Sam in Winter - Hardcover

Edward van de Vendel has written dozens of books for children and young adults. In 2011 and 2012 he was nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. He lives in the Netherlands. Visit his website at www.edwardvandevendel.com.

Philip Hopman studied at the Rietveld Academy and has illustrated more than 250 books, including A Dog Like Sam, Mikis and the Donkey, and Soldier Bear (all Eerdmans). He lives in the Netherlands.

Gr 3–6—A boy named Kix has a strong connection to a dog named Sam. Sam is an outside dog, and although he sometimes disappears for a day or two, he always comes back. He can chase away a pack of coyotes with a single bark or stop traffic simply by lying down. Sam does not like to be inside, even when it's really cold. He came to Kix's family because his original owner got so upset over the loss of his farm that he tried to hurt Sam. After being with Kix for a while, Sam disappears one day and is gone so long that everyone believes he is dead. However, Kix knows Sam is still alive and convinces his grandfather to go with him to look for the dog at his former owner's farm. This is a simply written novel in the long tradition of stories about a boy and his dog. The book is based on the author's own experiences. Though the story is set over the course of one year, the slow pacing at times makes it feel as if the narrative spans several years. There are some swear words, which makes the content more appropriate for middle school readers, despite a plot that would otherwise be suitable for elementary-aged kids. VERDICT An interesting tale about a human/dog bond, but the mature language makes the intended audience questionable.—Debbie Tanner, S D Spady Montessori Elementary, FL