Children's Book Review: Buddy's Tail by K. Anne Russell

Buddy's Tail
Author:  K. Anne Russell
Copyright:  2011
Publisher:  Self-published
Pages:  171 (39 Chapters)
ISBN 978-1456411954
Genre:  Children's Fiction

http://www.buddystail.com/home.html

Summary:  Buddy's story teaches young readers about the bonds of love and friendship, the role of free will in building character, the importance of responsibility in our lives, especially as it relates to animal welfare, and the acceptance of death as part of life's journey for ourselves and our pets. (from www.buddystail.com)

My Review:  Buddy is a standard poodle living with a family who neglects his needs.   Buddy longs for a home where he will be loved, with humans he can care for but his end is near.  That's when Buddy and the Good Shepherd strike a deal and Buddy is given another chance for happiness.  Six years later, the deal's conditions must be met and Buddy must leave his earthly life behind.  In Haven, Buddy's talents are recognized and he becomes the best guide dog, helping other dogs find their way to Haven when their time comes.  Until one day when Buddy must make a decision that alters his position in Haven and Mackenzie finds herself acting as defence for her friend Buddy.  This day changes Haven forever.

Of all the dog books I've read and reviewed on this blog, Buddy's Tail has truly found a place in my heart.  Buddy's Tail is a tale of love; friendship; the bond between humans and their pets; loyalty and doing what's right, even if it is difficult.  K. Anne Russell wrote Buddy's Tail for an audience of children, nine  and up being the recommended age group.  But as I sat with this book this morning, enjoying Ms. Russell's incredible talent as a diverse writer, I marvelled at the depth and the messages of Buddy's Tail.  On the surface it is a dog's tale, but it is deeper, with resonating lessons for all. Lessons that not only children need to know. 

Buddy's Tail, in its unpublished version, was part of the curriculum for a group of children.  The children and moms of Coachella Valley served as reviewers for Buddy's Tail.  I'd like to have been there to hear their response to the valuable recital of human/dog bonds.  I'm sure they were as taken with it as I am.


Rated 4/5

Katharine A. Russell writes under the names Kath Russell (see review:  A Pointed Death a Pointer Mystery), Katharine A. Russell (see review:  Deed So) and K. Anne Russell (Buddy's Tail). Author Biography Katharine A. Russell received a BA degree in history from Northwestern University, holds an MS degree in journalism from Boston University and an MBA in marketing from the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern. She finished her certificate in creative writing through the U.C.L.A. Writer's Program in 2009. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Women's National Book Association, and the Palm Springs Writers Guild. She also is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Association of Business Communicators, the Association for Business Communication and Women of Higher Caliber, a women's shooting club. Russell divides her time between Palm Desert, California, and Baltimore, Maryland. russellwrites.blogspot.com                                          http://www.russellwrites.com