The Dog Who Would Not Smile

The Adventures of Nathan T. Riggins #1

by Stephen Bly

Eight- to 12-year-old boys (and girls too ) will be entertained by these westerns for kids from the pen of a real-life cowboy who is also a pastor and a popular author. Bad guys, buffalo and bobcats are part of the mix as Nathan and his friends try to do what's right in all situations.

Genres: Historical Fiction

127 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1992

About the author

Stephen Bly (August 17, 1944 - June 9, 2011) authored 100 books and hundreds of articles. His book, THE LONG TRAIL HOME, (Broadman & Holman), won the prestigious 2002 CHRISTY AWARD for excellence in Christian fiction in the category western novel. Three other books, PICTURE ROCK (Crossway Books), THE OUTLAW'S TWIN SISTER (Crossway Books), and LAST OF THE TEXAS CAMP (Broadman & Holman), were Christy Award finalists. He spoke at colleges, churches, camps and conferences across the U.S. and Canada. He was the pastor of Winchester Community Church, and served as mayor of Winchester, Idaho (2000-2007). He spoke on numerous television and radio programs, including Dr. James Dobson's Focus on the Family. He was an Active Member of the Western Writers of America. Steve graduated summa cum laude in Philosophy from Fresno State University and received a M.Div from Fuller Theological Seminary. The Blys have three sons: Russell (married to Lois) and father of Zachary and Miranda (married to Chris Ross) and mother of Alayah, Michael (married to Michelle), and Aaron (married to Rina Joye) and father of Keaton and Deckard. A third generation westerner, Steve spent his early years working on ranches and farms.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full points for bringing back the excitement of reading this as a kid. Pretty sure I was a bit in love with Nathan T Riggins by the end of this series of books. Actually I was more in love with the dog.

[Tessie Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book series ignited my love of reading when I was a kid. I remember writing a letter to Stephen Bly when I first finished the series begging him to write more Nathan T. Riggins novels. You know that you’ve found a treasure when you’re not ready to let go of beloved book characters.

I’m hosting a summer book club for our homeschool co-op and this is the first book we are reading. I hope it fuels a love of reading for these kids the same way it did for me.

[Joani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick western read



It was a good/ fast read. More of a story than a novel. A feels good plot with likeable characters and descriptive terrain.

[由 Ydk'Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already have the book in real life and its so awesome i love how he prays to God when ever in trouble/

[Eric Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Headed back to my childhood....

[Jacque · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a read aloud for school. The kids all gave it 5 stars. I give it a solid 4. It was s fun story with a good lesson on faith. Parts of it were a little unrealistic, but fun!

[Florence Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in the series not 2