"Private Captain," published by Philomel, copyright 2001, cover illustration by Michael Dooling.

Ben needs his big brother to help set things straight again after their Pa dies. Only his brother, Reuben, is in the Union Army, fighting Rebs. But all isn't lost. The Rebs have invaded Pennsylvania, and Ben sets out, with his brother's dog, Captain, to find what he thinks he needs. Instead, he finds the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.

On the 2002-2003 Pennsylvania Children's Choice list. Click on book cover to learn more.

illustrated by True Kelley, published by Holiday House, ages 7-10, copyright 2000

As the new kid in town, Abbie has problems: with bully Pete Street, with making new friends, and with dog-sitting his Aunt Laura's tiny Yorkshire Terrier, Cat. It's bad enough being called "Runtface" yourself. But when your dog is a "Runtface," too, things look bad. Or could it be that courage isn't a matter of size? 

On the 2002-2003 Tennessee Children's Choice List. Click on book cover to learn more.

illustrated by Sherry Neidigh, published by Rising Moon, ages 3-5, copyright 2000

Bud is longing to keep a new black-and-white puppy, but maybe it won't fit in with all the farm animals. A sort of "Where's Waldo?" for the pre-school set, "Black and White" sends Bud on a wild search through a barnyard full of black-and-white animals.

cover illustration by Fred W. Thomas, published by Rising Moon, ages 8-12, copyright 1998

When Josh discovers abandoned greyhounds in the Arizona desert, he begins to dream of racing a winner of his own. It's only with the help of his grandfather and a blue merle, blue-eyed greyhound named "Ratzo" that Josh learns winning isn't all he wants after all, and coming in first might be less important than finishing. Click on book cover to learn more.

cover illustration by Melissa Sweet, published by Atheneum, ages 8-12, copyright 1995, published in Germany as "General Schlappohr" by Ueberreuter (two printings)

Will is saving his money for the perfect dog. He doesn't want to get stuck with an old German shepherd named "General" who's no good as a guard dog. The other kids laugh and call the dog "Buzzard Breath," and Will's worried that such put-downs will rub off on him. But when Buzz is framed for a crime he didn't commit, Will figures out that a name doesn't make you. You make the name.