Brave Norman: A True Story (Pets to the Rescue) [Hardcover]

Andrew Clements (Author), Ellen Beier (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Pets to the Rescue

Level 1: Starting to Read

• Simple stories
• Increased vocabulary
• Longer sentences

Norman is a dog who cannot see. One day, he is at the beach. He hears a girl in the water calling for help. Can a blind dog save someone's life?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3--Clements tells a compelling story in an easy-to-read format. After the McDonalds adopted Norman from an animal shelter, they found out that the dog was going blind. Norman's disability was worrisome at first, but once the family adjusted, Norman did too. He was even a hero in the end. There is just enough action to hold young readers' attention as the story comes to its climax. Beier's soft, comfy watercolors complement the message of family loyalty and potential. Even though the pet is handicapped, and taking care of him is more work, the family members adore him, and he, in turn, thrives despite his limitations. Children will be charmed by this lovable pooch and his ability to overcome his obstacles and help others.

Holly T. Sneeringer, St. Mark School, Baltimore, MD

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 1-2. A blind dog saves a child and becomes a hero in this Ready-to-Read title. Rescued from the pound, golden retriever Norman adores his new family. When he starts to go blind, the family continues to love and support him, taking him often to the beach where he can run freely without bumping into things. That's where he hears a drowning girl, swims to her rescue, and becomes a local celebrity. The gripping, sentimental story, perfectly paced and worded for new readers, will compel children to complete the text on their own, and Beier's appealing, realistic watercolor illustrations show Norman in all his tongue-wagging, compassionate charm. A great choice for animal lovers. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689829140
• ISBN-13: 978-0689829147
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #854,547 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great story told in simple text., May 7, 2003

By 

P. Heaphy (West Haven, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brave Norman : A True Story (Paperback)

I picked up this book to share with my preschool class when we were studying pets. It is filled with good messages, and yet does not come across as being preachy. It begins with Norman being adopted from an animal shelter as an adult dog (great message #1). Eventually they learn Norman is going blind. Of course the family will keep Norman, that is never a question! (great message #2). Their older dog Lucy helps Norman by walking next to him so he doesn't bump into things (#3). Norman loves the beach because there he doesn't have to worry about bumping into things. While there, he rescues a girl struggling in the water (#4). It takes the team of people on the beach plus Norman to get the girl in safely (#5). Norman is the hero! An easy reader or a nice read for younger children. I will definitely be purchasing other books in this series.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PERFECT!!!!, August 13, 2009

By 

critters - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Brave Norman : A True Story (Paperback)

disclaimer: I have particular interest in thrown away critters with disabilities; I have a houseful of them!

With that said, "Brave Norman" is a GREAT book. It not only touches on animal shelters and how critters with disabilities are treated ("Are you sure you want to keep him?"), but Norman is shown as essentially normal despite his blindness. Then Norman even gets to be the hero by rescuing a little girl who was drowning, not only DESPITE his blindness but probably BECAUSE of it (he heard her cries and responded when the humans didn't notice).

I can't find a single thing here to even think about taking a star away. PERFECT!!!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Ready To Read Book, September 3, 2006

By 

Judith Hodges (GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brave Norman : A True Story (Paperback)

My son received this book for his 5th birthday. It is a short book about animals, so it keep his attention. It is also great because it teaches that animals with disabilities should be treated with respect and love which a great lesson to carry over to people. A sweet story with a lesson.