Most dogs, especially cairn terriers, don't make their living selling cookbooks. But then Rocky is not like most dogs! Any animal lover understands that our pets can communicate with each other and with us. So it will come as no surprise that Rocky can talk and understand human speech, while it is only the humans he meets that can't speak dog! Rocky has a mission in mind as he sets off on his cookbook-selling adventures. His travels take him across the country and back as he risks tail, tooth and paw to help those in need. The beautiful illustrations will help younger readers understand the story. However the inspiring message of Rocky's tale will fill the heart and mind of any dog lover, young or old, especially those everyday heroes who live and work in the world of animal rescue. Deirdre Bailleu, who has been involved in dog rescue for ten years, lives in Iowa with her husband Kenneth and an ever changing cast of rescue dogs. Virginia Walker is an artist and muralist who has worked on many large commercial, governmental & private mural projects with her talented husband, Steve Pedersen, and lives in Baltimore, Maryland with two adorable terriers.
I loved this book! It is sweet, gentle, and heartbreaking all at the same time. Suitable for adults or children of any age, and the illustrations are wonderful. It deals with the subject of puppy mills and the realities of what goes on in that world. The author is involved in animal rescue and knows where-of she speaks, but delivers her message gently, not heavy-handed at all. All in all, a wonderful book.
An amazing book, tears and smiles and education - the characters grab your heart and drag you in. Recommend this as an "older child" read - definitely adult read and wonderful addition to ANY library.
It seems like all the "modern" books about dogs follow the same mold; the dog is born, grows up, learns how to communicate with humans, goes through a period where they are separated from the people they love, then toward the end they find their family again, and all is restored in the world. This book fits right in that category, so why do I love it?
The story of Rocky is the story of hope. It is also the story of the strength of friendship. This book captures the essence of a cairn terrier's greatness, showing it to the readers in a way that his actions could do, all while describing his journey on his mission of selling cookbooks to help his cousins in the most beautiful and heart-touching detail. Dog lovers will find they cannot put it down because, after a while, they realize you don't see the words on the page, you see the image of the experience in your mind.
I was quite emotional at the end of the book; it was touching. Recommended if dogs (or communication with animals and people) are of interest to you.
I enjoyed reading this short storybook. It was easy to read for my 8 yr old, so she enjoyed it more. The illustrations are gorgeous! And we fell in love with Rocky! It’s such a heartwarming story and delivers a great message about how we can make a difference in others' lives by loving them and if needed adopting them too.
Unforgettable quotes from the book:
"A hero is a dog who does what needs to be done when it needs to be done and with all his will and strength. A hero is not a dog who puffs out his chest and makes the most noise about how great he is. A hero may be great, but a hero is humble."
"Anyone and everyone who loves you for yourself and not because you are a great hero will see you through the eyes of love and will see the real you."
Not only is it a great book to read with your children but it is also a great reminder that there are so many animals who are not fortunate to be rescued.
I write this review with a heavy, yet hopeful heart. It is easy to look away at the ugly things in life but it is through that glance that things can change for the better. Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman, by Deirdre Bailleu, is an example of not wanting to take that look, yet knowing the problem will not go away unless it is brought to the forefront. This book focuses on the uncomfortable, yet relevant, subject of puppy mills. It sends an uplifting message that the quality of life for these innocent puppies and their parents can be restored and they can have a second chance at a resilient life. Children who read this will feel emotions, both sad and happy, but more importantly, they will hopefully feel inspired to advocate for the safety of these animals as well as understand the importance of the human spirit and its emotional and mental connection with these precious pets.
I should have never read this book...and yet I can't bring myself to regret a moment.
This is a heartwarming story that will keep you turning the pages. I can't remember reading a book that touched me with a plethora of emotions like Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman. I'm a pushover when it comes to a dog so when I saw the picture on the cover I knew I had to check it out. Well, the first chapter did not disappoint. I was captivated and could not put this book down except for the times I had to get a hanky.
I was completely captivated to the very end.
I highly recommend this book! I will be spreading the word about this book to all my friends and encouraging them to read it. I hope you will write a review when you finish reading it so I can see how it affected you, what you think about the book, and maybe start a conversation about it.
This book is amazing! The author is detailed, and every word seems to go together with the story perfectly. Rocky is different, which makes the story interesting. The way the author wrote the book makes you want to read more every time you put the book down. Even at the end of the book, it seems like there is more. You can tell how it's going to end, but then you read more, and you're not so sure. I would recommend this book to anyone, young or old. It teaches a valuable lesson that will stick with you forever. I have read this book twice, and I'm planning on reading it many more times because it's a great book.
This book gives them inspiration on what they're capable of, which can give them a great view of life.
Because we have different things to get through, and life doesn't go through one route throughout our lives. Hats off to all animal rescuers!
This is a highly enjoyable story to read aloud. Over and over.
I'm always kicking myself for not discovering a wonderful author sooner as if the world isn't full of amazing authors I will never hear about. Better I count my blessings when I'm lucky enough to find someone so gifted to share their work with me.
Family, home, responsibility, and unselfish love are the themes we benefit from reading this lovely book.
Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman would be a great addition to a science classroom for youngsters who are learning about different dogs and cats. Beyond science, it could also provide a valuable social lesson about inclusiveness and appreciation for what looks different from our own home and upbringing. In addition, it could also invite readers to talk about the hard work and sacrifices necessary for having animals.
A story that inspires young and old. You will learn something after reading this book. Some are listed below:
1) Some things you take on faith. Take that leap into the great abyss and know deep down that you will land on your feet. Life is an adventure, so live it to the fullest!
2) Adaptation and perseverance pay. Don't sweat the small stuff! And don't forget to take joy in the simple things.
3) The clichés keep coming, but it's true. You should never judge a book by its cover. You have no idea what kinds of gems in the rough you will find!
Who wouldn't love Rocky, the adorable cairn terrier? Dog lovers or not, I think everyone could learn something from this book. A fast read but certainly not fluff. I highly recommend this thoughtful book about love, life, and companionship.
This book is one of the few books that I understood had a message behind the story, and it will always hold a special place on my bookshelf.
This book is beautiful and keeps our interest from front to back. It never ceases to amaze me how an author can craft a story with such delight--one so powerful that it has such an emotional effect on people. The kids and I had a lot of emotions reading it, and after discussing it, we ended up reading it multiple times again. This book deals with bravery, hope, compassion, kindness, and love. It is for the younger audience, but it's truly a book for all dog/animal lovers of any age.
I highly recommend this book (no matter what your age is). It is pure genius. All these ideas are not only real facts about puppy mills but touch important topics masked as a young adult's book.
I love books that I can read in a short amount of time. A book that holds my attention and has true meaning, humor, and a purpose. This book does just that. Anyone who has adopted a dog realizes how both are saved.
There are so many little furry ones who rely on our love. Who depend on humans to care for them and treat them with respect. May all the little needy ones be rescued by someone like Deirdre Bailleu! There are more messages in this book as well. Some will be new to you.
Young readers will find the story satisfying and engaging, and they will learn something about friendship and responsibility, perseverance, hope, love, and about facing their fears, along the way.
Deirdre Bailleu did a wonderful job writing this book. Her book wanted us to race out and get a rescue dog. V.A. Walker brought the story to life with her wonderful illustrations. A few of the pictures, my grandkids want to cut out and frame to hang around the house. Guess I'll have to buy a book, so we can use it for the pictures.
This story reinforces the idea that kindness is one way to fight those bad things. It is written in simple language that is easily understood by children. The illustrations are charming and uncluttered.
I was amazed by the author how she can put a story together that is meaningful to different age groups in different ways. Please keep giving us these stories and lessons of life!
I read this whole book in a couple of hours, and quite enjoyed it. I'm always going to love dogs, and I need to read a very large number of books in not a very long time if I'm going to complete my reading challenge. Anyway, about the book.
Rocky, a cairn terrier dog has many exciting adventures on his mission to sell Cookbooks to help rescue his cousins. Along the way, he encountered mischief and found new fur friends. I loved all the happy moments in this book and never wanted them to end because even though a book would be boring with no sad parts, I can't stand when animals are unhappy. I love dogs so much!
I hope this book touches the hearts of kids and adults and brings a little more love into the world.
This book took me entirely by surprise. It is one of the best books I have read in quite a while. I loved it! It touched my heart and made me think a lot.
The book is suitable for readers of all ages and Rocky gradually grows in wisdom as his adventures continue. There is a huge twist in the story too which I am reluctant to reveal because of spoilers. I prefer to tempt potential readers to discover for themselves what is so different about this beautiful book.
No explanation is given as to how and why this difference has come about but readers have suggested a plausible theme to explain it. Everything Rocky learns about his mission is stored in his heart and mind. This enables him to become a happier and wiser dog.
From start to finish this book had me, the writer does a great job of seeing the world from Rocky's (the dog) perspective, and I love the fact that the book seems to be written by the dog. The way Rocky sees things, his curiosity, and the pure innocence of a dog comes through beautifully during the whole book, and how, as a dog, he learns new things and meets new fur friends in his mission and remembers it. I have never laughed so much during a book and even cried for the first time while reading.
I would highly recommend Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman to others. I will be reading this book again to remind myself about its lessons and the wonderful company I've kept in the companionship of dogs.
If you're a dog lover, you must read this book. You just must.
One of the delights of reading Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman is being allowed to see how a dog reacts on the inside when his world is shaken on the outside.
Deirdre Bailleu's skills at drawing readers into her heartwarming story shine in Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman. Told from a dog's point of view, this is a story of hope, bravery, unselfish love, friendship, compassion, and new beginnings.
Enduring book of adventure, and unconditional love that our furry friend has to offer. It’s a book that will make you laugh and weep - and sometimes simultaneously - and swell your heart with so much pure love.
Well, I did not see the ending coming, although I had hoped for Rocky that all would turn out well. That he will find his way back home and he did. I have adopted cairn terriers for over five years. They have always turned out to be wonderful exercise buddies, companions, caretakers when you are ill, and true friends.
So I guess you can tell I adored this book. It's truly one I will cherish forever. I rarely cry when reading but when I do, you know there is a dog involved. I need to seek out a physical copy of this book so it can proudly be displayed among all of my other favorite dog books. If you love animals, this is a book you want to add to your collection too!
This book had me on the cover. I knew as soon as I saw it I had to read it. It did not disappoint. Proofreaders missed a few things but I was so into the story I didn't care. It brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. There's nothing worse for me than reading about a poor innocent dog being abused and mistreated, especially those in the puppy mill. They are innocent victims and far too many. Nothing warms my heart more than an animal finding its forever home. I'm an advocate for animals and enjoy reading stories like this one and hope you will too!
A great book to be shared by the whole family including your fur baby. Highly recommended for all ages.
I have a Cairn terrier, so this became a must-read for me. It is a fun book to read, filled with stories that anyone who has ever had a Cairn terrier (or any terrier) can relate to. It takes a lot of patience to civilize a Cairn terrier, yet they are a fun companion who wants nothing more than to be with his or her person or people.
They are always ready for the next adventure, and they have more energy than the average human child. Not everyone is a Cairn fan, but for those of us who are lucky to have had, or now have a relationship with one, this book hits the nail on the head.
I shall be giving this book to friends as a gift at every opportunity.
Give yourself a gift of this paws-actively inspired tale/tail. You need not be a dog lover to have this sweet and loving tearjerker warm your heart. This brave and resilient pup’s adventure is intertwined with the life of his beloved humans and balances the joys of life with the bittersweet.
Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman will embrace every corner of your soul. Rocky's story is one of courage, compassion, adventure, love, and inspiration! It is beautifully told and released at a perfect time...a time when we are all needing a little more hope and comfort.
My nine-year-old enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. He could pronounce most of the words. The beautiful illustrations encouraged a quest for details.
I appreciated this story that encouraged the readers to look deeper into the reasons people may act the way they do. Hope and kindness weave their way through, as well as the importance of hard work and determination.
If you don't think one person can make a difference, or if you think everything is stacked against you and you are bound to fail, read this book. You will feel challenged to get out there and make a difference. Despite all the heartbreak, this is an uplifting book.
I read this book right away after I received a soft copy through my email as I'm unable to resist the lure of an adorable puppy on the cover of a book as I would be in real life. I admit I shed a few tears while reading some of the happily-ever-after stories at the end of the book.
This book is great because it is easily accessible to young readers who are both very interested in animal stories and most capable of absorbing the book's message of compassion. Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman is a real, relatable, well-written story of the love animals bring to life that asks us to be worthy of that love.
Endearing. Extremely moving. Highly recommendable for the animal lover, and especially more to those inclined for the cairn terriers type. This novel makes you partly feel like a dog and experience the world through its eyes.
I believe that readers can connect with this book on a personal level. It is an entertaining story that can be finished in one sitting. The messages are clear: everyone is good at something, asking for/accepting help is never a bad thing, everyone can be a hero, take care of those who cannot take care of themselves, and never be afraid to stand your ground. I am looking forward to the next book by this author.
My heart, my passion, and my purpose - all came together when I read this book, and I understood the power of dogs and animals in general.
Written from a dog's point of view, the story seemed more emotional. The gentleness and trust that I imagine all dogs have has been presented very well here. As such, the reader quickly falls in love with the dog, making the reader cry. Sometimes there were tears of joy because something was just so darned right and sweet and happy. Sometimes there were tears of sadness. At all times, the story was compelling and well-written. Excellent quick read; particularly when you want something a bit different.
It is not often that book will get me emotional but this one...
I loved it. I've never owned a dog or even spent an extended time with a dog so I never quite understood why people would get so attached to them. However, after reading this book I understood just how much a pet becomes a part of a person's life.
Rocky: The World's Greatest Cookbook Salesman is such a good book with so much emotion. You can tell that the author took her time creating a character with enough love and determination to make this story great. She did a marvelous job getting into a dog's brain and interpreting the things they see and hear.
This author does a wonderful job of getting the reader engaged in the story. There are so many aspects that touch the heart and spirit! The characters are relatable to the reader.
The story is told from the dog's perspective and I found it interesting how the author interpreted what a dog might be thinking when faced with different situations. She also demonstrated the pack mentality and the bond that dogs form with humans. I've seen that bond with the dogs I have had in the past. It is amazing how these furry creatures capture our hearts.
Great story, great writing, and great characters...3 Gs that's what a great book is about!
If you're looking for something that is a morning or afternoon read, that is certain to give pleasure and bring a smile, and that you love dogs, this short book may fill the bill.
This is a story that ran the gamut of emotions. There were times I was sad and angry, other times I was laughing, but also times that had me in tears. The gorgeous illustrations made my day.
If you love dogs and happily ever after you will love this story. I normally avoid anything that will make me cry and this one did but it was well worth reading.
This is a great book and a great story and I'm going to be following Rocky's journey from now on.