Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers [Paperback]

Gary Paulsen (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Gary Paulsen brings his love and knowledge of the sport of Iditarod racing to readers in this memoir about the life of a litter of pups who are born to pull sleds across the snowy frontier–and the marvel he experiences as he watches them grow and learn.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Paulsen is at the top of his form in this tribute to his sled dog Cookie, said PW in a starred review. It is easy to cross-shelve this book alongside adult titles, a love story every bit as much as an adventure story. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Paulsen is at the top of his form in this tribute to his sled dog Cookie... With the same rugged reverence for wilderness that underscores his classic Hatchet, Paulsen trains a sharp eye on the dogs and puppies he kenneled in his northern Minnesota home." --Publishers Weekly, Starred

"Behind Mr. Paulsen's characteristically nonstop action howl constant north Minnesota winter storms, vividly rendered in Ruth Wright Paulsen's graceful paintings."
--The New York Times Book Review

"Paulsen is not known for writing love stories, but that's exactly what this lyrical, tender account is, showcasing Cookie, his primary lead dog for some 14,000 miles, who saved Paulsen's life more than once 'Such a bond, such a love I had with Cookie'--and such a book he wrote to share that love with others."
--Kirkus Reviews, Pointer

"Readers are drawn into the special bond between driver and lead dog through Paulsen's real-life experiences racing in Minnesota." --School Library Journal

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults
An ALA Quick Pick for Young Adults
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Yearling (May 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440418755
• ISBN-13: 978-0440418757
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #905,324 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 Must read follow-up to Winterdance, September 7, 2003

By 

caninehead "caninehead" (Boulder, Colorado USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers (Paperback)

This is a must read follow-up to Gary's book "Winterdance". You'll read more about his dog Cookie as well as a variety of other sled dog related adventures and observations. If you've ever bonded with a dog (dog musher or not) you will enjoy this little gem of a read. It is a book easily read in one sitting.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers, February 18, 2005

By 

K.J "K.J" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers (Paperback)

A must read for any dog lover or one who enjoys Gary Paulsen's work. The simple joy of the little balls of fur that are husky puppies is portrayed lovingly throughout the book, as you follow along with the birth, education, and growing up of the litter of Gary Paulsen's best and most wonderful lead dog, Cookie. Unfortunately, there comes sadness, as Gary is forced to give up the kennel he loved, and keep only Cookie as a reminder of the dogs he once had. In an amazingly short space of time, you will find yourself laughing hysterically, and sobbing, and anyone who reads this book without doing both at least once has no sence of humor and a heart of stone.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Shelby's Barken Review, March 23, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers (Paperback)

This wonderful book about Gary and his dog, Cookie, starts here. Cookie is a true leader and loves being a sled dog. Cookie has about three litters a year. In one litter, one pup did not live; Cookie would not let it go until five days! A while after that Cookie and Gary were teaching pups to be true leaders, boy or girl, just like Cookie by running on the Alaskan plain. Cookie started to limp. She had arthritis! The doctor said, " She would have to give up running as a sled dog!" Will Gary have to give up racing, too? You will have to read the story and find out. Gary, a main character, is obviously representing Gary Paulsen, the author. I recommend this book to all readers, because it is heartwarming.