a new series, this is a solid introduction for young readers to learn more about the exciting life of a working dog!
This book follows Jax, a livestock guardian dog, who specializes in protecting a flock of sheep. Told from his point of view, this perspective provides fascinating detail into how Jax was chosen for the job, the training and care that he and the other animals receive, and the dangers constantly surrounding ranch life. As the first in the series, this book establishes the formula: an adventurous plot that moves seamlessly from meeting the dog, learning about his personality, understanding his tasks, and moving into an actual confrontation with a predator. Just as Jax is learning more about the world around him, young readers will be able to build their vocabulary right along with him. Young readers will be challenged by the inclusion of bigger words, but the descriptors surrounding the word will fill in the gap without being discouraging.
The illustrated chapter book format works well as a bridge from traditional early readers that may have become boring, while not being overly taxing like more text heavy juvenile or middle grade fiction. While certainly a fun beginning read for emergent readers, this is also an engaging read for even your most reluctant reader! Filled with lots of interesting facts that are interspersed within the narrative, this would also be a great choice for readers who prefer non-fiction, but need to fill the fiction void.
The action oriented illustrations are endearing and welcoming for children, reminding them of all the animated shows they are more than familiar with. Realistic and captivating, the images are appealing in their style and work well to visually respect the nature of the job being done. Everything about this book offers a timeless quality that will keep it relevant year after year and generation after generation!
Jax is a well developed character that will resonate strongly with young readers. This is a remarkable start to a series that my kids and I are highly anticipating more from!
Catherine Stier, a former Midwesterner, now lives deep in the heart of Southwest Texas, on the edge of the beautiful Hill Country. Her children’s books have received honors and awards from the Society of School Librarians International, the International Reading Association, and the Bank Street College of Education. Stier has served as a frequent contributor to Woman’s Day Magazine and as a newspaper columnist. Her work has also appeared in Highlights for Children, My Friend, Child Life, and several newspapers, including the Chicago Sun-Times and the San Antonio Express-News. Stier’s lively and interactive Author’s Visit programs have entertained, educated, and inspired thousands of children. Visit Catherine Stier’s website at www.catherinestier.com for more information, activities, and free curriculum guides.
ONE WINNER!
Hardcover copy of I Am Jax, Protector of the Ranch (Book 1), hardcover copy of I Am Ava, Seeker in the Snow (Book 2), $15 gift card to The Twig Book Shop, stuffed animal – adorable “Ava” Lab dog toy, dog stickers, dog socks.
September 17-27, 2020
(US ONLY)
Many thanks again to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours! It was an absolute pleasure reading, reviewing, and hosting! And be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more opinions and extras!
CLICK TO VISIT THE LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE TOUR PAGE FOR DIRECT LINKS TO EACH POST ON THIS TOUR, UPDATED DAILY,
or visit the blogs directly:
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9/17/20
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BONUS Post
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9/17/20
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Review Jax
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9/18/20
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Character Interview
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9/19/20
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Review Ava + BONUS Jax Review
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9/20/20
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Jax Scrapbook
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9/21/20
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Ava Scrapbook
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9/22/20
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Review Jax
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9/23/20
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Review Ava
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9/24/20
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Sneak Peek Jax
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9/25/20
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Review Jax
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9/26/20
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Review Ava
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That's What She's Reading 
Thank you so much for sharing your insights and comments in this amazing review! And I was so excited to see those fun photos – they're just so dog gone cute!
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