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Toby Dog of Gold Shaw Farm
Dive into the pastoral world of Toby Dog of Gold Shaw Farm, a delightful and adventurous tale penned by Morgan Gold, the creator behind the Gold Shaw Farm social media accounts. Step into a story told through the eyes of Toby, a courageous and endearing livestock guardian dog. Journey with Toby as he navigates farm life, forms enduring bonds, and becomes the farm's valiant protector. Combining humor, adventure, and timeless lessons about friendship and responsibility, this charming story about a remarkable dog's journey of discovery will make you laugh, keep you on the edge of your seat, and warm your heart. Dive in and be prepared to fall in love with Toby Dog, a true hero in the world of tails and hay bales.
- GenresChildrens
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 18, 2023
It is one of the best newer children's books I have read.
The story takes place on a farm and introduces a lot of animals in the story that you can't help but adore.
The story itself is so captivating that I could not put the book down, it makes you appreciate what you have and wonder about the unseen adventures animals face plus there are the cutest illustrations in this book.
The story takes place on a farm and introduces a lot of animals in the story that you can't help but adore.
The story itself is so captivating that I could not put the book down, it makes you appreciate what you have and wonder about the unseen adventures animals face plus there are the cutest illustrations in this book.
August 2, 2024
Children's fiction, animal story. This story, told from the point of view of a Great Pyrenees puppy, tells about his moving from the farm he was raised on with his mother and siblings to his own farm. He grows from a floofy, easily intimidated puppy to a strong guardian of the farm. There are minimal interactions with the farmer, driving him to the new farm, going over the rules, and caretaking mostly. Toby Dog meets the animals on the farm, which is the two barn cats and a flock of ducks. There are also wild animals that visit, both good and bad. He befriends the skunk and has a truce with the owl, but has to defend the farm from a raccoon, coyotes, and a bobcat. The forward mentions that Morgan has been known to put cameras on different animals and farm kids to get their perspective, and perhaps that is the secret to capturing the action so well. A fun read that reminds me of animal story classics such as Babe : The Gallant Pig.
September 21, 2023
Morgan Gold did a good job with his story about Toby, the livestock guardian dog from Gold Shaw Farm in northern Vermont. I've watched Morgan's YouTube channel for years, and have followed along with his journey of writing, publishing, and recording this book, and it's very well done. In the audiobook, a couple of the voice actors mumble or overact so much that their characters are hard to understand at times, but it's great to have all the different voices for the large cast of characters. Fingers crossed for an Abby Dog book soon!
October 6, 2023
I am planning to recommend the Toby Dog book to anyone and everyone who enjoys tales of talking animals, true friendship and bravery.
This wonderful pastoral tale reminds me of Charlotte’s Web; the fact that author and farm owner Morgan Gold also narrates is a plus. Like E.B White before him, Morgan (along with his cast of voice actors) brings to life the beauty of the Vermont countryside and the animals that live on and around the farm. I sincerely believe we have a classic on our hands.
This wonderful pastoral tale reminds me of Charlotte’s Web; the fact that author and farm owner Morgan Gold also narrates is a plus. Like E.B White before him, Morgan (along with his cast of voice actors) brings to life the beauty of the Vermont countryside and the animals that live on and around the farm. I sincerely believe we have a classic on our hands.
July 29, 2023
Ok - I'm not the target audience for this book but I listened to the live stream reading of the full book prior to its release & it is quite delightful. Toby's introduction to farm life & the creatures in & around the farm is an adventure. Highly recommend this story. The illustrations are incredible.
February 27, 2025
Wonderful tale
I've followed Gold Shaw Farms on social media, so have heard the story of Toby Dog there. This story, told from Toby's viewpoint, is a wonderful retelling of his early time on the farm. It's engaging, perfect for children. Quite true to life with lots of suspense but a great outcome.
I've followed Gold Shaw Farms on social media, so have heard the story of Toby Dog there. This story, told from Toby's viewpoint, is a wonderful retelling of his early time on the farm. It's engaging, perfect for children. Quite true to life with lots of suspense but a great outcome.
September 20, 2023
sweet story
I liked the vocabulary. I think a parent reading the book would not become bored. The story itself is balanced and sweet. I am looking forward to the hinted of book two.
I liked the vocabulary. I think a parent reading the book would not become bored. The story itself is balanced and sweet. I am looking forward to the hinted of book two.
October 7, 2023
This was a delightful read, perfect for young readers. Toby narrates the story of coming to the farm and learning to be a livestock guardian dog perfectly as he tries to make friends with his charges and grows to be a fierce protector. Toby has heart and he keeps trying through the mean teasing of the ducks, the aloofness of the geese, the bullying from the cats, and the loneliness of being away from his mother and siblings making it hard for him to adjust.
It takes Toby nearly sacrificing himself to save the cats from a bobcat to gain the respect of the entire farm and emerge triumphant and bloodied, but injured. But on return from the vet the farm animals have accepted him as their own, even the cats, and all see his worth is great. He has earned his place.
The book introduces children to farm animal life, in an era when a lot of them don't even know what a farm really is. I think it is important to have books like this to remind them and to fire their imaginations and make them perhaps want to seek out a farm and see what it is really all about. So many kids are crammed up in cities and have no idea about wide open spaces, farms, and homesteads. Books like this bring such things alive vividly.
There are a couple sections that may scare very young children, but I'd say ages 7 and up should be fine reading it on their own unless they are very fearful. Younger kids should have an adult reading it to them or with them in case they get scared at certain parts, like the bobcat fight scene or when Toby and his skunk friend run up against coyotes.
I think this book could be helpful for a kid who might have been separated suddenly from his own family or part of it, by divorce, death, or foster care, put into a new school, and is trying to make new friends, but they want nothing to do with him or are teasing him or bullying him. Even trying to win a teacher (or farmer) over is hard. It would help someone like that to read a book like this to help work out his feelings with a farm puppy he can identify those feelings with as part of counseling.
Morgan Gold is a wonderful storyteller, both in the book and in real life. He can weave a yarn like nobody's business in real life. As someone who has watched this farmer and the real Toby Dog for a couple of years now, I was so happy to see this book come out. The real Toby is such a wonderful dog on the screen and does indeed take his job seriously. It was fun to climb inside his head for a brief hour and read about his adventures. I plan to buy copies for all my great nieces and great nephews who are the right age for Christmas. I'm even going to request it from the library so they buy it, which they do if you fill out forms, so that it is there for our local children to enjoy. Toby's story deserves to be spread.
It takes Toby nearly sacrificing himself to save the cats from a bobcat to gain the respect of the entire farm and emerge triumphant and bloodied, but injured. But on return from the vet the farm animals have accepted him as their own, even the cats, and all see his worth is great. He has earned his place.
The book introduces children to farm animal life, in an era when a lot of them don't even know what a farm really is. I think it is important to have books like this to remind them and to fire their imaginations and make them perhaps want to seek out a farm and see what it is really all about. So many kids are crammed up in cities and have no idea about wide open spaces, farms, and homesteads. Books like this bring such things alive vividly.
There are a couple sections that may scare very young children, but I'd say ages 7 and up should be fine reading it on their own unless they are very fearful. Younger kids should have an adult reading it to them or with them in case they get scared at certain parts, like the bobcat fight scene or when Toby and his skunk friend run up against coyotes.
I think this book could be helpful for a kid who might have been separated suddenly from his own family or part of it, by divorce, death, or foster care, put into a new school, and is trying to make new friends, but they want nothing to do with him or are teasing him or bullying him. Even trying to win a teacher (or farmer) over is hard. It would help someone like that to read a book like this to help work out his feelings with a farm puppy he can identify those feelings with as part of counseling.
Morgan Gold is a wonderful storyteller, both in the book and in real life. He can weave a yarn like nobody's business in real life. As someone who has watched this farmer and the real Toby Dog for a couple of years now, I was so happy to see this book come out. The real Toby is such a wonderful dog on the screen and does indeed take his job seriously. It was fun to climb inside his head for a brief hour and read about his adventures. I plan to buy copies for all my great nieces and great nephews who are the right age for Christmas. I'm even going to request it from the library so they buy it, which they do if you fill out forms, so that it is there for our local children to enjoy. Toby's story deserves to be spread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2023
Morgan of Gold Shaw Farm is already an accomplished storyteller on YouTube and this is his debut novel about Toby Dog. I've watched the channel from the time just after Toby arrived on the farm and was still very much a small fluffy white puppy. Just as you'll discover yourself in the book, Toby might have been an adorable ball of fluff when he first arrived but he has always been the brave guardian dog of his farm.
The story itself is well paced and a new timeless classic children's book. I truly hope that this is the start of a series of stories from Gold Shaw Farm. Although I don't envy Morgan having to choose who would star in the next one! Absolutely you must get this book, I got the digital download to get it the day of release. I think though, that I might have get not only a physical copy but also the audio book as well.
The story itself is well paced and a new timeless classic children's book. I truly hope that this is the start of a series of stories from Gold Shaw Farm. Although I don't envy Morgan having to choose who would star in the next one! Absolutely you must get this book, I got the digital download to get it the day of release. I think though, that I might have get not only a physical copy but also the audio book as well.
September 28, 2023
Perfect storybook for young children
I read this Kindle book aloud to my grandchildren. They hung on every word and begged for just one more chapter as I tucked them into bed. The story is fun, adventurous and heartwarming. I think it will be a great tool in teaching children about friendships, obligations, following directions, listening, teamwork and most of all self esteem. I love watching the adventures of Morgan Gold and his animals on YouTube, this book was a wonderful addition to his story and I look forward to many more books from him spotlighting all the amazing animals of Gold Shaw Farm. Thanks Morgan!
I read this Kindle book aloud to my grandchildren. They hung on every word and begged for just one more chapter as I tucked them into bed. The story is fun, adventurous and heartwarming. I think it will be a great tool in teaching children about friendships, obligations, following directions, listening, teamwork and most of all self esteem. I love watching the adventures of Morgan Gold and his animals on YouTube, this book was a wonderful addition to his story and I look forward to many more books from him spotlighting all the amazing animals of Gold Shaw Farm. Thanks Morgan!
September 24, 2023
Well done, Morgan. A very respectable first effort. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
"Toby Dog of Gold Shaw Farm" is a delightful children's book about a livestock guardian puppy, and his first few months as guardian of his new farm. He meets a variety of animals, both wild and domestic. He stumbles through making friends, learns how to stand up for himself, and has a high adventure. This is a delightful story. I'm glad that I read it.
"Toby Dog of Gold Shaw Farm" is a delightful children's book about a livestock guardian puppy, and his first few months as guardian of his new farm. He meets a variety of animals, both wild and domestic. He stumbles through making friends, learns how to stand up for himself, and has a high adventure. This is a delightful story. I'm glad that I read it.
January 13, 2026
Very satisfying read
Morgan Gold is an excellent storyteller. This account of the adventures of his first farm dog is quite engrossing. Gold expresses through Toby the duties and adventures on the farm. Each encounter is seen through the young dog's eyes and a lovely explanation of his world as seen through older animals he interacts with. I would recommend this book for middle school and higher.
Morgan Gold is an excellent storyteller. This account of the adventures of his first farm dog is quite engrossing. Gold expresses through Toby the duties and adventures on the farm. Each encounter is seen through the young dog's eyes and a lovely explanation of his world as seen through older animals he interacts with. I would recommend this book for middle school and higher.
December 9, 2023
It was so lovely to hear the “voices” of Toby Dog, Lil’barn cat and Pablo Barn cat and of course the Puddle Duck family. I’ve been watching the journeys of Goldshaw Farms and its animals for about 4 years - Morgan (the farmer) is an amazing storyteller teller and so genuinely caring. I just loved this book and bought it for all children in my life.
September 20, 2023
Great read, especially if you follow Gold Shaw Farm on youtube
I have been looking forward to the book coming out and it did not disappoint! I definitely will be reading this to my granddaughters.
I have been looking forward to the book coming out and it did not disappoint! I definitely will be reading this to my granddaughters.
September 24, 2023
Great Story
Awesome story about the young life of a farmer puppy. The audio book was excellent as well. My 9 year old really enjoyed this. A great read for the entire family and a great listen for family road trips.
Awesome story about the young life of a farmer puppy. The audio book was excellent as well. My 9 year old really enjoyed this. A great read for the entire family and a great listen for family road trips.
December 27, 2023
Toby Dog!
I originally bought this to read to my first grader. She wasn't too interested because it don't have enough pictures.
But we'll try again as she gets used to chapter books.
I originally bought this to read to my first grader. She wasn't too interested because it don't have enough pictures.
But we'll try again as she gets used to chapter books.
September 18, 2023
Heartwarming!
This is a sweet story, told from Toby Dog’s point of view. I highly recommend it, especially for a child who may be struggling to fit in and make friends.
This is a sweet story, told from Toby Dog’s point of view. I highly recommend it, especially for a child who may be struggling to fit in and make friends.
September 19, 2023
great book for kids
Great read about a puppy who learns what it means to be a guard dog. Enjoyed reading this book and loved the ending!
Great read about a puppy who learns what it means to be a guard dog. Enjoyed reading this book and loved the ending!
September 19, 2023
Great Story With A Lot Of Heart
Toby Dog of Gold Shaw Farm is a wonderfully uplifting story. The humor and heart will resonate with children and adults,
Toby Dog of Gold Shaw Farm is a wonderfully uplifting story. The humor and heart will resonate with children and adults,
December 26, 2023
I loved it! Loved how it was written simply in Toby Dogs perspective. So cute! Great present (even for adults- I'm autistic and makes me feel happy to read a children's book for adults)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
delightful, heart warming story - even though written for a low reading level, I enjoyed it!
August 9, 2024
great book
You need to watch him on YouTube to really see and understand what it all is. Would recommend reading and watching
You need to watch him on YouTube to really see and understand what it all is. Would recommend reading and watching
September 11, 2025
This was a veryRy cure story. I have watched Gold Shaw Farm for a long time on FB and YouTube. It saw entertaining! Thank you Morgan!
November 19, 2023
I expected to "like" the book because it's GoldShaw Farm; I wasn't expecting much more than that. I was really surprised by how well written this book is. In typical Morgan fashion, the book pushes the envelope a bit. There are some pretty big themes in this book: bullying, friendship, etc. The big take-a-way is that everyone has a job to do and don't hate that being because they are doing what they were put on this Earth to do. Toby has a big dilemma that we get to see him work his way through a tough decision. Very good book; glad my 14-year-old son made me read it:)
August 1, 2025
3☆ Good. I enjoyed the book, but I won't be reading it again.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews