Customer Reviews

The Life & Times Of Baxter The Bat Dog

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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".

"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

The Life and Times of Baxter the Bat Dog is a cute exposé into the life of Baxter who experiences several adventures during his life. Although categorized for the 4 to 8 age group, the size of the book might be overwhelming for a young reader so it is nice that it is broken down into smaller volumes, bound together as one.

Volume One starts off with Baxter being hit by a car. After being abandoned by his family, a news story sends plenty of people his way, looking to adopt him. He finds a new and wonderful home with Merry Jones and her two cats.

Volume Two finds Baxter trick-or-treating for Halloween dressed as a bat. His pointy ears and black fur make being dressed as a bat the perfect costume for him. He attends a Halloween party and goes home to share his bounty with Merry's cats.

Volume Three brings Baxter to Christmas and his dilemma on delivering Christmas gifts to Merry and the cats, Cinnamon and Pearly-Mae. In the end Baxter learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Children and their caretakers will fall in love with Baxter. I hope there is a continuation of the series as it is encouraging to find an example of how to behave from a loveable creature that everybody can envision and relate to. Written in simple English whether a child is reading or being read to, equal enjoyment can be found in both the pictures and prose.

The Life & Times of Baxter the Bat Dog! portrays a cute, little dog who experiences some of the same events as most young children. Children love animal stories and many have pets. As children enter elementary school, they are encouraged to write creatively. They write about things they know and have experienced, and many times it is about a pet. Baxter would make a good story starter.

Baxter got his name "Bat Dog" because he had very pointy ears and booked somewhat like a bat. Baxter's first experience in the book results in a stay at the hospital after an accident, when he is hit by a car. Find out how Baxter becomes a TV star.

Chapters 2 and 3 are stories about children's favorite holidays: Halloween and Christmas. Children love to dress up in costume and pretend. Baxter experiences the same fun activities children do during Halloween. Christmas is a time of snow, sharing love and making special gifts for family. Baxter has a very special surprise for his special family.

The author shares Baxter's emotions and love with the reader. With the addition of beautifully illustrated pictures, this wonderful children's book will bring enjoyment to both young and mature readers.

As a mother of a ten and a thirteen-year old, I appreciate the quality of the writing and the superb illustrations in The Life and Times of Baxter the Bat Dog! My ten-year old son never reads a book in one sitting; but to my amazement, he finished Baxter the Bat Dog in one sitting. My thirteen-year old daughter also enjoyed reading about Baxter. I would definitely recommend this book to friends.

The Life and Times of Baxter the Bat Dog is a fun book for kids of all ages. Using a variety of scenes, objects, and characters that are familiar to children, this book relates well to kids while recounting fun and true-life stories of the real life Baxter the Bat Dog.

Though my son is only an infant, he enjoys the colorful illustrations and the melodic words. And I look forward to the years in the future when I will still be reading the three stories to him. Having three stories in one book makes for a great value and a good variety of stories at bedtime or anytime your child wants to hear an adventure. Additionally, the language and content are directed towards children, which makes an excellent book for those just learning to read. I highly recommend this three-story book.

After reading this delightful children's book and being impressed with thisstory written by Carollee Wagonlite, I decided I would read it to 3 of my 5grandchildren and get their feelings and reactions to it. My 5 yeargranddaughter, Kassidy, and 4-1/2 year old grandson, Chase, really got excitedwhen I read this little book to them. I was touched to see their reactionwhen Baxter was left behind by his previous owners, but then united withanother loving family who adopted him and showed him the love and affectionhe was needing. My grandson Chase really got into the part about the SchoolHalloween party that Baxter attended - as Baxter really looked every partlike the little Bat Dog he was. I could see the excitement on my grandkids'faces as we read thru the 3 stories in this book. I felt they tooexperienced the feelings of love, sharing, kindness and devotion that thisbook exhibited. Even my 9 year old granddaughter, Dominique, watched meread the book to her sister, and then asked if she could read every otherpage with me. It was special as she to wanted to help me in reading thisbook to her little sister. Dominique, Kassidy, and Chase wanted totake the book home with them, but I said I wanted to keep it at my house,so that we could read it again when they came to visit. The next time mygrandson came to visit, guess what he wanted me to read him, "The Life &Times of Baxter the Bat Dog!" Thank you, Carollee, for creating such a tenderChildren's book.

A wonderful book for children & adults of all ages. We follow Baxter's life from his abandonment to adoption, his cat friends and adventures with children and his new owner. I enjoyed how the book tells a story, while showing compassion & friendship.

Baxter was abandoned by his first family, but was adopted into loving home where his special personality shown brightly. Animal lovers will see themselves when Baxter is dressed up for Halloween and children will find themselves wanting to share because of Baxter's example with his treats. Baxter's Christmas Present is about giving from the heart and indeed is heartwarming.

Perhaps the best part of the book comes from reminding us all that the best things in life are simple. We see this clearly with Carollee Wagonlite's writing as well as the beautiful & fun illustrations of Oswaldo Rosales. A portion of the proceeds from this book benefit various animal charities. This book makes a great gift!

The stories were wonderful and written very plainly so that a child can pick up the book and read it him/her self. The story was a very poignant one, and one that deserves being told. It gives the message that all living things are precious and that when you love something unconditionally, it loves you back in the same way. The book is very well written and the illlustrations are marvelous!