Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog [Perfect Paperback]

Barbara Gail Techel (Author, Editor), Victoria Kay Lieffring (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 11, 2008

Award-winning true, inspirational story about a dachshund whose life started out just like any other dog, walking on all four paws until a spinal injury leaves her paralyzed. Frankie is custom fit for a wheelchair and learns to keep on rolling. Her zest for life will have you cheering and she will give you hope that all things are possible.
Awards:  National Best Book from USA Book News for children's soft cover picture book, Merial Human-Animal Bond Award from Dog Writer's Associaiton of America, Editor's Choice from AllBooks Review and Indie Excellence finalist.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

It is my hope with Frankie the Walk 'N Roll Dog book series that I can bring positive awareness to animals with disabilities.  I also hope that Frankie will help children around the world realize that their challenges are stepping stones to something greater, and that they can always be positive no matter what their challenges.  It is also my hope that Frankie will inspire everyone to consider giving back to their communities despite any obstacle that they may face.
Frankie has been my greatest teacher and not a day goes by that I don't thank God for the gift of her and the many blessings she has brought to my life.

From the Inside Flap

Easter Sunday 2006, my husband John and I were on vacation in Florida when our sweet dog Frankie's life changed forever.  We felt so helpless so many miles away and our hearts felt like they would break in two.  We were scared we might never see Frankie again.

The year that followed was filled with ups and downs, tears, laughter, love, determination and, most of all, hope.

Sometimes life does not go as planned.  When this happens, we may feel lost, scared and confused.  But if we open our minds to what lies ahead, we'll be pleasantly surprised.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Perfect Paperback: 52 pages
• Publisher: Joyful Paw Prints (January 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0980005205
• ISBN-13: 978-0980005202
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #474,282 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Barbara Techel's passion is bringing a positive face and voice to animals with disabilities. After her dachshund, Frankie suffered a spinal injury she was custom-fitted for a wheelchair and Barbara realized the beautiful opportunity she had to spread a positive message that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if given a chance.
The award-winning Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog series are true, inspirational stories about her paralyzed dachshund. Frankie teaches us that no matter our challenges, we can persevere with a positive attitude. And despite our challenges we can each give back in our own, unique way. Frankie is Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame Companion Dog.
Barbara's books have received National Best Book for children's picturebook, Merial Human-Animal Bond award, Editor's Choice from Allbooks Review, Indie Excellence finalist and Indie Excellence winner.
Frankie's story also appears in "Every Dog Has a Gift" by Rachel McPhearson, published by Penguin/Tarcher March 2010 and "Dogs and the Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Love, Healing and Inspiration" by Linda and Allen Anderson published Fall 2010 by New World Library (recommended by Oprah's O Magazine).
Also featured in Woman's World magazine, The American Dog, Dog Living magazine, USAToday.com and AOL PawNation.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting and inspiring!, July 9, 2008

By 

Mayra Calvani "Multi-genre author and reviewer." (Brussels, Belgium) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog (Perfect Paperback)

This is a beautiful, uplifting story about hope and overcoming challenges. It is also a brightly illustrated picture book that will touch and delight young readers.

Frankie is a miniature dachshund who lives a happy life with his beloved human parents and dog sister, a gentle chocolate lab named Cassie. Frankie spends his days learning to go potty, taking long bicycle rides with Mom, and visiting his favorite market, where he enjoys baked goods and flowers. He's the center of attention wherever he goes and kids love him. He also has two doggie friends, Olive and Baci.

For Frankie, life is beautiful, playing with his friends and soaking up the warm sun on the grass.

Sadness eventually knocks on the door: Cassie, his doggie sister, falls ill and passes away. But as it's often the case, the bad thing brings up a good thing, and soon Kylie, a labrador retriever puppy, comes into their lives. All seems perfect for a while...

Then the unthinkable happens: Frankie has a terrible accident. He suffers a spinal injury. Will Frankie walk again? Will he overcome his handicap? Will he be happy again?

Frankie's story is uplifting and inspiring! It is the perfect book to read to children in order to teach them not only how to overcome challenges, but also about compassion and the handicap. I found the illustrations, which appear to be computer enhanced, original and delightful in a simple, very modern way. The colors are bright and cheerful. This is the kind of story that may be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, especially by those people who love dogs. The book is longer than your standard picture book and has lots of text, so while you may not be able to finish it in one sitting as a bedtime story, you can read it to kids in short installments.

--Mayra Calvani, Mayra's Secret Bookcase

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, wonderful, June 30, 2008

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog (Perfect Paperback)

Frankie is like any other dachshund or wiener dog. She loves her new home, enjoys playing in the yard, going to the market and sleeping. But tragedy strikes when she is six years old and her owners are out of town.

Frankie survives a horrible accident but is left unable to use her back legs. Though she attempts physical therapy, it becomes clear that her legs will never work again. Frankie and her owners overcome this obstacle as well and purchase a customized cart for Frankie's back legs. Through hard work, pain and dedication, Frankie learns to walk using the cart and wheels attached to her little body.

Inspiring, refreshing and extremely kid-friendly, this book is a great book to introduce children to disability in a friendly, non-threatening way. The illustrations are beautiful and yet simple. Parents can enjoy sitting down to read this to their younger children and upper elementary school can read the book alone without much difficulty.

Armchair Interviews says: Frankie, The Walk `N Roll Dog is a wonderful book.

5.0 out of 5 stars delightful dog tale, December 7, 2010

By 

Francine L. Trevens (NYC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Frankie, the Walk 'N Roll Dog (Perfect Paperback)

Frankie is a dog with a lot of derring do who helps others eagerly and effectivelty. The art work supports the story beautifully and it is a good read for the smallest child to the eldest senior. Inspires us all and reminds us we should keep going and keep giving back.