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Togo
Togo wasn't meant to be a sled dog. He was too feisty and independent to make a good team member, let alone a leader. But Togo is determined, and when his trainer, Leonhard Seppala, gives him a chance, he soon becomes one of the fastest sled dogs in history! His skills are put to the ultimate test, though, when Seppala and his team are called on to make the now-famous run across the frozen Arctic to deliver the serum that will save Alaska from a life-threatening outbreak of diphtheria. In the style of Akiak, winner of the Irma S. and James H. Black Award for Excellence in Children's Literature, along with five state awards, Robert J. Blake's detailed, carefully researched oil paintings complete the story of the adventure that inspired the internationally famous Iditarod race.
48 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
February 18, 2020
Togo was a hero! All of the dogs on Leonard Seppala's team were but Togo was amazing with his ability to follow a trail in the worst of conditions and lead the other dogs, encourage them and even keep them in check when all of them were at their very limit.
I appreciate the research the author did. I felt the authenticity of this story. I watched the movie Togo recently and wanted to read more about this extraordinary dog. I wasn't expecting this story to offer much more than what I learned from the movie as well as searches on the internet but it did give more insight into the events of the serum run. I was able to understand the kind of dog Togo was, about his strength and qualities as a lead dog.
As you read this story, you understand the hardships both Seppala and the dogs endured while trying to deliver the much needed serum to a town devasted by the outbreak of diphtheria. As I read it, I hurt for those dogs and what they were asked to do. What amazing creatures! The bravery of Leonard Seppala was also shown as well as his concern for those needing the serum in balance with the concern for his dogs.
Be sure to read the Epilogue and Author's Note at the end of the book.
I appreciate the research the author did. I felt the authenticity of this story. I watched the movie Togo recently and wanted to read more about this extraordinary dog. I wasn't expecting this story to offer much more than what I learned from the movie as well as searches on the internet but it did give more insight into the events of the serum run. I was able to understand the kind of dog Togo was, about his strength and qualities as a lead dog.
As you read this story, you understand the hardships both Seppala and the dogs endured while trying to deliver the much needed serum to a town devasted by the outbreak of diphtheria. As I read it, I hurt for those dogs and what they were asked to do. What amazing creatures! The bravery of Leonard Seppala was also shown as well as his concern for those needing the serum in balance with the concern for his dogs.
Be sure to read the Epilogue and Author's Note at the end of the book.
July 1, 2013
This was a very interesting book. I had always heard of the heroic mission of Balto, the lead dog who brought a serum to fight off diphtheria into the city of Nome, Alaska. What I did not know was the Balto, a hero indeed, lead the last 53 miles to bring in the serum. Togo was a smaller dog that fought the elements and ran over 350 miles to bring the serum to Balto's team. It ruined his health and he was unable to ever race again. The events inspired the creation of the Iditarod Race which commemorates the 1925 serum run. Kids will love this dog hero.
July 12, 2021
Now one of my favorite books for youth. Great drawings. Great story but told in a way that works to feel the danger and moments. I like the way dates are added for some of the days of the serum run. Well rounded way to cover the whole story. Nice facts in the end.
For the whole story, I would still recommend 'The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic,' but for children or to add to your other books on dogsledding I would highly recommend adding this one to your collection.
One last little note, when Togo is 8 months old and escapes to travel long miles to catch up with Leonhard through a blizzard, he cut his leg while escaping. This book doesn't mention that fact but does has a picture when Togo is reunited where his leg is bloody. Nice touch! I remember that fact from the book 'Togo and Leonhard.'
For the whole story, I would still recommend 'The Cruelest Miles: The Heroic Story of Dogs and Men in a Race Against an Epidemic,' but for children or to add to your other books on dogsledding I would highly recommend adding this one to your collection.
One last little note, when Togo is 8 months old and escapes to travel long miles to catch up with Leonhard through a blizzard, he cut his leg while escaping. This book doesn't mention that fact but does has a picture when Togo is reunited where his leg is bloody. Nice touch! I remember that fact from the book 'Togo and Leonhard.'
June 22, 2022
This book, has beautiful pictures in it. I really liked the part where Togo lead his team. Togo is a Siberion Husky. Togo was the lead sled dog of Leonhard Seppala and his dog/Siberion Husky sled team in the 1925 serum run to Nome across central and northern Alaska. This was made into a movie called Balto. Unfortunately, the cartoon doesn't show Togo's part of the run only Balto's. If you really liked this book you can check out the movie "Balto." I had never really heard of Togo till January 4th, 2013.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2008
This is the second Iditarod book by Robert J. Blake that I have read. They both brought me to tears. Togo, a Siberian husky, is an excellent lead dog who has won many races. This story tells of the desperate challenge to get antibiotics from Ankorage to Nome to help stop the spread of diphtheria in 1925. Togo's courage and determination are remarkable. His spirit jumps off the pages. I would recommend this book to middle elementary.
July 3, 2016
This is an eye opening book about how the true hero of the Great Serum Run and his team are not celebrated as they should be. That honor went to Balto and his team who completed about 50 miles of the journey and went into Nome, whereas Togo and his team ran 350 miles (that's 7 times the distance Balto's team went) basically non-stop and never raced again because they gave so much. Makes me tear up every time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2009
Togo is a feisty sled dog who becomes part of a team that was called on to make the epic run across the frozen arctic to deliver the life saving diphtheria serum to the residents of Nome, Alaska in 1925. This book is a first rate historical account about Togo, an unsung hero of that race. This sled dog "race" was the inspiration for today's Iditarod. Beautifully illustrated, haunting.
May 31, 2008
I loved this book!!! It is so sad that Balto gets all the glory when it was Togo that did all of the hard work!! This is such a good book!! Make sure you read the Epilogue at the end.
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December 1, 2015Togo is based on the true story of a Siberian Husky sled dog. The owner, Seppala got a puppy but he did not believe the dog would be any use to him or his sled dog team due to the pup being sick. After Seppala's wife took care of the pup, after 6 months he sold the pup to be a pet. But Togo left his new owners house and went back to Seppala. The puppy proved him wrong and while the owner along with his team was running, the puppy stayed right beside them. The owner named the pup "Togo." When Togo got older, he proved his strength and his endurance of never giving up to his owner and the owner put Togo as the lead sled dog for the team. Race after race, Togo and his team won and they well-known through out the land. An epidemic in Nome, Ak broke out and the serum needed to be transported by foot due to the harsh weathers at that time. Seppala and Togo's (12 years at this time) team ran 125 miles in three days to get the serum three quarters of the way, another sled team would run the rest (the team was the iconic Balto sled dog). The run was known as "The Great Mercy Run." After the race, Togo received metals but it was Balto that received all the fame. The race took a toll on Togo and did not race anymore.
I did enjoy the read because I've only heard of the sled dog named Balto. I would recommend this book to a 3rd or 4th grader specially one who loves dogs. The pictures were very detailed for the reader to see the cold and the sacrifice the sled team made to get the serum to it's destination.
I did enjoy the read because I've only heard of the sled dog named Balto. I would recommend this book to a 3rd or 4th grader specially one who loves dogs. The pictures were very detailed for the reader to see the cold and the sacrifice the sled team made to get the serum to it's destination.
April 30, 2014
The book Togo tells the unsung story of a sled dog who lead the first dogsled team in the historical 1925 Serum Run in Alaska. Togo, is a Siberian Huskie that has been overlooked as a young pup and proves himself as a determined and extraordinary mushing team member. In the historic run, Togo takes on harsh elements, dangerous travel, and ticking time limit to reach the town of Nome, Alaska which is fighting a life threating outbreak of diphtheria and is in desperate need of antitoxin serum. The journey from Nenana, where Togo and his musher and team live to Nome, is a gruesome 600 mile trip. After making the town of Golovin, Alaska, a town 85 miles from Nome Togo and his team meet with another dogsled lead by the historic husky, Balto. The book commemorates the journey Togo faced and the contribution he had in saving the town of Nome. I really enjoyed this book as the visuals did a great job supporting the text and give a realistic image to who Togo was and the journey he had. The book also incorporates a map of the serum run from Anchorage to Nenana to Nome. This gives the reader a visual idea to how long the journey really was. I would absolutely have this book in my classroom library. The book is a great historic tool in looking at the 1925 Serum Run and the commemorative Iditarod Race that happens every year in Alaska.
August 26, 2018
Togo / written and illustrated by Robert J. Blake -- New York : Philomel Books / Penguin Putnam books for Young Readers, c2002. (44 pages)
SUMMARY: In 1925, Togo, a Siberian husky who loves being a sled dog, leads a team that rushes to bring diphtheria antitoxin from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.
REVIEW: I have always loved the realistic images Robert J. Blake brings to his paintings, and the cover with Togo's face made me want to pick this title up. Most people know of Balto that ran the last 53 miles of the trip to bring the life saving serum to Nome, Alaska -- but the real hero behind the scenes was Togo that led a team of sled dogs 350 miles.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: ...While in Alaska I heard many different versions of the 1925 serum run to Nome....Only Leonhard Seppala and Togo know exactly what went on with the team as they ran their part of the relay. This story is how I imagine it may have been, based on the information I gathered. More than anything, I have tried to re-create the feel of their struggle...
FAVORITE PARTS: When as a puppy, Togo breaks out of the kennel to follow the sled team who were lost and he was the one that lead them back to the trail.
SUMMARY: In 1925, Togo, a Siberian husky who loves being a sled dog, leads a team that rushes to bring diphtheria antitoxin from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.
REVIEW: I have always loved the realistic images Robert J. Blake brings to his paintings, and the cover with Togo's face made me want to pick this title up. Most people know of Balto that ran the last 53 miles of the trip to bring the life saving serum to Nome, Alaska -- but the real hero behind the scenes was Togo that led a team of sled dogs 350 miles.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: ...While in Alaska I heard many different versions of the 1925 serum run to Nome....Only Leonhard Seppala and Togo know exactly what went on with the team as they ran their part of the relay. This story is how I imagine it may have been, based on the information I gathered. More than anything, I have tried to re-create the feel of their struggle...
FAVORITE PARTS: When as a puppy, Togo breaks out of the kennel to follow the sled team who were lost and he was the one that lead them back to the trail.
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July 12, 2012Togo
Biography: Picture book Heroism, dependability
Blake, Robert J. Togo. Illus by Robert J. Blake. Philomel Books, 2002, Unp, primary.
In Togo, he was thought to have not been a sled dog, but after proving himself he led a team of sled dogs to saving the people of Nome with a serum the team travelled 350 miles to get in the blistering cold. The majority of the text is from a third person point of view, but often times Togo’s owner would be talking in first person. The descriptive style makes the reader feel as though they are part of the race and allows you to be reflective, the added bold watercolors create a picturesque setting to help visualize.
Activity: The epilogue discusses how Balto got the recognition for the trek even though he only travelled 53 miles verse Togo’s 350 miles. For this activity read a book about Balto and compare the two book choices and decided who should have earned the majority of the recognition.
Biography: Picture book Heroism, dependability
Blake, Robert J. Togo. Illus by Robert J. Blake. Philomel Books, 2002, Unp, primary.
In Togo, he was thought to have not been a sled dog, but after proving himself he led a team of sled dogs to saving the people of Nome with a serum the team travelled 350 miles to get in the blistering cold. The majority of the text is from a third person point of view, but often times Togo’s owner would be talking in first person. The descriptive style makes the reader feel as though they are part of the race and allows you to be reflective, the added bold watercolors create a picturesque setting to help visualize.
Activity: The epilogue discusses how Balto got the recognition for the trek even though he only travelled 53 miles verse Togo’s 350 miles. For this activity read a book about Balto and compare the two book choices and decided who should have earned the majority of the recognition.
Read
February 25, 2015Togo is not your ordinary sled dog. He struggles being a leader and working with a team because he is too feisty and independent. Togo is very determined to change this, and when his trainer gives him a chance, he proves everyone wrong. Becoming one of the fastest sled dogs in history, his skilled are tested when he has to lead the whole team in the famous Arctic run to save Alaska from a life-threatening diphtheria outbreak.
Themes from the book would be bravery, teamwork and finishing the tasks you're given. Children need to learn this at an early age so presenting this to 1st-3rd graders would be best.
A teacher could read half the book, then do a lesson about bravery and teamwork. They could have some of the children tell stories of when they had to be brave in tough situations, or when they had to use teamwork in a sport or group activity. After discussing, children could write their prediction of how Togo will be brave during the race. The teacher would finish the book after all children make their prediction.
Themes from the book would be bravery, teamwork and finishing the tasks you're given. Children need to learn this at an early age so presenting this to 1st-3rd graders would be best.
A teacher could read half the book, then do a lesson about bravery and teamwork. They could have some of the children tell stories of when they had to be brave in tough situations, or when they had to use teamwork in a sport or group activity. After discussing, children could write their prediction of how Togo will be brave during the race. The teacher would finish the book after all children make their prediction.
March 13, 2017
Togo wasn't meant to be a sled dog. He was too feisty and independent to make a good team member, let alone a leader. But Togo is determined, and when his trainer, Leonhard Seppala, gives him a chance, he soon becomes one of the fastest sled dogs in history. His skills are put to the ultimate test, though, when Seppala and his team are called on to make the now-famous run across the frozen Arctic to deliver the serum that will save Alaska from a life-threatening outbreak of diphtheria. I think the target audience for this book is leaning towards people with understanding of dog sleds and also its leaning towards people who want to learn about dog sled races and their importance. I really liked this book a lot because it helped me give a good example of what dog sledding is and how common and natural it is. I would definitely recommend this book to a peer.
November 21, 2017
Summary:
Togo is a dog that sleds across the Arctic to transport a medicine that will save Alaska from a diphtheria outbreak. Togo is a rambunctious husky, but gets his act together to accomplish this task. This book is based on the historic rescue mission of 1925 by Leonhard Seppala and Togo. This book begins with Togo's early life and provides a map outlining the course of Togo's journey.
One sentence:
This book shows it's possible to overcome mistakes and shortcomings complete something that is noteworthy.
Personal response:
I really enjoyed reading this book and I felt a personal connection with Togo. His handwork ethic is incredibly influential.
Would you recommend this book?
The illustrations in this book are some of the best that I have seen. The images strengthened the story line. This also shows that with determination anything is possible.
Togo is a dog that sleds across the Arctic to transport a medicine that will save Alaska from a diphtheria outbreak. Togo is a rambunctious husky, but gets his act together to accomplish this task. This book is based on the historic rescue mission of 1925 by Leonhard Seppala and Togo. This book begins with Togo's early life and provides a map outlining the course of Togo's journey.
One sentence:
This book shows it's possible to overcome mistakes and shortcomings complete something that is noteworthy.
Personal response:
I really enjoyed reading this book and I felt a personal connection with Togo. His handwork ethic is incredibly influential.
Would you recommend this book?
The illustrations in this book are some of the best that I have seen. The images strengthened the story line. This also shows that with determination anything is possible.
April 17, 2019
The story starts off with a pup that seemed hopeless for Leonhard Seppala, a musher with dogs. He had hoped to get a strong dog but Togo was only a runt and had no deeming qualities. Throughout the book, Togo is left behind and struggles his way back to the pack and meets Leonhard. Through his persistence, Togo is accepted into the sled team and becomes a stronger leader than Leonhard had imagined. The book was made beautifully and had a strong theme of perseverance for something you care about. Although Togo said nothing, we can sense his desire to be with this pack and the desire for acceptance by Leonhard.
The book is wonderfully made, the scenes capture every bit of your attention, making you want to read more. This is a great book to tie in with a historical fiction lesson, or the Ididarod race lesson.
The book is wonderfully made, the scenes capture every bit of your attention, making you want to read more. This is a great book to tie in with a historical fiction lesson, or the Ididarod race lesson.
March 2, 2013
This is an amazing tale of the lead dog for one of the dog teams who brought serum to Nome saving the lives of people who were suffering from diptheria. While Balto is the more famous dog, since he is the lead dog who finished the journey, Togo and his team were instrumental in carrying the serum almost double the distance of any other team.
The illustrations are wonderful and the cover depicts a dog with piercing eyes. It just begged to be read. It was a fascinating tale and one that really helps to shed light on the arduous journey that inspired the Iditarod race. You can find out more about Togo and the 1925 Serum run to Nome here and here.
The illustrations are wonderful and the cover depicts a dog with piercing eyes. It just begged to be read. It was a fascinating tale and one that really helps to shed light on the arduous journey that inspired the Iditarod race. You can find out more about Togo and the 1925 Serum run to Nome here and here.
June 22, 2022
This book makes me wish I had a dog named Togo. This book is beautiful. Beautiful paintings and beautiful story. I am amazed at the feat the Leonhard Seppala, Togo, Smokey, Jens, and all the other Mushers and Dogs were able to accomplish that cold Alaskan winter. I had seen the cartoon of Balto countless times (it is in my video collection), but had never known about Togo, all the other dogs and all the other mushers until recently. Since then I have read all I can about this historical event. There are amazing photos of the dogs and the mushers on-line that have been really interesting to see. There is a lot of interesting information and it is one of those events that makes you feel great to be an animal lover---especially dogs!
January 14, 2018
I have never read or seen anything about Balto, who is the famous sled dog who finished the trip that Togo started, but in reading this book, I was amazed at the things that these dogs and drivers can do in such cold places. It was hard reading about what they went through, but the antics of Togo in refusing to be left behind and leading his team so heroically were inspirational. The cynic in me wonders how much is legend and how much is fact, but considering this happened almost 100 years ago, we may never know.
The real star of this book for me was the art. It looks like oil paintings on each page. I would hang them on my walls!
The real star of this book for me was the art. It looks like oil paintings on each page. I would hang them on my walls!
April 7, 2020
This book is about a Siberian Husky who wanted to be a sled dog his whole life. Although his master thought he couldn’t be a good leader, he continued to push harder and ended up becoming one of the fastest dogs in Alaska. Togo goes on a mission for an antidote that will save his town and cure everyone from a sickness. This is a great story to read to children because it has very descriptive pictures and text that draws them in wanting more.
February 23, 2019
So Balto wasn't the only hero of the epidemic. Who knew? I'm glad that Togo is finally getting HIS story told, as he was just as much a hero as every other dog that brought the cure. Well-written and inspiring (but sad...), this is an excellent book for kids interested in sled dogs.
May 2, 2019
This was really cool. I think I'm going to start marking E books with fiction, non-fiction, and historical fiction because I want all of my elementary school students to know that they can learn amazing things from picture books.
January 30, 2020
Togo’s story is amazing. What an incredible animal! Share this awesome picture book with dog lovers young and old. This will also be a great read while following the last great race: the Iditarod. And, of course, there is the new Disney movie.
March 7, 2020
Well illustrated and well written Togo by Robert J. Blake depicts part of the 1925 serum run that so many associate just Balto with even though Togo ran more miles than Balto’s team did. The author did well showing the struggle Togo had his team faced.
July 17, 2017
Good nonfiction for kids--lead to great "rabbit trail". What is diphtheria? How does serum fix it? Can it help someone that is already sick?
February 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and it's illustrations. It's an gripping story that also teaches a lesson about perseverance and teamwork.
December 5, 2019
What a classic! Loved it! What a beautiful true story!
December 6, 2019
Sled dogs are extremely dedicated with their owners and this story shows a reason why they are so impressive even though tough weather conditions.
January 27, 2020
WAY too long for very young readers, but an amazing story and amazing art.
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May 8, 2020A great story to have if you are teaching about the Iditarod Race. I love the illustrations that go along with this story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews