The Life & Times Of Baxter The Bat Dog [Hardcover]

Carollee Wagonlite (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 30, 2005

The Baxter short stories are based on the sometimes touching, sometimes suspenseful, but always exciting true-life adventures of a tiny dog with a big heart. The mission of this children’s book is to educate children that even a humble, unassuming animal (such as a pet dog) can overcome life’s trials and lead a fruitful, productive life. These little children’s stories emphasize that life—in any form, whether human or animal—is valuable and reinforce the concept that all God’s creatures have their own place and time on Earth. Similar to the wonderful theme Disney stories have presented for generations! During his lifetime, little Baxter spread joy and happiness wherever his travels took him. He makes a wonderful role model, demonstrating that an ordinary creature can triumph over what, at the time, appears to be great adversity. Baxter is an inspiration to children who suffer from traumatic events such as abandonment or serious physical injuries.

Volume One: Baxter the Bat Dog is abandoned by his family and struck by a car. Veterinarians rush to mend his broken legs. A TV station puts Baxter on the local news, announcing that he needs a new home. Merry Jones, a cheery young woman with two cats, is chosen as Baxter’s new owner.

Volume Two: In this illustrated children’s story with a Halloween theme—Baxter is dressed as a Bat Dog and spends Halloween with Merry’s niece and nephew. They attend the school’s Halloween party and other fun outdoor events. Baxter generously shares his goodies with his cat friends—Cinnamon and Pearly-Mae.

Volume Three: In this illustrated Christmas story—Baxter and the family cats decide what presents to give their "owners" for Christmas. A snowstorm prevents Baxter from digging out his surprise bone gift. But afterwards, Baxter discovers a miraculous gift that demonstrates his devotion and love.

A portion of ALL portions will be donated to various humane charities.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

CAROLLEE WAGONLITE, pen name for writer/producer Gloria Shepherd, has devoted much of her life toward the rescue, rehabilitation, and proper placement of dogs, cats, horses, and waterfowl. She resides with her husband outside Denver, Colorado.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 68 pages
• Publisher: High Seas Pub; 1ST edition (March 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974209384
• ISBN-13: 978-0974209388
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,794,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Children of ALL ages !, May 1, 2005

By 

R. Sailors "Editor - Simple Things" (Ocean Shores WA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Life & Times Of Baxter The Bat Dog (Hardcover)

I have just completed reading and reviewing the book 'The Life and Times of Baxter the Bat Dog".

I am a pet owner myself, having a black long haired cat named 'Baxter' and a dog also rescued from the animal shelter named 'Aussie' - who is part Border Collie and part Australian Shepherd. I loved the dialogue between Baxter, Cinnamon and Pearly-Mae.

I think this book will serve it's purpose well, with children of all ages. The message is clear that we are all loveable, no matter that we are not 'perfect'. This should especially reach children with physical handicaps, or who have been abandoned, or adopted. It will even impact the child who is always picked on for having 'big ears' or other less-than-perfect physical features.

It is also important to note the gifts that our pets give back to us, the unconditional love and devotion, companionship, gratitude, and genuine happiness to see us each day, or the physical Christmas gift that Baxter gave his owners. When a pet is adopted from an animal shelter or an animal rescue group, the bond that is created between the pet and the owner is one of the strongest attachments I have seen.

I am grateful to Carollee for writing this book, and also benefiting the various animal charities.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life and Times of Baxter is a really good REAL story, March 30, 2009

By 

Karen S. "older/wiser" (Milwaukee, WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life & Times Of Baxter The Bat Dog (Hardcover)

The story of Baxter the Bat Dog is a truly gentle way to discuss a sensitive issue. My audience of toddlers were surprised as the story began with Baxter being left behind by his owners moving to another house. The book provided us the chance to talk about things that really happen and to celebrate the eventual happy ending for the 'easy to love' little dog. Written as three short chapters, I read each section as a separate story. This made the discussion continue and the little ones even asked for more about Baxter when I finished the book. It gave us a starting point as we discuss how we care for our pets and why every animal is loveable for many different reasons. The story flows smoothly and the illustrations are enjoyable and uncomplicated. There are enough details in each picture to talk about the page beyond the written words. Our family favorite was discussing the good relationship that Baxter enjoys with his new owner's two cats. Last, but not least, the purchase of this book helps provide other homeless animals with the possibility of a similar happy story. I suggest that you buy more than one. It is a wonderful gift for any special occasion or in my case "just because".

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bat Dog is a hit!, August 26, 2005

By 

Deven Vasko "devenvasko" (Mobile, AL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Life & Times Of Baxter The Bat Dog (Hardcover)

"The Life & Times of Baxter the Bat Dog" is probably one of the sweetest stories I've ever enjoyed reading to my children. This beautiful children's book is actually three short stories about the cutest little bat dog named Baxter.

* The first story tells of how Baxter finds a new family after being abandoned. This first meeting between the reading and Baxter is precious. His eagerness to embrace life endears him to your heart.

* The second story is Baxter's first Halloween. His kindness in remembering to share his treats with his new family is a wonderful life lesson for children.

* The last is Baxter's first Christmas. His desire to give his new owner a special gift is reminiscent of the "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry.

Carollee Wagonlite is an extraordinarily gifted storyteller. Baxter's sweet spirit shines through the story with gentle grace. "Baxter" is based on a real-life little dog and his adventures. How such a sweet little baby was abandon is hard to understand but I can only rejoice that he was adopted by the Wagonlite family and through this book shared with us all.

The illustrations of Oswaldo Rosales are charming. Baxter's personality and joy of life was easily seen by children. I often find my toddler studying the pictures and giggling.

I have given "The Life and Times of Baxter, the Bat Dog" five stars! Not only did I love the stories and illustrations, but my preschool children did. And although the real-life Baxter is no longer living, we hope to see more adventures soon.

Reviewer name: Deven D. Vasko