Big-Enough Anna: The Little Sled Dog Who Braved Th [Paperback]

Pam Flowers (Author), Bill Farnsworth (Illustrator), Ann Dixon (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2003 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Pam Flowers, tells of a dog who played a pivotal role in Flowers' expe dition in the Arctic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A true story of how the runt of the litter became the leader of the pack. Flowers was preparing for a six-month, 2500-mile dogsled journey from Barrow, AK, to Repulse Bay, Canada, which would make her the first woman to cross the North American Arctic alone. Anna and her littermates trained with the older, more experienced dogs, with the intention that the strongest would accompany the expedition. Before attempting to pull a sled, the young canines were taught to follow voice commands; wear a harness; and drag twigs, sticks, and then small logs behind them. Though Anna was the smallest, she proved to have heart and a love of running; she was chosen for the trip. About halfway through the trek, the seasoned lead dog ran off; Anna took over and was instrumental in finishing the journey, which lasted almost twice as long as planned. Farnsworth's soft, sunlit oil paintings convey the cold and vast expanse of the northern climes while deftly depicting the action. White, brown, gray, and blue predominate in the attractive illustrations. Dog lovers will appreciate this real-life adventure tale starring a loyal and intrepid canine.-Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information. -- School Library Journal, January 1, 2004 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

AWARDS
2006-2007 Volunteer State Book Award
The Oregon Reading Association's Patricia Gallagher Award --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882405802
• ISBN-13: 978-0882405803
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,111 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Canadian
  • #6 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Iditarod & Dog-Sledding
  • #8 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Explore the World > Polar Regions

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite, no matter what your age, October 31, 2003

By 

Patricia McConnell (Madison, Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big-Enough Anna (Hardcover)

This exquisitely illustrated book is based on the true story of a litle sled dog who rose to the occasion and became a hero in her own right. Anna, a small Alaskan Husky female, was judged too small to be of any use when Pam Flowers made her historic journey across the Arctic with a team of sled dogs(chronicled in ALONE ACROSS THE ARCTIC). But when Pam's wise old leader dog disappeared, Pam put little Anna in the front because in spite of her size she was such a hard worker. Douggie, the wise old leader dog, was eventually found, but was so exhausted that little Anna had to take over and take charge of the trip. This lovely book not only teaches an important lesson--- that what matters is how much heart and spirit you have, not how big you are--- it is so beautifully done that I'm giving it to all my adult dog loving friends for Christmas.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, December 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Big-Enough Anna (Hardcover)

I really like this book! It's a kid-friendly story with great pictures and message. Pam Flowers tells the true story of how the smallest dog in her dog-sled team saved the life of her biggest, strongest one...and also made possible the successful finish of her expedition across the American and Canadian Arctic. And she subtly sends the message that each of us can mazimize our strengths and lead useful, productive lives, even if others think we have too many weaknesses. We may even become heroes!

Anna's small; and small dogs aren't usually what mushers want in their teams. But Pam sees Anna has a big spirit and is curious, intelligent, willing to learn and a hard worker. So even though Anna's young, Pam puts her where her exceptionally-good leader, Douggie, can teach Anna the ropes of that critical position. Then things happen; and physically-small Anna is "big enough" to do what needs to be done. She saves not only Douggie but also the expedition.

I'd read "Alone Across the Arctic" (also by Pam Flowers with Ann Dixon,) and admired Pam's own fortitude, intelligence and perseverance. I wanted to know more about the adventure. Here's a gold nugget of a book that does that. And it's well written; both youngsters, and the adults who may share it with them, will read it all the way through...several times.

The great illustrations (paintings) by Bill Farnsworth perfectly capture the story and the attention of young children. I love looking at them each time, too.

This is a great Christmas present. If you've finished your shopping, surprise everyone for Valentine's Day.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful story, fantastic illustrations, strong positive message!, October 2, 2005

By 

E. Lane (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Big-Enough Anna (Hardcover)

Big Enough Anna is a winner all around. The message is encouraging without being patronizing or syrupy; the illustrations will draw in even children who might think dogs are a little bit scary; and the story itself is full of a sense of daring and adventure and, most of all, the love between the musher/storyteller and her team of sled dogs. A great classroom unit could be built around this book, using the adult/teen version of the same story (Alone Across the Arctic) for additional background info or activity inspiration. (Both books could be read by a teacher in a weekend.) You will fall in love with Anna and all the dogs, and be cheering for them throughout all 3,000 miles of their expedition!