Nando

Best Friends Dog Tales #4

by McCall Hoyle

Perfect for fans of Because of Winn-Dixie and Homeward Bound—a moving adventure full of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans.

Nando may have started life as the runt of the litter, but he’s grown into a loyal, hardworking border collie that takes his job—and his family—seriously. He believes that the only way to keep his place on the farm and in the heart of his human, Esperanza, is to maintain perfection in all his responsibilities—and nothing less.

But when a tropical storm turns the creek by the farm into a raging river and scatters Cloe, Nando's favorite young human; Stella, a friendly beagle; Oscar, the farm's annoying cat; and Nando himself, Nando learns the hard truth: He can’t control everything.

Stranded far from home, Nando is rescued by Levi, a boy with a brave heart and a gift for seeing good in others, who was also displaced by the storm. Nando and Levi are both trying to get back home, but when Levi leashes Nando, he leaves the independent herding dog with little choice but to stick with him. As they face rising waters, dangerous terrain, and the uncertainty of finding their way back, Levi offers Nando courage, friendship, and love, teaching Nando that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved and accepted.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens

176 pages, Hardcover

Published August 4, 2026

About the author

McCall Hoyle lives in the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains with her husband, children, and an odd assortment of pets. She is a middle school librarian and teacher. When she's not reading, writing, or teaching, she's probably training one of many dogs. You can learn more about her at mccallhoyle.com.

Reviews

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nando is an hardworking sheep herding dog and this is his story told by him. Fabulous!

A tropical storm devastates Nando’s farm and family. People and other animals are lost, victims of the storm. Nando loves his family and does everything possible to bring them back home; together.

NANDO, by McCall Hoyle, is remarkably creative writer. I never had any doubts that Nando was telling this story. She must speak dog. Altho’ there are plenty of human characters, it’s Nando I wanted to hear from. His honesty and unconditional love are hallmarks. She’s able to deliver stressful, dangerous and scary scenes without terrifying young readers. The story is engulfing.

Faithfulness, trust, honesty, family, (found, created or natural), and strength are themes readers will find on the pages. A steady stream of action tempered with humor and love will keep you turning pages. With the accompanying stunning artwork, by Kevin Keele, this is a book that will be read and loved for years to come.

Highly recommended for readers of all ages, especially dog lovers, adventure enthusiasts and heart warming family stories. A perfect addition to school or home libraries📚

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC via Kindle with thanks to Publisher’s Weekly, the publisher and author.

[Regency_Fan_ Michelle RegencyFanMichelleAndMore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hopeful Animal Adventure Told from a Dog’s Point of View

I received a complimentary advance copy and was under no obligation to leave a positive review.

Nando is an enjoyable and heartfelt animal adventure told from the dog’s point of view. I thought that perspective made the story especially interesting because readers experience the journey through Nando’s thoughts, instincts, loyalty, and determination.

The story includes severe weather, rushing water, a rockslide, and several characters becoming stranded in the woods. These situations add suspense and a real sense of adventure, but they never felt overwhelmingly frightening or too intense for the intended audience.

I enjoyed following Nando, the boy, and the cat as they faced unexpected challenges and worked to find their way to safety. The story balances danger with warmth, friendship, courage, and hope. It also has a reassuring and satisfying conclusion without making the journey feel too predictable.

I would recommend Nando to homeschool families, parents, grandparents, teachers, and young readers who enjoy animal stories filled with adventure, loyalty, and heart.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute story!

[Tiffany (Work Kids N Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this out loud to my younger kids and they loved it!

This is a great read for younger grades! It has trials, hope, fun, and animals. A great recipe for young readers!

From a dog’s perspective, it helps explain the complicated world in an accessible way. The storytelling is fabulous and will catch any reader!

Read this book if you like:
🐾 Juvenile Fiction
🐾 Homeward Bound Vibes
🐾 Connection
🐾 Great Storytelling
🐾 Ornery Cats
🐾 Smells
🐾 Bridges
🐾 Finding Your Best Friend

Content: separation due to inclement weather, minor injuries, being lost, building trust, HEA.

Thank you to McCall Hoyle and Shadow Mountain for the gifted copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 4th installment in McCall Hoyle’s warm and wonderful Best Friends dog series is filled with characters from the previous titles plus new neighbors to mix it up and add some freshness. Esperanza’s herding sheepdog, Nando, is the featured canine and when a torrential storm hits he must head out to search for Cloe and Stella, but is thrust into a natural disaster that challenges his confidence and forces him to depend on someone else for help.

Hoyle quickly moves from establishing the setting of Esperanza’s sheep farm and reminding readers about her daughter Cloe and her ever-present medical support dog Stella. News of a coming storm has all of them preparing for the near hurricane force winds and rain that are on the way and sends Cloe and Stella out into the inclement weather in search of grouchy barn cat Oscar. Even though Esperanza had already directed the normally obedient Nando to “stay,” the greater call to protect leads him to follow in order to lead them all back to the safety of home. The bulk of the remaining pages are filled with the disastrous consequences of the storm, rising river and the mutually beneficial discovery of new to the area Levi and their partnership in finding safety as well as Cloe and Oscar.

Coming in at well under 200 pages, the plot moves rapidly and will keep readers on the edge of their seats as Levi and Nando develop genuine affection for one another and Nando wrestles with his deeply ingrained working dog mentality and his growing bond to someone who isn’t Esperanza or even Cloe. The first person Nando-perspective feels authentic and while none of truly know what is going inside our dogs’ minds, those who own dogs will hope their companions feel that strongly towards them and those who don’t may wish they did! As with other Hoyle titles, there are changes in the main characters that stem directly from the action in the story and provide ample opportunity for character study. To facilitate lit circle or whole class book study, Hoyle provides thoughtful discussion questions at the end that consistently ask readers to use textual support for their answers and that evidence is readily present in the details both directly and by using inferences stemming from what is there in black and white. While not a highly illustrated novel, there are sketches sprinkled into significant plot points.

Recommended titled for collections serving grades 3-6, especially in ones with highly circulated animal titles such as Applegate’s “Ivan” series, Gemeinhart’s Good Dog, Tubbs’ Daisy, Zeus and Luna books and older Because of Winn Dixie or Shiloh titles.

Profanity: none
Sexual content: none
Violence: only that of nature
Representation: Dogs don’t care about skin color, ethnic backgrounds or gender identification issues so very little is included to firmly place characters into any particular group altho the illustrations do lean towards a Caucasian default but I seem to remember from earlier books in the series that Esperanza has a Hispanic background.

Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Shadow Mountain Press.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Esperanza and her daughter Cloe. along with their dog, Stella, are preparing for a bad storm along the coast in North Carolina. They’ve got sheep that another dog, Nando, is trying to herd to safety after a neighbor, Vern, warns them how bad the storm might be. When Nando is left in the barn when Cloe and Stella take off without permission, he is frantic and wants to find them and bring them to safety. He manages to get out of the barn and locates them, only to see Cloe fall into rushing water and get carried away with her cat, Oscar. Stella jumps in as well, as does Nando, but he gets carried past the group. Luckily, he manages to make it to shore, and is helped by Levi, a new neighbor who is just moving in. He is Cloe’s age, and is trying to get home as well. The two find Oscar stuck in a crevice, and try to make their way across the perilous landscape. They are caught in a rock slide, but Nando is able to get them out. Levi cuts his hand on a branch, and Nando knows he must get this new human to safety… his access to beef jerky might rely on it. When the storm has passed, they do find Cloe, who is desperate to get home to get her medication. Oscar is located, but in a bad way, and they need to find Stella. The bridge they group needs to take is badly damaged, and getting across it almost ends in tragedy. After all of these adventures, Nando misses Levi, which strikes him as odd since Esperanza is his main human. Levi also misses Nando. Since Nando has some injuries and is getting older, he is allowed to recuperate at Levi’s house whil one of his puppies learns to herd the sheep.
Strengths: This is a solid outdoor adventure story that is a little different from Hoyle’s other work, which usually addresses some problems and showcases how service dogs can help humans. I had forgotten about Nando (from Stella), but it was interesting to see that readers requested a book about him. There are good details about the aftermath of a heavy storm, and we’ve certainly seen a lot of those lately. It was good to see how Nando worked with a new character, Levi, and how the two bonded. A refreshing, upbeat adventure surviving horrible conditions, if that can be a thing!
Weaknesses: It took me just a minute to remember what Esperanza’s household set up was, even though I did appreciate that we jumped right into the story.
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who like outdoor survival adventures like Philbrick’s Wild Wave, Brockenbrough, Martha. At the Edge of Lost, and Hashimoto’s Off the Map. I will definitely purchase.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My job is to shepherd Esperanza’s sheep—her whole flock—even her human one. The job would be a lot easier without the leash and this boy is slowing me down. I did not ask for him. I did not ask for more responsibility. I have enough—too much, really, for one dog to take care of with Esperanza, the sheep, Cloe, Stella, the chickens, grumpy old Oscar, and more. For the first time ever, I feel like an old dog—not just a not-as-young-as-I-used-to-be dog, but an old one. (38)

Nando is a Border Collie and works as a sheep dog for his owner and shepherd Esperanza whose daughter Cloe has her own dog, Stella, and Oscar, a cat who becomes more of a pet than a stray as the story progresses. Nando is a good dog and, most important, a loyal dog watching over, not just the sheep, but the family.

When a tropical storm comes and Cloe leaves the barn and gets trapped as waters rise, Nando sets off to save her, but instead he finds a boy, also separated from his home by the raging waters and falling trees, and Levi and Nando take turns saving each other (and Oscar). “It’s almost like I have a whole new pack, which is very strange because I have never wanted anyone or anything in my pack except for Esperanza. All I’ve ever wanted to do is herd sheep, but here I am following a cat I’ve never liked all that much and a boy I met yesterday.” (59)

Levi has never had a dog, but he and Nando become “a team” and more and more attached to each other. “”He’s a natural. Somehow, he understands how movement grabs a dog’s attention. My chest squeezes because I think he’s more than just a natural dog person. I think he might be…my natural person.” (89)

As Nando grapples with this new ambivalent feeling that causes “a spot way up high in [his] chest to throb” (102), they come across Cloe and, after some adventures, find their way home to Esperanza, Stella, Oscar, and in a few days, a new puppy, Nando’s daughter, who provides a solution to Nando’s conundrum.

Narrated by Nando—and a stand-alone fourth story in a series (I hadn’t read any of the previous books)—this is a story of courage, loyalty, trust and relationships—and decisions that readers can apply to their own relationships.

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my heart. McCall has done it again- created a story that makes you understand and feel what the world is like from a dog's POV. She knows dogs, she understands them, and they truly are her best friends, just as the series is called. If you hear her speak of her furry friends, you immediately know and feel of her intense love of them. They are a big part of her family.

While this is the book 4 in the Best Friends Dog Tails Series, it is easily read and enjoyed as a stand alone. There are characters (human and dogs) from other stories, but it is not necessary to know their background. It is written for elementary/MG readers, and will really appeal to reluctant readers, early readers, as well as avid readers. It is under 200 pages, is very descriptive, and keeps you on the edge of your seat hoping for the best for each of the characters.

There are new neighbors, a tropical storm, a cat and 2 dogs, danger and potential hazards, worry and health problems, and warmth and understanding. The themes and lessons in the story will make for great discussions in classrooms and families; courage friendship, love, and acceptance are lessons that the entire world could stand to be reminded of.

"My eyes flick back and forth between their faces. I'm an excellent observer. Most dogs are. ... We're not smarter than other animals. We've just just spent our entire lives watching, sniffing ,and noticing things about humans they don't even notice about themleves- the way their scent changes with their emotions, how wide their eyes open depending on their mood, even how tightly they clamp their teeth, depending what is happening around them. Dogs see and smell it all, and we adjust our behavior based on the information humans don't even know they're sharing. "

I'm such a fan of her writing and her efforts to help engage and encourage young readers. I learned from her that books are a safe place to practice big emotions-and you will feel so many- and come out happier from reading her books.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my consideration.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read all of the previous books in the "Best Friends Dog Tales" series, I knew what awaited me. My favorite thing about this series is that the stories are told from the dog's point of view. I love animals, so this series has a special place in my heart, and I had incredibly high expectations for this new book. Let me tell you, all expectations were met and exceeded! Nando is a dog I already knew from the previous books, and it was delightful to "hear" his story. He is Esperanza's serious and focused sheepdog. I loved getting to see another side of Nando alongside his familiar, responsible nature.

When a tropical storm hits, all of the people and animals on the nearby farms are affected. There were so many heart-stopping moments that had me close to tears. In fact, I was in tears near the end, unsure of the outcome for some of our beloved furry friends.

As a teacher, I absolutely loved the discussion questions at the end of the book. The author guides readers through:
-Identifying themes and deciding what the most important lesson is.
-Understanding what an epigraph is and how it is used.
-Making connections to the characters and analyzing how they change throughout the book.
-Discussing the various settings featured in the story.
-Predicting answers to any remaining unanswered questions.
-Imagining you are the author and outlining a sequel to Nando's story.
-Making connections between Nando and other familiar books or movies.

As I read each educational point, I was already formulating how I would use them with my own class once I read Nando aloud to them. Parents can also use these questions to spark great conversations with their children.

Though each book in this series can be read as a standalone, I highly suggest reading them in publication order for the full emotional impact. (Book 1 "Stella" will always be incredibly special to me.) Nando is a book full of hope, change, and growth. It's another well-deserved 5 stars for a McCall Hoyle book!

[Guadalupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

Genuinely gripping, and heartfelt besides, Nando is excellent at capturing the sense of affinity and belonging humans feel toward dogs that resemble themselves, but through a dog's eyes (or rather, nose) instead. The emphasis on Nando's reliance on smell with the ample sensory details and his attention to environmental elements which humans aren't as attuned to lent to the dog's sense of helplessness in especially harrowing situations.

Nando's development and his constant confusion were uncannily relatable, as he is thrust into impossible circumstances which he must navigate while struggling to communicate with his human companions. The progression of Levi's and Nando's relationship struck multiple chords. When unexpected kinships form between characters who are otherwise begrudging acquaintances, like Oscar the cat and Nando or Esperanza and Vern, the story takes on an attitude of hope, found in the most dire situations where staying together with one's flock, as Nando would refer to it, is crucial and not only lifesaving, but the way to an even richer life.

Nando's and Levi's relation to each other, in which other people tend to underestimate their capacity for strength and heroism due to their size and appearance, is wonderful to support readers who may feel diminished or lesser in comparison to their peers. All in all, the strong characters and nearly unceasing action and suspense, wrapped neatly with a cathartic and slow ending, make Nando a real treat for animal lovers.

[Marie Westbroek · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids have enjoyed all of McCall Hoyle’s books so far, so I decided to read her book Nando. When I received Nando in the mail, the moment I opened the packing one of my kids took the book from my hand and snuggled up on the couch to read it. I had to wait a few days before I had my turn.

Nando is the name of the main character who is a dog. This book was written from his perspective. He is a border collie who enjoys his “job” herding sheep. During a storm he was swept away by a river when he was trying to save a young girl. He ended up making the journey home with a boy named Levi and gathered others on the way. He learned that doing your job is not the only thing that makes you important. He learned that just caring for the one is enough. He gained a special friendship with Levi.

I enjoyed reading the book from the dog’s perspective. It was refreshing and different. I loved the themes, especially that we shouldn’t base our self-esteem on how much we do in a day and it is okay to not always have complete control in life. Taking care of the one is important and we are enough no matter how much we do. Although this book is the fourth book in the series, it was a stand-alone book. I didn’t have any trouble understanding it without reading the other books (but I now plan on reading them!). My kids and I recommend this book to anyone, any age.

Thank you to the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, for the opportunity to read an ARC of the book. These thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Nando” by McCall Hoyle, told from the point of view of the dog, Nando, is a thrilling adventure and heartwarming tale wrapped up in one wonderfully plotted book. Nando lives on a sheep farm with his little pack of Esperanza, her daughter Cloe, their flock of sheep, a donkey, a little dog named Stella, and a grouchy cat named Oscar. Their charming and peaceful farm life is disrupted by the arrival of a hurricane farther inland than they normally come. Nando is faced with challenges and dangers as the storm hits and he tries to herd his little pack and keep them all safe. In the chaos, Nando meets a young boy named Levi, and this meeting changes life for Nando. They both have to work together to survive and to rescue others.

This book is an excellent read for young people and grown ups alike. I enjoyed the story. The plot never lagged or lacked movement. The characters are so likable and now I want to read more of this author’s books. This is definitely a book that I will have on a reading list for my daughter. Lovers of adventure or dogs will really enjoy this book. There is no bad language, just one use of a slang word. Readers will read the themes of courage, perseverence, loyalty, devotion, hard work, and adaptation to change. The damage from the storm, although difficult, is not portrayed in a scary way, so sensitive young readers should be OK with it if they can handle the suspense of a dog and a boy being lost in the woods overnight.

[Rosesreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nando💜

What a FUN read!! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I love reading from a dog’s pov. I think being inside their mind and seeing how they think is so neat! Especially in this story because Nando had a lot of thoughts and feelings to figure out.

Nando was a good dog who did his job and loved his people and he was satisfied with that. But all it took was one storm to wreak havoc on life as he knew it. Suddenly everything and everyone was out of his control.

I thought the shift inside Nando was interesting as he started to care more and more for Levi and how he wasn’t quite sure what it meant for his relationship with Esperanza. Because if he already had his person, how could he have another one?

I appreciated the appearance and mention of characters from previous books so we still got to keep up with everyone. I also found myself liking Oscar more and more as the story went on. I would love to know what was going on in his little mind.

It was a heartwarming story and a great reminder that even if change is hard it can also be for the best. Definitely a book that a dog lover of any age can enjoy!

Thank you to Netgalley and McCall Hoyle for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nando is a border collie and working herding dog on a sheep farm in Western North Carolina. Esperanza is his person. She's the one that trained him for this job and he is determined to never let her down.

When a terrible storm hits the area (Hurricane Helene, Sept. 2024), Nando disobeys Esperanza and escapes the sheep barn to look for Chloe, Esperanza's tween daughter who left to search for the barn cat, Oscar. The storm worsens, and while trying to save Oscar from the rising waters of the river, Chloe falls in. Nando jumps in after her. Chloe is part of his flock and he will do anything to protect his flock.

Over the next two days, Nando loses Chloe, finds Levi, a boy about Chloe's age who is also stuck in the forest during the storm, and Oscar the cat. Nando is used to being in charge and leading the way. But he has to learn to listen and trust others if they are going to survive this natural disaster.
He discovers that he can rely on Levi, as much as Esperanza.

This story is very exciting and fast-paced. If you know of a young reader, aged 8-12, who loves books about animals, or survival, or friendship, NANDO is all of the above.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Friends Dog Tales book 4️⃣
🐶
Nando, a hardworking border collie, believes he must be perfect to earn his place on the farm and in the hearts of the people he loves. But when a tropical storm separates him from his family, he finds himself stranded alongside Levi, a boy also trying to get home. As they navigate danger, uncertainty, and an unexpected friendship, Nando learns that love and belonging don’t depend on being perfect.
🐾
My 90s child heart had major Homeward Bound vibes with this book. It’s a sweet, adventurous story that had me completely invested in Nando, Oscar, and Levi from the start, especially since we met Nando in Stella! I was rooting for them every step of the way as they faced challenge after challenge. Animal lovers especially are going to fall hard for this one. It’s full of heart, hope, and the kind of journey you can’t help but get emotionally attached to. This title releases August 4!

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a charming MG adventure starring a loyal border collie! This story is connected to the Best Friends Dog Tales series, but is a standalone.
Nando was a sweetheart! I loved his perspective with it’s calm practicality and purpose. He was a working dog and knew his role on the farm. The danger of the storm forced him outside of his routine and his comfort zone. It was sweet to see him connect with Levi and to find his place and value.
The story was a quick moving adventure. I was quickly invested in Nando’s journey and rooting for them! I wasn’t sure how things would play out through it all. I appreciated the familial relationships and the care people had for each other in the story. It was a sweet story with themes of unconditional love, purpose and responsibility.
I received an ARC.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son and I love reading this series by McCall Hoyle together. It's so fun to read about what dogs might be thinking. And her animals are always the heroes of the books.

I loved reading about Nando. He was the runt of the litter, but now he's the sheepdog. He does a great job of keeping those sheep in line. He tries to do the same for his owners, Esperanza and Chloe, but that doesn't always work out.

One day there is a tropical storm, and before he can stop them, Chloe, her little dog Stella, and the barn cat, Oscar, refuse to listen to Nando's barked orders and end up in serious danger. Little does he know, pretty soon Nando will be in danger, too. And he'll have to dig deep to get all of them back home again.

This book is full of great adventure and danger. I loved it so very much!

[Beth Mendelsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Nando is a border collie whose job it is to help herd the sheep on his farm. He is getting older but still very capable of doing his job. His person is Esperanza and her daughter Cloe. Cloe’s dog is Stella (the first book in the Best Friends Dog Tales series) and they have a barn cat named Oscar. When a tremendous hurricane approaches their area, Oscar runs off and Cloe and Stella set out to get him. Nando, needing to protect Cloe, goes after them when the storm hits. They are separated when the storm hits and Nando is rescued by a boy, Levi, who also got caught out in the storm. As they make their way down the mountain, they find Cloe, Stella, and Oscar along the way. However, the storm has caused a lot of damage and the humans and animals must figure out how to get home safely.
I have enjoyed all the books in the Best Friends Dog Tales series. These books are companion books so it is not necessary to read them in order (although it does help). This is a great adventure book for dog-lovers and adventure seekers alike. I would definitely recommend this title and all the others as well!
#Nando #NetGalley

[Tanya Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love dogs and enjoy movies like Homeward bound you will love this book.
Nando is a well-trained sheepdog that falls into a life-or-death situation. On his journey to find his family, he discovers someone else who’s missing. Nando needs this friend as much as the boy needs Nando.
Such a fun read for kids, learning about safety in a storm/ flash flood as well as reading how dogs likely think.
-Nando’s thoughts and actions
-Backstory of when he was a puppy
-Landslide
-Flooding
-Cave
-Survival skills
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own, and a review was not required.
TW/CW: Death mentioned of puppy (not descriptive)

[Kayla Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚ARC Review📚

Nando by @mccallhoylebooks

I absolutely loved this endearing story. This middle grade was full of heart and adventure. I love how effortlessly McCall writes from the POV of this Border Collie, Nando.

A terrible storm separates Nando from his family and the other animals on the farm. Used to gathering and being in control, this storm brought a lot of upheaval and unfamiliar smells. When Nando meets a boy named Levi that is also lost in the storm, they become dependent on each other and learn to trust and even end up saving each other in so many different ways.

Thank you McCall for such a fun and endearing read. I loved the journey and cheered for victories. Thank you @shadowmountainpub for the gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth book in the Best Friends Dog Tales series, this story follows Nando, the faithful border collie. Nando is a devoted protector, tirelessly working to keep his family and flock safe. But when a fierce storm rolls in, it sends their peaceful farm into chaos. In the midst of a flooding creek, Nando’s favorite young human Cloe, along with her beagle Stella, and cat Oscar, become separated and lost in the woods.

A kind boy named Levi rescues Nando, but the adventure is just beginning! Together, they must brave the elements and navigate the wild until they can return home. As their bond deepens, Nando faces a heart-wrenching dilemma: how will he ever say goodbye to Levi, who has become so dear to him?

This story is an emotional journey perfect for dog lovers! It has a great blend of survival adventure and warmth, filled with wonderful characters that tug at the heartstrings. I loved seeing independent and resilient Nando grow, realizing that he doesn’t need to be perfect to be loved.

With themes of courage, loyalty, and friendship woven throughout, this tale is a must-read for fans of Homeward Bound. It’s perfect for both hesitant and enthusiastic young readers, complete with discussion questions that make it a fantastic family read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My review reflects my honest opinion.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nando is a wonderful book told from Nando’s perspective. I love that about books written by McCall Hoyle. In this story, a storm puts the animals and the people in danger. Along the way Nando helps Levi, also separated from family by the story. Then Levi sticks with Nando to return the favor. So much happens as Nando works to herd all his people and animals back together. What a captivating tale of a working dog, resilient kids and how your calling can change over time. The illustrations are always appreciated by the young members of our family, too. One last thing, Stella was wonderful Stella as always. If you haven’t read her story, you should do so soon.

[Sydney Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exciting, suspenseful, heartfelt story about a border collie who works hard on a farm and strives for perfection in all he does until a flood forces him to learn that some things are out of his control. He teams up with a boy and must face the daunting challenge of getting back home safely while on a leash. The author describes the natural world and Nando’s perspective so vividly through all the senses. Her writing is beautiful and lyrical. Along with Nando, the book includes many other memorable characters, both human and animal. With its exciting, fast-paced content and emotional resonance, this book is sure to be a hit with young readers.

[Cathy Fassett · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the characters are back, along with some new ones! Nando gets lost in the woods during a terrible storm and meets a new neighbor, Levi. They develop a bond that gets stronger as they try to hep each other get back home. But is it okay for Nando to love someone else as much as he loves Esperanza? What is a good dog supposed to do? As things on the farm begin to change, Nando might just be changing too.

[Jennifer Guyor Jowett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my gosh! I immediately fell into this story, not only because it was a return to some well-loved characters, but also because the voices and plot drew me in. McCall captures the voice of the main character Nando perfectly, so much so that you are rooting for him from the beginning. Readers will definitely love this story.

[K.A. Ramstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story that follows a border collie named Nando. He's a hardworking sheepherder; then he's separated from his family in a dangerous rainstorm. Along the way, he befriends a lost boy named Levi, which leads to a journey of heartwarming friendship, animal rescues, and found family.

[SHANNON HOFF · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCall Hoyle does it again! This story of Nando and Levi is beautiful. The way Hoyle writes the feelings of Nando is so on the spot. Nando just wants to protect everyone and has to follow his heart and instincts. I loved getting to see more of Stella and Cloe. My students will love this books!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is perfect for animal lovers.
I love the bonds Nando has with the animals and people around him. His sense of love, responsibility and safety.
This is a heartwarming book that both young and old will love.

[Amy Escobar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as in my 11-year-old son. We are both animal lovers and this heartfelt story kept our interest without lag. My son even stayed up until the early morning hours because he just couldn’t put it down.
Highly recommend this book for all animal lovers out there!

[Amber (Her Home and Hearts) Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nando is a moving adventure story full of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between dogs and their humans. The story is told through Nando's point of view. Follow along with Nando as he loses his way during a hurricane, then discovers and does his best to steer a young boy and girl back to safety. As they face rising waters, dangerous terrain, and the uncertainty of finding their way back through the mountainous woods of North Carolina, we experience everything through Nando’s senses: the way he reads people by scent, interprets the world around him, and processes every new sight and sound.
Along the way, Levi offers Nando courage, friendship, and love - teaching him that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved and accepted. This is an emotional story of bravery and survival in the mountainous woods of North Carolina, with a sweet finale of new friendships and caring.
This book will appeal to both boys and girls and would make a heartfelt family read-aloud. (Suggested age: middle school. I think upper elementary dog lovers will enjoy this too.)
4/5 ⭐️ I recommend this book.


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you Shadow Mountain!