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Muffy & Valor: A True Dog Story

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“A touching, easy-to-read children's story…based on an actual event pertaining to the author's own dog.” – Stevie Turner, writer. A sweet nonfiction picture book with a Hispanic family that teaches compassion, friendship, trust, and courage (kids ages 5 – 8, kindergarten – third grade, especially for children with a fear of dogs).

Look inside! Muffy is a little dog who loves people; but after a painful injury she is wary of other dogs. Valor is a lost German shepherd who gets hit by a car. When Muffy’s family brings Valor home to recover, no one is sure what Muff will do. Kids love the dog counting activity and online SECRETS.

#1, True Pet Stories (series. Next in Horse & Dog Adventures ). Animal lovers’ book with 700 read-aloud words in dyslexic font by best-selling, award-winning author and college media instructor Karl Beckstrand ( Agnes’s Rescue —see all of Beckstrand’s 60+ multicultural books), illustrated by Brandon Rodriguez.

Get this 28-page full-color picture book with big dogs in hard cover, soft cover, or ebook versions (8.5”x8.5”). More inside images and lesson Premio Publishing (worldwide rights © Sept. 2017) PremioBooks, libraries, and all major distributors. JNF003060, JNF053060, JNF053050, JNF003170, JNF018030, JNF053220, JNF024070, 2017939481, 978-1370601592, Hard 978-0985398842, Soft 978-1479315574

30 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2017

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About the author

Karl Beckstrand

50 books368 followers
College media instructor Karl Beckstrand has lived abroad, interned for a Massachusetts publisher and for Congress in D.C. He earned a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in international relations and conflict resolution, and a broadcast/film certificate. He’s been a technical recruiter in Silicon Valley, a Stanford Hospital chaplain, a Spanish interpreter for Angel Flight (aviator nonprofit), and a rock band front man. He is the best-selling and award-winning author/illustrator of 27 multicultural/multilingual books and more than 60 e-book titles. His western survival thriller, To Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award, and his works have been lauded by Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal. Raised in Silicon Valley, he has worked with people from all continents (except Antarctica). His work reflects cultural diversity—not only in protagonists, but in collaborators (his illustrators hail from Latin America, Europe, and Asia). Since 2004, he has run Premio Publishing. Beckstrand has presented to Taiwan’s Global Leadership for Youth, city and state governments, festivals, and schools. His Y.A. stories, self-help, ebook mysteries, nonfiction, Spanish/bilingual, career, and STEM books feature ethnically diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. His work has appeared via: Amazon, Apple/iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Costco, Deseret Book, Follett, Ingram, Kobo, Papercrafts Magazine, SCRIBD, Target.com, The U.S. Congressional Record, Walmart, and https://PremioBooks.com

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books1,976 followers
May 15, 2018
Compassion, even in dogs, mends all hurts.



Muffy is a little white dog who loves Carlos very much but she doesn’t like other dogs. Why? A big dog bit her once and she had to have stitches. She barks loudly at other dogs and refuses to befriend any other dogs.



Valor is a big dog who lives on the other side of town. One day he went for a walk without his owner, Bill. He got lost and while trying to cross a busy street, a car hit him. Carlos, Muffy’s owner, spots Valor hurt and run home to get his mum. Together, they take Valor to the vet to get stitched up and bring him home. Will Muffy befriend a dog that’s hurt like she was once, or will she continue to hate all big dogs?



A delightful, touching story about helping others, compassion and the unconditional love of pets. Beautifully illustrated and a good message: another 5-star gem from Karl Beckstrand!



Based on two real-life dogs and a little boy (the author).



My Rating: 5 stars


This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
Profile Image for Lilly.
373 reviews18 followers
January 13, 2018
I received a review copy of this book and this is such a fine book to read to your children! I loved it so much and I do believe it is a very useful way to spend some time with the little one, while inspiring a love of books and animals.

There is a strong moral angle to Muffy’s story and a quite real one, since this is a true event, as indicated by the author. While the illustrations help the child relate to the action, the final part where the author tells the real story is more for the adult reader and thus appealing to a different kind of audience as well.

The beautiful images drawn by Brandon Rodriguez are very vivid and shiny in a sort of way. Since I read this book on a Kindle, my impressions about the format may not be as accurate. But I liked how the emotions were painted on the characters and the different variety of dogs included. I was not very fond of the way Valor’s wound was presented, maybe it could have been censored somehow, but this has not affected my rating at all.

All in all, this is a very interactive book, with beautiful illustrations that will for sure catch the attention of children. Well, even I liked it, at my almost 30 years. Now I really wished I had a dog…

Profile Image for Donna Maguire.
4,505 reviews115 followers
August 27, 2017
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I read and review an awful lot of children’s fiction and non fiction and after reading this blurb for this one I knew it was a book that I wanted to read.  I was contacted by the author who offered a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review – I was immediately intrigued by the description and being a massive dog lover I knew I really wanted to read it!

Well I have to say that I loved the book – it is such a brilliant story that really tugs on the heartstrings.  It has some beautiful illustrations and through them and the narration, it help to teach compassion, friendship, courage, and trust.  The book is aimed at children aged 4 – 7 but as an adult I still loved it and its just the type of story I would read to my daughter when she is old enough to understand.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and that’s what you’ve got – I genuinely loved it and didn’t hesitate to give the book 5 stars.  A must for young lovers of dogs, I would have loved this book when I was younger! 
Profile Image for Wayne McCoy.
4,051 reviews25 followers
September 17, 2017
'Muffy & Valor: A True Story' by Karl Beckstrand tells a nonfiction story from the author's life. It's a story full of the care and compassion that animals can teach us.

When Carlos' dog Muffy is attacked by a larger dog, it needs to have surgery. Because of this, Muffy didn't like larger dogs. When another larger dog named Valor is found with a similar injury, can Muffy learn to be empathetic?

It's a cute story that is better because it is true. There is a counting game within the book to count all the different kinds of dogs that show up. I wasn't crazy about the font, until I heard that the font used is friendlier for dyslexic readers. The art is a bit heavy in tint, but the pictures are bright, and there are quite a few dogs.

I received a review copy of this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Profile Image for Sheila.
Author 79 books190 followers
October 28, 2017
Muffy the dog loves her friend Carlos almost as much as she loves cheese. She’s a sweet white-haired little dog who has learned from experience to fear other dogs. But what will happen when Carlos' family brings another dog into her house?

A sweet story of trusting strangers, generous helpers, and animal intelligence, Muffy & Valor is also a true story, making it all the more appealing. The illustrations are filled with animal sensitivity and action, from happy families to wounded dogs and veterinarians helping them. Muffy & Valor is an easy read, a nicely human story of real people and their dogs, and a wise little tale for young readers, especially those of nervous disposition. If animals can learn to overcome fear and empathize with strangers, maybe people can too.

Disclosure: I found it on a deal.
Profile Image for Vicki.
188 reviews7 followers
September 8, 2017
Sentimental and sweet book for children and future dog-lovers!

Format: Kindle Edition

I couldn't not love this sweet children's story. The illustrations of the dogs are superb and full of character. The people too. Children's books that are great keep a child's attention and teach a lesson. This does both. I would absolutely recommend this book to any child 4 to 7 (but adults are children too!) I did receive the PDF from the author, Karl Beckstrand, and I am grateful to him for the sentiments expressed in the book.Muffy & Valor: A True Story
Author 1 book23 followers
January 1, 2018
Dog-friendly children’s fiction, about the importance of friendship and empathy, this short children’s book, in theory, ticks all the boxes.

The injured Muffy has become scared of interactions, but when another dog is hit by a car, Muffy finds the courage and empathy to help them through the tough times.

This was a very interesting concept of a book with cute photo-type illustrations, and a dyslexic-friendly font. There was a sweet story line with some lovely life lessons. And yet the story felt a little preachy, and I think the “true story” element derailed the writing into something less strong than it could have been.

*Thank you to the author for my free review copy via Rosie's Book Review Team.
Profile Image for Rajalakshmi Prithviraj.
Author 2 books32 followers
November 22, 2017
Sometimes complex concepts like pain and empathy are best understood by children through stories.

The plot revolves around a dog who suffers an injury so painful that she starts detesting other dogs. Yet, when she sees another dog suffering from similar pain, she empathises and exhibits compassion. For the what why and how you seriously need to read this story.

What is striking about this book is the fact that the story has a deeper meaning. I felt that it was an allegory. Like George Orwell's Animal Farm, this story has different interpretations to offer to different generations and people. It has the power to teach a child about courage, compassion, friendship and overcoming fear. It also can be adapted to the adult world as in how after a setback, there is a phase of distrust followed by acceptance. Karl and Brandon have also subtly hinted that for becoming stronger the effort had to be made by the aggrieved first. Simply put, the power to change lies with each one of us, be it animals or humans.

The writing is very simple and can be understood by children. I read it aloud to my kids and they comprehended perfectly. The narration is absolutely smooth with no jerks. The story also had the power to ignite vivid mental imageries. I hope this story gets adapted into animation or a movie for kids. This story is way too better than many cartoon shows of present times.

The protagonist Muffy is really adorable and cute. Valor's entry is like the turning point in Muffy's life. The fact that these characters exist in real life helped in connecting better. The emotions and attributes they exhibited were so similar to the kinds that we humans projected.

To sum up, this story is an absolute must read for every child and every adult who is a child at heart. The message that the story delivers is really apt and has significance. Life might treat one unkindly, but if the fallen individual makes an effort to acknowledge, cope up and come forward, he or she would find happiness once again. Every dark cloud has a silver lining. This one goes into my collection of personal favourites.

P.S - Karl, your Muffy and Valor got me thinking. Loved the amazingly excellent story. This review is my honest opinion after reading it.
Profile Image for Brittany Reads.
115 reviews42 followers
December 26, 2017
Muffy and Valor: A True Story is an illustrated children’s book about two dogs. The story especially excels in the character development of Muffy, a small dog who lives in fear of other dogs after she is seriously injured by a dog bite. The book successfully creates a heartwarming ending about the importance of friendship and trust that I enjoyed discussing with a four-year-old with whom I read the book.
The plot has a clear and well organized progression. The opening page read awkwardly for me, especially the following line: “[Muffy] really loves her friend Carlos (almost as much as she loves cheese).” Afterwards the rest of the story read quite smoothly. The illustrations are unusually dark for a children’s book. I read the Kindle edition and had trouble seeing detail in the dog’s expressions. The four year old with whom I read the book enjoyed seeing the many illustrations of dogs and liked talking about the emotions on the dog’s faces.
The events in the story follow true events that happened during the author’s childhood. The book is marketed as nonfiction, but the fact that the events in the story really happened did not enhance my reading. Emotions and cognition are attributed to dogs in the story, so “Based on a True Story” would be a more accurate description for Muffy and Valor rather than “A True Story.” Overall, this is another solid piece of children’s literature from Karl Beckstrand. As always, he includes a positive moral lesson in a well written story.
Profile Image for Teresa.
982 reviews17 followers
October 28, 2017
Muffy & Valor: A True Story by Karl Beckstrand Little Muffy was attacked by a large dog and hurt badly on her side. After she heals he no longer likes other dogs and barks at any one that come near her. 
 
Valor a large German Shepherd gets out of his yard and is hit by a car and hurt badly on his side.. 
 
Muffy's person Carlos runs to his mom about Valor laying int he street hurt. She drives him to where Valor is and since no one seems to know who Valor's people are, they take him to the Vet who fixes him up. Not knowing where her loves Mother worries abtout what to do with Valor since Muffy does not like other dogs. Carlos tells his mom that he will watch Muffy and keep her away. 
 
Once they get Valor to their home Carlos decides to see how Muffy will act around Valor. Surprisingly she knows Valor is hurt and goes to him to comfort him.
 
This is a true story from Karl Beckstrands childhood. It is a very sweet book. As a huge dog lover it brought a tear to my eye.  I hate to think of animals hurt, suffering, and alone.  I have 2 furry kids. One has 3 legs, he was shit in his rear leg several years ago. So I think this story hit real close to home for me. It is a great book. It doesn't really go into detail of the wounds. it is a short book, and the words would be pretty easy for early readers. 
 
I was given a copy of this book by the author for review purposes but the review is my own thoughts. 
Profile Image for R.J..
Author 4 books70 followers
October 25, 2017
I received this book from the author for the purpose of this review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.

Gorgeously illustrated, Muffy & Valor is a sweet book that was written to help kids overcome a fear of dogs. This children’s book is also written in dyslexic-friendly font, so your youngsters can feel comfortable reading for themselves.

I loved the story, and the fact that the author drew his inspiration from his own dog’s experience with mean dogs, making the story more relatable to kids who have also experienced a dog attack.

The illustrations are beautiful, though they may be a little too disturbing for really young kids who are tender towards animals. They aren’t “graphic” by any means, but they do show the injuries of both dogs, a little red for the blood in the place of trauma, and again with their stitches.

Overall, I was pleased with this book and give it 4 out of 5 stars. It’s free on Kindle until October 26th!

This review was originally published on Literature Approved (http://literatureapproved.com).
Profile Image for Anna del C. Dye.
Author 43 books263 followers
September 6, 2017
Muffy & Valor: by Karl Beckstrand is a cute book that teaches children to help and love animals. I loved the fact that the the story is real and Karl chose to shared it with children. These situations in real life are not always the best to tell kids, but Karl did a great, tactful job in how he chose to tell it. The story has a happy ending and is great way to talk about the issues of having a hurt animal and the consequences to the traumatized animal. It helps children to understand how the same situation could happen when a person is hurt. Muffy & Valor: by Karl Beckstrand will be enjoyed by many children from 1 to 12 years old.
 Muffy & Valor: A True Story, illustrated by Brandon Rodriguez is a story accompanied by great illustrations. They are colorful, real looking and portray many emotions in the faces of the characters. Brandon did an excellent job in the art for this book. It complemented the telling in a great way, and flows smoothly with the fabulous art. Great job.
Profile Image for Sunnie.
911 reviews37 followers
September 2, 2017
Karl Beckstrand writes children's books with heart. This warm and sweet story about the author's actual pet, describe how his dog, having been injured by another dog, no longer wants to be around other dogs. Yet, when the family finds and cares for a lost and injured pet whose owner is not known, Muffy becomes a caring and compassionate animal.

This book is a good lesson for children to learn from. The illustrations are made by Brandon Rodriguez and just looking at the cover shows the pain that German Shepard is feeling.

We lost a dog in a similar fashion and it was hard for my kids to understand everything. This book will help children understand some things that occur in life that are hard to cope with.

I received a free ebook version of this children's store from the author. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for EG.
120 reviews
September 2, 2017
This vibrantly illustrated book is a beautiful tale of a little dog who learns that not all dogs are the same. Muffy was severely injured by a dog and since that time, she was fearful of all dogs. However, when Valor suffers a similar fate as her, she feels empathy for him. As she becomes friends with Valor during his recovery process, she soon realizes that not all dogs are the same and just because of one bad experience, she should not miss out on the opportunity to make new friends. A beautiful story about overcoming a hardship, compassion, and friendship.
January 12, 2020
A book for the dog lover

Good children's book and good dog rescue story. The illustrations were well drawn and appropriate to each page. I liked that it was a true story. I wish there would have been photographs of the author as a child and the 2 dogs. That is the only thing that would have made the story better. Children could read it and so could adults. I also liked that it was written in a child's voice or viewpoint. Both of my dogs are rescues. One was a stray no one ever came to look for.
Profile Image for Amy Shannon.
Author 115 books122 followers
September 1, 2017
A wonderful story of friendship

The first thing I noticed about this book were the incredible illustrations. They told the story along with the text and it was a great story. After being hurt, Muffy is wary of any other dogs, and he's also angry. Valor is a lost dog who was also hurt, and Muffy's family found him and took care of him. It's a great story of friendship and even fear of being hurt. Children as well as adults can learn a lot from these two dogs. The best part? the entire story.
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
2,604 reviews15 followers
September 3, 2017
Muffy is a dog, who after having been bitten by a bigger dog, doesn’t like dogs at all. Problem is that her family brings in another dog.
A beautiful story for children to let them know how animals are emphatic with the pain of others beings. A good reading for a night story so the children can go to sleep with a big smile on their littles faces.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for Ryan.
4,876 reviews28 followers
May 14, 2018
I really enjoyed this story. Just FYI there are a few typo that could just be a bad digital copy, in the authors letter at the end. It’s kind of a sad story, but with a happy ending. And while the art is not a style I like it has a hopeful feel. It’s all dark and gloomy at the beginning but brightens up at the happy points. A true story of two dogs becoming friend after bad experiences.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Amy Sutton.
975 reviews48 followers
September 1, 2017
This was a sweet autobiographical story about a dog named Muffy who hates other dogs after being attacked and how she finds out that not all dogs can be bad when she meets Valor. This was cute and sweet. It would be a great read for any animal loving children out there.

I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
2,463 reviews41 followers
January 20, 2018
Really liked this book. Great illistrations! Good message for kids. Sometimes something scares us but we need to look past it when another is hurt and open our hearts. Kids need to learn compassion for others and that just being there can be enough. Would recommend this book. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Story Monsters Ink.
51 reviews9 followers
January 24, 2018
The wounded can heal, and compassion often flows from scars. Trust may come slow to one who bears wounds, but pain has its own language and can build bonds in unlikely places, bringing healing to both ends. This tender story reminds us of hope, as two dogs find peace in sharing. - Darleen Wohlfeil, Story Monsters Ink magazine
Profile Image for Stacey.
935 reviews
November 13, 2017
Story of two wounded animals who became friends. Artwork is full of expression, and children who love animals will readily identify with the dogs and their situations. This story could also be a learning tool about healing, forgiveness, being kind, and making friends.
Profile Image for Bill Tillman.
1,657 reviews70 followers
September 5, 2017
A true story, and a young boy's adventure with his dog. The illustrations are wonderful, both dogs and Carlos and all the humans. This is a book for the yong at heart.
303 reviews
October 22, 2017
Good story

My little nephew Aiden thought that the story was fun. He was happy that the dog was able to get he!p and find his way home.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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