Book Summary
A boy and his dog learn that they are better together.
Gus is a livestock guardian dog with one job—protecting his farm from coyotes and foxes. He likes keeping the sheep, the chickens, and his humans safe, and he’s very good at it. One day, Diego and his dad come to visit the farm, and Gus immediately connects to the small boy. They both like to sit still and enjoy the quiet, and Gus can tell that Diego likes being around a gentle giant of a dog, that it helps relieve the boy’s constant worry. When Gus detects the scent of a bear in the woods, he rushes to protect his flock, injuring his leg in a fight with the dangerous beast. Wounded, Gus needs to rest and heal away from his sheep, so he doesn’t risk reinjuring his leg. Diego suggests Gus come home with them to the North Carolina coast. Suddenly, Gus is thrust into a new world of saltwater and sand and neighbors who don’t appreciate the presence of a large guard dog, like the neighbor who reminds Gus of his first owner—the junkyard man with the heavy boots. Gus realizes Diego might need a friend as much as his sheep need a protector, but if he can’t learn to control his instincts, like barking and patrolling the neighborhood, Gus might lose his chance to stay in his new home. If he can’t protect the farm or his boy, Gus worries he might never find his place in the world.
Just Gus is a tender story of belonging and of two friends who learn they are better together than they were alone.
Book Details
Just Gus by McCall Hoyle
Publication Date: 4/4/23
Hardcover ISBN: 9781639930937
Retail Price: $18.99
Page Count: 208
Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction
Cover illustration: Vivienne To Back cover illustration: nearbirds/AdobeStock
Book design: © Shadow Mountain Art Direction: Richard Erickson Design: Garth Brune
****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, NetGalley,book tours, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****
My Review
I was truly excited to read Just Gus because I've read another book by this author called, Stella. I loved this first book and my 2nd-grade class also loved it a lot. {My review for Stella is on my blog if you're interested.} Just Gus is another wonderful story featuring a dog, this time named Gus, and how he positively impacts a young boy named Diego.
Just Gus has the same people and animals in this book as Stella did. I was excited to head back to Esperanza's farm, with her daughter Cloe, and their dogs Stella and Nando. We briefly met Gus in the other book and we get to know him much better here as the entire story is told from his point of view. All of the dogs on the farm have different jobs and I like the way the author "explains" this in the book without being boring or above the heads of young readers. I also loved having Diego be the main human character who learns to need and love Gus and vice versa. Diego is suffering from social anxiety. Gus helps Diego deal with his feelings and overcome a lot of his anxiety.
Of course, some things happen to both Gus and Diego that test them and help them become strong and brave. My favorite thing is how Gus and Diego become best friends. It is very heartwarming to see this relationship develop. I feel that all kids and tweens who love animals will take to this book and love Gus just as much as I did.
****Meet Author McCall Hoyle****
MCCALL HOYLE is an award-winning author and teacher librarian. She writes heartfelt books for kids of all ages and believes one of the best ways to spread hope is by writing about the special bond between dogs and their humans. When McCall isn’t writing or teaching, you can find her training one of her four-legged friends for agility, obedience, or dock diving in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains she calls home.
You can learn more about her at mccallhoyle.com or visit her on Twitter @McCallHoyle or on Facebook or Instagram @McCallHoyleBooks For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at chansen@shadowmountain.com
~*~*~*~*Purchase Just Gus~*~*~*~*
HERE:
Hardcover-https://amzn.to/3LQIPzn
Other Books by McCall Hoyle:
Stella
Read my review for Stella HERE:
https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/2021/03/stella-by-mccall-hoyle-book-review-and.html
Advance Praise: “Through Gus’ lightly anthropomorphized thoughts (he carefully reports all human conversations he hears despite not necessarily understanding everything), Diego’s overwhelming anxiety is apparent but is eased through his bond with Gus, and soon the dog realizes he has a new purpose as an emotional support animal for Diego. This is a comforting, quiet tale of a working dog slowly transitioning into a new life. Featuring a lovable animal protagonist, a relatable and persistent child trainer, and dog-training information, it’s a compelling read. A gentle portrayal of a canine protagonist adjusting to a new role.” —Kirkus
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