Dog Chronicles – Peachtree Publishing Company Inc.

Summer Reading Feature: Darling, Mercy Dog of World War I

Peachtree Publishing Company — Thu, 17 May 2018 16:00:00 +0000

Second only to reading a book by the pool or in a hammock, our favorite time for a good summer read is during a thunderstorm. Of course, the rain lends itself to a different kind of summer reading, and we have the perfect book. To mix up the summer reading lists, try some historical fiction.

Told from the perspective of Darling, a dog living during World War I, this wartime adventure begins when the British military asks for dogs to help the war effort, and Darling’s family reluctantly sends her to be trained as a mercy dog. Through gunfire and poisonous gases, it’s Darling’s job to find injured soldiers on the battlefield and fetch help from the medics. After saving the lives of numerous soldiers, Darling suddenly finds herself in need of rescue. Will she ever make it back to England?

Darling, Mercy Dog of World War I, the first installment in Alison Hart’s Dog Chronicles series, is a touching and exciting introduction to World War I. Darling’s story of bravery and devotion reminds readers that dogs can be so much more than pets.

Read an excerpt and take a look at the teacher’s guide for summer book club discussion questions and activity ideas!

Get Darling, Mercy Dog of World War I from your indie bookstore, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon! For more reading suggestions this summer, check out our summertime reading and summer-themed round-ups.

New Book Wednesday: Leo, Dog of the Sea

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 16:00:00 +0000

★ “Frank history, attention to factual detail, and vivid adventures make this a standout.”

—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

In the fourth book of their Dog Chronicles series, Alison Hart and Michael G. Montgomery bring readers an exciting tale of friendship and loyalty. Leo, Dog of the Sea, is an action-packed and heartwarming story of a hardened old sea dog who learns that life can be much more than survival.

After three ocean voyages, Leo knows not to trust anyone but himself. But when he sets sail with Captain General Ferdinand Magellan on a journey to find a westward route to the Spice Islands, he develops new friendships with Magellan’s scribe, Pigafetta, and Marco, his page. Together, the three of them experience hunger and thirst, storms and doldrums, and mutinies and hostile, violent encounters. Will they ever find a safe passage and reach their destination?

This captivating historical fiction chapter book will satisfy any history- or dog-loving reader. Through a dog’s-eye view, children will learn fascinating details about life aboard a ship at a time when much of the ocean had not yet been navigated. Extensive back matter includes information about the historical period and the role of dogs, as well as a bibliography and references for further reading.

Learn more about Leo, Dog of the Sea in the Discussion Guide and the Author Q&A!

Be sure to follow Leo on the blog tour! Dates and locations as follows:

3/27: Kid Lit Reviews

3/28: Librarian’s Quest

3/29: Good Reads with Ronna

3/30: Boys to Books

3/31: Ms. Yingling Reads

Leo, Dog of the Sea is set to dock at most literary ports April 1, so keep a weathered eye open at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble!

Sunday Brunch with Alison Hart

Peachtree Publishers — Sun, 19 Mar 2017 14:30:00 +0000

For Sunday brunch today we are chatting author Alison Hart about the research behind and perspectives in the latest installment in her Dog Chronicles series Leo, Dog of the Sea.

Q: The Dog Chronicles series portrays history through the unique perspective of dogs. What inspired this approach?

A: When I first thought about a ‘dogs in history’ type series, I began reading everything I could about how dogs and humans have worked together throughout time. I felt showing history through the perspectives of dogs was a great way to dive into gritty historical moments—such as a horrific WWI battle and a mine fire—and make them interesting for kids.

Dogs have been used in so many ways in history that I wanted to show a variety in the series. Darling, Mercy Dog of WWI, the first book, is about the different jobs dogs were used for during wartime and trench warfare. The second book, Murphy, Gold Rush Dog, is set in Alaska during the 1900 gold rush; dogs were necessary as pack animals, sled dogs, guards, and companions. Finder, Coal Mine Dog, the third in the series, is about dogs that worked with coal miners in the early 1900s.

Illustrations by Michael G. Montgomery

Q: What sort of research goes into telling a story through a dog’s-eye view?

A: Historical fiction requires incredible amounts of research whether the hero is a dog or a human. To write historical fiction, I have to know enough to “sort of” be an expert. Then I look for exciting moments in time and then add in great characters and rich sensory details. If the facts don’t enhance and move the story, they are left out.

Q: The Dog Chronicles often deals with serious, even brutal, situations that occurred in history. How do you decide to approach these events when writing for children?

A: I try to be very sensory in my writing, so sometimes there are graphic details about explosions or deaths. But since my heroes are usually dogs or children, I tell the story through their eyes, so it adds an immediacy and innocence.

Q: In Leo, Dog of the Sea, Leo is a dog who chases and catches rats on the ship. What kind of dog is Leo and how did you come up with his character?

Illustrations by Michael G. Montgomery

A: Since early times, the Spanish had “ratters,” a small dog that kept the vermin at bay in inns and homes. There is no mention of a rat dog on any of Magellan’s ships, but history does mention plenty of rats. And since this is fiction, I simply decided that Magellan needed a ratter!

Q: A lot of the characters in Leo are real historical figures. How did you go about characterizing these people from hundreds of years ago?

A: Luckily, fiction is on my side. There are many books about Magellan, and Pigafetta’s journal gave some insights into the captain general as well as the journalist himself. Some of the dialogue came from historical quotes, but mostly I gleaned information about the officers and crew from research and then turned them into “real” people. There was a page who made the entire journey around the world, but Marco the character is fictional.

Q: What do you hope children will take away from reading this book?

A: I hope young readers become hooked on history when it is told as a story and not a list of facts. Each time I research an event, I am fascinated by the inventiveness, perseverance, and strength of humans—and dogs!

Leo, Dog of the Sea will be at your local library, indie bookstore, or Barnes & Noble on April 1st!

New Year, New List!

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:00:00 +0000

Happy 2017 everyone! It is gearing up to be a special year for us here at Peachtree not only because of all the wonderful books coming out, but because it’s our 40th Anniversary! So in the name of celebration, we are delighted to share our Spring 2017 list. We guarantee you will laugh, wonder, cry, and cheer along with both new and familiar faces and stories.

New Picture Books

Young Drasko is happy working with his father in the Sarajevo market. Then war encroaches. Drasko must run the family flower stand alone. Based on real events of the Bosnian War, award-winning songwriter and storyteller John McCutcheon tells the uplifting story in Flowers for Sarajevo of the power of beauty in the face of violence and suffering.

It’s hard to believe that these flowers are real—but they are! With engaging rhymes and bright, bold images, award-winning author and illustrator Susan Stockdale introduces young readers to a wide range of unusual flowers in Fantastic Flowers.

Join the children of Room 3 and Mrs. McBee as they find their own ways of helping each other get ready to leave and say good-bye. Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan brings readers Mrs. McBee Leaves Room 3, an amusing and touching story about transitions and the importance of observing them. With Grace Zong’s charming illustrations, the distinct cast of lively characters comes to life on the page.

Enchanted prince or just a plain old frog? Pucker up, princesses! There’s only one way to find out. Jonathan Emmett’s clever twist on the “The Frog Prince,” Prince Ribbit, pits a spunky, bespectacled princess against a sly amphibian to teach a charming lesson on the pitfalls of trusting everything you read.

The circus is beginning! Fierce Lion and speedy Zebra are stepping into the ring to perform their act—but wait! Things aren’t going quite according to plan… Zebra is on the go—with Lion in hot pursuit! Jill Nogales’s rollicking story Zebra on the Go keeps readers on their hooves— er, toes—while Lorraine Rocha’s vibrant illustrations bring the whole circus to life.

New Illustrated Chapter Books

A lovable dog helps his human girl solve a mystery. Kayla made peanut butter treats for Jillian’s new puppy Thor. But now the treats are missing. What does Kayla know? —There are three treats missing. King was in the kitchen. King’s breath doesn’t smell like peanut butter. What does King know? —There’s an intruder in the house. Join Dori Hillestad Butler’s new dynamic duo in King & Kayla and the Case of the Missing Dog Treats to solve the mystery!

The mysteries continue with King & Kayla and the Case of the Secret Code! Kayla and Mason both got mysterious letters, written in code. What does Kayla know? —The same person left both letters. It’s someone she and Mason both know. The two letters are the same, except for the second word.What does King know? —Jillian left the letters. What do the letters say?

New Additions to Your Favorite Series

Welcome to Stanley’s Store! Can Stanley help his friends find everything they need? Stanley’s Store invites young readers to explore grocery store processes, colors, and machines in a sweet, simple world. With bright illustrations, adorable characters, and a chunky padded-cover format, William Bee’s Stanley series is perfect for readers transitioning from board books to picture books.

An action-packed and heartwarming story of a hardened old sea dog on Magellan’s journey to Spice Island. Alison Hart’s Dog Chronicles series continues with Leo, Dog of the Sea.

Eighth-grader Richie Mallon has always known he was a shooter, but will his amazing shooting talent be enough to keep him on the team? Author Fred Bowen continues his Sport Story Series in Outside Shot with full court, play-by-play action that’s sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats!

Check out our full Spring 2017 catalog here, and stay tuned for giveaways, interviews, and more.

Teacher Tuesday with Finder, Coal Mine Dog

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:00:00 +0000

Finder, a sweet, tawny-colored dog, becomes the hero of the coal mines when he helps to warn miners of the impending danger. This book is action-packed and will help your students learn about a lesser-known piece of history while staying engaged. Try this creative activity with your class so that they may gain a greater appreciation for what conditions in the coal mines were like in the early 1900s.

After reading Finder, Coal Mine Dog together, tell your class that they are to imagine that they have to work in the coal mines for a day, and that they are only allowed to take one animal with them.
This animal can be a pet they already have, or an imaginary pet/creature that they would like to accompany them.
Ask your students to write a journal entry on a piece of paper describing a day working in the mines (for extra fun and imagination, you can try burning the edges of Manila paper before providing one sheet to each student. This can be accomplished by holding the edge of the paper near a lighter or candle flame so the heat crumbles the edges of the paper. Do this over a sink at home and be sure to have this completed before letting the students write on the paper).
Ask the students to write about what they and their animal companion would do in the event of a mine disaster.
Once everyone is finished, display your class’ new journal entries on the wall to enjoy!

Click here for the full summary of Finder, Coal Mine Dog.

New Book Wednesday: Finder, Coal Mine Dog written by Alison Hart and illustrated by Michael Montgomery

Peachtree Publishers — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 14:00:00 +0000

Finder is a tawny-colored dog who just wants to please his new owner, Uncle George, and his friend, Thomas. He knows his job is to be a hunting dog, but he can’t help from running away from the dangerous animals he is supposed to be searching for; he also hates the sound of guns and the smell of blood.

Fortunately, Thomas and Finder are able to help each other out. Uncle George tells Thomas that instead of going to school next fall, he will be heading down to the mines to earn his keep now that both of his parents are dead. Thomas knows that there is no way out of his current predicament—despite his desire to go to school—and soon realizes that Finder may be able to find a job in the mines too.

Finder’s job is to pull the sledge to the coal car, but one day, his role in the mines becomes much more important; he is able to smell smoke and warn Thomas and the other miners of imminent danger.

Finder, Coal Mine Dog transforms the events from the 1909 Cherry Mining Disaster into page-turning chaos. Finder becomes a crucial piece in this story’s history, as he is the one who ultimately helps lead Thomas to safety and also the one who helps find those still trapped in the mine. In reality, 259 men and boys died in this disaster, and Cherry, Illinois commemorated the centennial anniversary of this horrific event six years ago. The mining laws in Illinois were changed as a direct result of the lives that could have been spared in this disaster, and Finder, Coal Mine Dog helps solidify the miners’ spot in history.

Click here for the full summary of Finder, Coal Mine Dog.

Teacher Tuesday with Murphy, Gold Rush Dog

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:00:00 +0000

Historical Fiction: Grades 2-4

In this suspenseful tale, Murphy and Sally are brought together by fate and they always protect each other in the face of danger. This dynamic duo is driven not only by a need to survive, but by a fierce love and loyalty for one another.

This action-packed story demonstrates the power of friendship, loyalty, love, and perseverance, while also conveying historical information about the gold rush itself. Historical fiction can help students to realize that learning—no matter what the subject matter—can be fun. Try the following assignment with your class after reading Murphy, Gold Rush Dogtogether. This activity may also work well when reviewing social studies lessons for the semester or quarter.

Ask your students what other history lessons they remember from the semester so far.
Ask each student to write down the historical topic that they enjoyed learning about the most.
Once everyone has chosen a topic, explain to the class that they will write a story about a fictional character during their chosen time period.
Suggest that the students use any notes or handouts from their chosen unit
Encourage imagination and creativity in creating a fictional story within a true one.

This assignment will provide practice in both social studies and writing. If time allows, students might also visit their school library or computer lab as a class to research their chosen topic.

Storytime Snack: A Recipe for GOLD!

Peachtree Publishers — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 17:33:00 +0000

You’ve heard the expression, “put your money where your mouth is.” But what if we literally did that?

Check it out:

This…

Looks a little like this…

Right?! And who doesn’t love caramel popcorn?

Here’s a recipe for edible gold to snack on while reading about the Alaskan Gold Rush in Alison Hart’s Murphy, Gold Rush Dog!

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
2 cups brown sugar
½ cup corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 quarts popped popcorn (microwave or stove-top is fine!)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 250°F

2. Put popped popcorn in a large bowl.

3. In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

4. Stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt.

5. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Then, boil without stirring for 4 minutes.

6. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.

7. Pour in a thin stream over popcorn, stirring to coat.

8. Place in two large shallow baking dishes and bake in a preheated oven, stirring every 15 minutes, for 1 hour.

9. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Just try to only eat a serving size. I double-Murphy-Gold-Rush-Dog-dare you.

Ha. See what I did there?

Blog Tour for “Murphy, Gold Rush Dog”

Peachtree Publishers — Sat, 18 Oct 2014 19:57:00 +0000

An action-packed and heartwarming story of a dog in gold rush-era Alaska

All Murphy wants is a home and a loving family. After escaping from his brutal, merciless owner, he is taken in by a young girl named Sally. She and her mother have just arrived in Nome, Alaska, intent on joining the other gold seekers and making a new life for themselves, free from their wealthy but oppressive family in Seattle.

Yet, even with Murphy at their side, Sally and Mama find living in the mining town harsh and forbidding. When it seems they may have to give up and return to Seattle, Sally and Murphy decide to strike out on their own, hoping to find gold and make a permanent home. But dangers await them – not only blizzards and grizzly bears, but also Murphy’s original owner, who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, whether it is an ill-gotten fortune or a valuable dog.

Alison Hart is the author of more than forty books for young readers, including Emma’s River, Anna’s Blizzard, and the Racing to Freedom trilogy. Hart is a teacher at Blue Ridge Community College and lives in Virginia. You can visit Alison Hart’s website here.

Michael G. Montgomery has illustrated numerous children’s books. He attended Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia. Montgomery lives in Georgia. You can visit Michael G. Montgomery’s website here.

Follow Murphy on his Alaskan adventure:

Tuesday, 10/21- Geo Librarian
Wednesday, 10/22- Chat with Vera
Thursday, 10/23- The 4th Musketeer & Blue Owl
Friday, 10/24- Sally’s Bookshelf