A Dog on His Own [Audio CD]

MJ Auch (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up

"I m not a stray, I m a free and independent dog!" At least, that s what K-10 likes to tell himself. But as his adventures bring him into contact with a range of dogs--tiny but big-hearted (and hilarious) Peppy, wise old Tucker, and most of all tart-tongued Pearl, he begins to wonder if he might want to have a home after all. Then K-10 meets Adolf and Rotter, and his troubles really begin. Can a dog on his own survive a pair of ferocious bullies to find his way back to a home he never had? Filled with loveable canine characters, this dog s eye view of the world is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching. Audie-Award winning narrator William Dufris brings his unique blend of sensitivity and wacky humor to a charming novel that Booklist called "A compelling, affectionate story of opening not just one s home, but also one s heart."

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—K-10 is cute, friendly, independent, and, as his Mom told him, "one step above all the other canines." But after too many owners and unwanted trips to the animal shelter, K-10 just wants to live free. Unfortunately, a big hunk of meat on the ground proves too much for a hungry dog to pass up, so once again he finds himself with a rope around his neck, being shuttled back to the pound, and this time getting adopted doesn't turn out to be so easy. Told in first person, the humorous, action-packed novel follows K-10 and some newfound friends through numerous escapes, misadventures, and setbacks, and wraps up with a tidy and satisfying conclusion. With a winning cover and fast pace, it's sure to please dog-loving kids.—Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

After six names and six owners, canine K-10 doesn’t trust humans. Back in the animal shelter again, he insists he’s no stray, just independent. Along with shelter dogs Pearl and Peppy he escapes, but freedom is fraught with complications, including finding food and a safe place to sleep. When Peppy’s returned to his owner and Pearl leaves, K-10 falls in with the tough street duo Adolph, a brutish Doberman, and his Rottweiler sidekick, Rotter. Things worsen when K-10 must prove his loyalty, which leads to injury and a heartbreaking series of events. Ultimately, reuniting with Pearl helps him regain hope and a new understanding of himself and others, including humans. K-10 is an engaging character, whose lively narrative intimately details shelter life and survival challenges. Though some of the others are archetypes and there are a few potentially disturbing scenes, the dogs’ experiences facing their fears and learning the true meaning of friendship and family will resonate with kids. This is a compelling, affectionate story of opening not just one’s home, but also one’s heart. Grades 4-6. --Shelle Rosenfeld --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Audio CD
• Publisher: Full Cast Audio: OneVoice; Unabridged edition (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934180874
• ISBN-13: 978-1934180877
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,390,064 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesomely entertaining audiobook!, April 4, 2011

By 

Heather Bee (Atlanta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Dog on His Own (Audio CD)

I always am moved to post reviews of audiobooks which can be enjoyed by both child and chauffeur. I found this one in the library. I thought the cover looked a bit too cutesy for me to enjoy the story very much, but since we recently have acquired a foster dog, I did think my nine-year-old son might like it. I probably would not have taken the chance on buying the audiobook, but boy, if you're considering it, go for it.

The story has depth and subtle complexity, the characters are endearing, and the wry humor is fairly sophisticated, yet target-audience-appropriate. William Dufris' performance is excellent and easily would bear repeated listens.

The plot details the fate of K10 and the dogs he meets while on the lam from the dog shelter. His back story - at times touching, then hilarious - is revealed gradually, as are the stories of his friends. Like so many "big kids," K10 wants to be self-sufficient, while at the same time yearning for (and in his case, missing) his mother's comfort and approval. In a desperate attempt at self-preservation, K10 seeks protection from two dogs who, though they get to eat regularly, are ruthless bullies. A thought-provoking presentation of questions of friendship, peer pressure and bullying.

The dogs' thoughts and worldviews are made into flesh in this performance; when the book was done, I found myself missing our dog's verbal input into communal life.

Very well done.