Dogspell

by Karin Gustafson

When Sally needs a friend, her mom wants to build her a computer with a wig. But Sally wants a friend who’s real--a friend who’s, you know, alive.What she gets is a friend for life. (Adventure too, which, by the way, begins with an ‘A.’) DOGSPELL — OR — SALLY & SEEMORE & THE MEANING OF MUSHKI is a perfect book for kids, dogs, and those who love kids and dogs, and, of course, for anyone who’s ever wondered about the meaning of mushki.Written and much illustrated by Karin Gustafson.

220 pages, Paperback

Published June 12, 2016

Reviews

[Sherry]

Karin Gustafson has written a charming book about a girl and her dog, which will be highly relatable to middle school students, yet is also entertaining to folks of all ages. I am 70, and love both kids and dogs, so I enjoyed it very much. The author captured dog-thought and devotion to perfection, and the story has a good message for school kids, about appreciating differences. The story is enhanced by Karin's delightful illustrations. I read it with a smile, and recommend it highly. Four stars.

[Shay Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karin Gustafson, author of the manicddaily blog, has written an absolutely winning children's book with the most charming illustrations ever. Sally is a girl whose mom (Ruby) is always salvaging things and making gadgets and clothes and book bags and Rube Goldberg contraptions (now you know why she's called Ruby!) out of them. When she suggests building a robot pal for Sally, though, she's gone too far. Sally insists on a dog, and so they go get a little curly white puppy Sally names Seemore, or Seemie for short.

The book alternates between Sally's voice and Seemie's. The dog's narration is beyond cute. The story deals with school, mean girls, not fitting in, and finding confidence in one's self, but the book is never preachy, always fun. I have given it 4 stars just because I reserve 5 stars for books that seriously rock my world or change the way I think. This book is simply a wonderful book for children or the young at heart, and is highly recommended.