Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart

by Dion Leonard, Lisa Manuzak (Illustrator)

Gobi, a scrappy little stray dog, latches onto a man named Dion and keeps pace alongside him for 77 miles of a long 155-mile race across China. Through cold nights and raging rivers, with little food and water, and through a long, hard journey, these two create a bond unlike any other.

Cross the finish line with Gobi and Dion, the little pup who never quit and the ultramarathon runner who loves her.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction, Childrens, Dogs, Friendship, Adventure

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 29, 2017

About the author

Dion Leonard is a 41 year old Australian who lives in Edinburgh, Scotland with his wife Lucja. Dion has not only completed but competed in some of the world’s toughest ultra marathons across the planet’s most inhospitable landscapes. This includes running across the brutal Moroccan Sahara desert twice in the 250km Marathon Des Sables and also twice across South Africa's Kalahari Desert, also 250km. Dion's latest 250km race across the Gobi Desert in China turned out to be a completely different race where he fell in love with a stray dog (later named Gobi) that followed him during the week and who would change both of their lives forever.

Reviews

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dion is doing a race across the Gobi Desert where he meets an unexpected 4-legged friend. Dion grows fond of his friend and names her Gobi after the desert she was found in.
Although this is a very condensed version of the story (there is a full version available for adults!), it is the perfect true story to share with young kids who are looking for adventure, friendship, and teamwork.

I have followed Gobi's story for a while and the book is very well done and the illustrations are brilliant!

Highly recommend for any dog fan, 5 out of 5 paws!

[Jasmine from How Useful It Is · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my daughter’s bedtime. A great nonfiction story about a dog finding a human friend in the Gobi Desert and a man running a race expecting to win a race but also win a friend in the dog. Great illustrations!

Read from kindle unlimited.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐶 🐶 🐶 🐶 🐶

I love Gobi, the true story of a little dog who runs alongside a marathoner in a Gobi Desert race. So begins a beautiful friendship, as author Dion Leonard loses the race to help his new friend. Deeply saturated color illustrations and a sweet story, which finds Dion adopting Gobi and taking her back to Scotland, make this darling children’s picture book a winner! 5/5

Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN'S and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my true opinions.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart is an adorable picture book based on a true story. The author did a great job of making the story and illustrations pleasing to young children. There is also a book for older children called Finding Gobi: Young Reader's Edition. Dion Leonard is running a 177 mile race of the Gobi Desert. He meets this little dog partway through the race and realizes that he is running with him. He names him Gobi after the desert. They complete the journey together with some trials and tribulations. When the race ends, Dion adopts Gobi and takes him home to Scotland to be part of the family with his wife and cat. I loved the illustrations in this book. They are large, colourful and fun. They will certainly hold the young child's attention. This book shows the plight of abandoned animals in a positive way. Everyone cannot adopt an abandoned animal from somewhere else in the world, but they can do it in their own communities from their local shelters. The book also stresses perseverance and fulfilling your promises. A great story for a family library, primary classroom, schools or public libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.


This is one of those stories adults will love reading to kids because it’s so positive and upbeat with a real world happy ending.

[Monique the Book Geek · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a precious true story of friendship found in one of the unlikeliest of places! Gobi's story really touched my heart and I would recommend this book to anyone of any age!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the book's publisher in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.

[Tiuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute picture book based on a true story! I read this originally in 2017 but I just got to meet the author and Gobi and got myself a paw-tographed (as well as signed by Dion) copy as a keepsake!! This will be a fun little treasure in my collection. I do wish, as Gobi is so cute in real life and the journey so epic, that the illustrations were more detailed. They are very cute though.

[Wren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this a few years ago, but after meeting Dion & Gobi in real life, I’m looking forward to a reread. 😊 🐾🏃

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. Gobi by Dion Leonard has got to be the cutest book I have ever read. I have heard of it before but if I had known it was this lovely, I would have read it much sooner. Growing up, I always wanted a dog that looked just like Gobi to go on adventures with. Honestly, I still consider adopting every dog that looks like him. This story was nicely written to be understood by little kids and the illustrations are absolutely lovely. I can't wait to read Gobi and Dion's other story as well!

[Sam Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute picture book. Doesn’t quite capture how epic this story really is. I wish it had more detailed landscape illustrations to show how wondrous the terrain is and how difficult the race was. When you’ve been lucky enough to meet the special little dog Gobi and owner/author, Dion, in person, you wish the book portrayed more of the magic of their journey into becoming best friends.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was absolutely adorable 💖 and Gobi actually lives in Scotland too just like me ^^

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book along with its amazing pictures and illustrations brought me to tears. I have never read a more heartwarming story since Marley and Me and how a stray dog attended a race and found a racer named Dion and grew this bond like it was meant to be. No matter how hard it got, Gobi stayed with Dion through the entire race and win or loose they became friends for life. Recently, I lost my dog and reading this story reminded me of how special our bond was and even with the most difficult times, he still stood by my side and never left me. I know children will be inspired by this book and I definitely know that the elementary school teachers will fall in love with this book.

We will consider adding this title to our Picture Book collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This true survival friendship story is so heart warming, it is hard to believe it is true! Australian runner Dion Leonard performs ultramarathons, long tough races through difficult terrain. While running in one of these races in the Gobi desert of China Dion met a little scruffy pup on day two of his seven day, 155 mile race, that never left his side. When there was a river to cross, Dion picked the dog that he named Gobi up, and carried him across the river. After completing the race together, Dion was devastated when Gobi disappeared in the streets of Urumqi. A massive search party found her, and eventually the lucky pair, a runner and his dog returned to their home in Edinburgh Scotland. This is a must have book for anyone who loves dogs. Not surprisingly this true story will be turned into a movie.

[Vera Godley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bright, colorful, and interesting children's picture book is based of the real-life story and experiences of Dion Leonard and a little stray dog named Gobi. The story is told in more detail in a middle school reader's book. For youngsters, and young at heart, the story embraces adoption and it's beauty and need in society on many levels.

The illustrations picturing little Gobi the doggy are simply charming and make one wish to cuddle that little critter themselves. And the story begins with this little dog in the desert (China's Gobi Desert) and he hears a noise. Curious, he investigates and sees people running. Like any decent little doggy, he decides to run along with them. And he now has "friends"!

Dion shares his water, pets the little doggy, and finally bestows him with a name..... "Gobi" after the tough desert they are running across. And when the going got really tough, Dion made certain Gobi wasn't left behind.

This is a sweet story of how a caring person adopts and cares for a dog, and one I can recommend because it is a good story and also because it involves a real-life experience.

An unbreakable bond was forged as the scruffy dog ran alongside Dion for 77 miles of a race across the Gobi Desert, in extreme temperatures, over sand dunes, through fast-running rivers, and finally to cross the finish line together. Families will enjoy reading this tail-wagging tale again and again.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Reviewers program to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own, alone, and freely given.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this true story, it’s hard not to fall in love with Gobi, a stray dog found in the Gobi Desert. How this little dog was able to survive on his own is amazing in itself, but imagine finding your best friend out in the middle of nowhere! The illustrations were on point. This is just a wonderful, heartwarming story for all animal lovers.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this e-copy in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
This book will be featured on my blog January 2, 2019.
www.colecampfireblog.com
LanaLCole@yahoo.com

[Christina L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley for providing this book for our review. My 4 year old loves dogs and books about dogs. This one did not disappoint! It’s a heartwarming tale of friendship, kindness, and achieving your goals. The illustrations are great but I wish there were a few pages with photos of the real Gobi.

[☘Tara Sheehan☘ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, this beautifully illustrated picture book will beguile the young and young at heart with an adorable story about a man, a dog and the desert.

Gobi won over Dion Leonard’s heart as he was running a multi-day marathon in the Gobi Desert and the story of how Gobi then became a part of Dion’s journey to the finish line and his family won over the world.

Leonard does a great job of condensing the story down to something that will hold the attention span of young children with pictures that will surely embrace their attention with its vivid color pallet and eye pleasing designs.

This is one of those stories adults will love reading to kids because it’s so positive and upbeat with a real world happy ending.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone loved a good dog story and Gobi is a good one! Gobi proves he is a good friend as he encourages Dion when he is tired during the seven day race. I would have liked to seen a few actual photographs of Gobi and the cat, Lara.

[Jane]

We have the author and Gobi visiting my school next week.
Students are super !

[Pink Leaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

So fun to reread after actually meeting Dion and Gobi!

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful picture book that will cross many age groups and interests! Scottish runner Dion Leonard tells his true life story about racing across the Gobi Desert and finding a furry forever friend he named Gobi. In the picture book version, readers experience the positive side of the discovery and subsequent adoption and do not get all the extra information provided in the much longer middle grades version, but the love and fun are fully realized, especially with artist Lisa Manuzak’s illustrations giving the story such a joyful spirit. I could not find any information on the medium used for her brightly rendered images, but am guessing that watercolors, colored pencils and some digital mixing were involved. Caregivers and librarians serving children kindergarten thru grade 5 should add this book to their collections, especially if Finding Gobi is already on their shelves. Thanks for the dARC, NetGalley.

[Ren ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ IsBuriedInBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man meets the stray dog that will become his pet in a most unlikely situation: a seven day long ultramarathon across the Gobi Desert.

A stray border terrier mix crosses paths with a group of extreme athletes racing across the Gobi Desert and forms a bond with runner (and author of this book) Dion Leonard. In this book, Dion recounts the events occurring after the arrival of a stray dog he would later name Gobi, an homage to the race’s location in a Chinese desert, the place where they first met. Although Dion didn’t win the ultramarathon, he and Gobi crossed the finish line together.

A series of hapless setbacks and unavoidable delays prevented Gobi from accompanying Dion to Europe after the ultramarathon. Dion’s hopes were realized when he was reunited with Gobi who came to live in Scotland with Dion, wife Lucja, and Lara the cat. The illustrations by Lisa Manuzak are colorful and appealing, brightly complementing Dion’s narrative.

This uplifting book is one I’d recommend to parents and teachers both. An abundance of positive character traits and qualities such as determination, perseverance, goal-setting, and friendship lend themselves to a cozy tale, perfect for bedtime. As an educator, lesson planning is always lurking in my thoughts and I see a lot of potential content in this book. Geography and math, especially unit conversion, were only the first among many that came to mind.

I was curious to learn more, and though lengthier and more comprehensive accounts are available for purchase, the internet provided me with everything I wanted to know. (Bonus: loads of pictures!) I found a wealth of details surrounding Dion and Gobi that weren’t recounted in the book’s short thirty-two pages.

(Though this is the end of my review, I had started taking notes about Gobi’s story at the bottom of the page. Rather than delete them, I’ve left them tacked onto the end of my review in the event anyone reading this is curious about what other information is out there, but doesn’t want to squander their time away like I did.)

Thanks to Thomas Nelson: Children’s and NetGalley for the provided e-ARC and the opportunity to read this book. My review is honest, unbiased, and voluntary. #NetGalley




•••
In 2016, Dion Leonard, an Australian/British runner living in Scotland embarked on a 250 kilometer race across Mongolia’s Gobi Desert. The 155 mile ultramarathon included running across sand, navigating rocky slopes, racing through water, and enduring temperatures that reached 125°F (52°C). Dion didn’t start the race as a dog owner, but striking up a friendship with a little border terrier mix along the way changed that.

On the second day of the ultramarathon, called the ‘4 Deserts Gobi March,’ Dion noticed a small dog running alongside the group of marathoners, and she kept pace with them the whole day! Dion shared his water with her and though he didn’t bring extra food, he gave her small pieces of his jerky anyway. Soon, the other participants were sharing tiny amounts of their own rations.

She slept curled up next to Dion, sharing his tent. Dion carried her through water along the route that she was afraid to cross on her own. When the 125°F heat threatened her well-being, race organizers transported the dog in a vehicle traveling with the runners. Dion didn’t win the event, but he and Gobi crossed the finish line together and was determined to bring her home.

Some bureaucratic red tape, Gobi’s disappearance, her reappearance with an injury, a surgery to repair it, a successful crowdfunding campaign to cover the veterinary costs and transportation, and a mandatory quarantine period complicated and delayed things, but Gobi eventually ended up at home in Scotland with Dion, his wife Lucja, and their cat Lara.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I googled this runner to find out more about this story. In an interview I found viewers meet Dion, his wife and the dog named Gobi. It was fun to hear of the adventure and learn that there is interest in bringing this story to the big screen.

Now that I have some background about this brave little puppy who bonded with Dion Leonard on the first day of a 155-mile race across the Gobi Desert the book takes on a whole new meaning. It was a grueling race. Dion was flabbergasted that this little dog ran alongside him for more than half the race. I was amazed at all they went through on the marathon. Then surprised that afterward, the dog went missing in China while they processed the proper work to get the dog legally into Scotland.

This picture book captures Dion’s story, how they met and how they ran the race together. In author notes Dion says, “…on day two of a seven-day, 155-mile race in the Chinese desert, …an unbreakable bond was formed. This was tested when Gabi later went missing in Urumqi, a massive city of three million people. A huge search party scoured the streets looking for this tiny dog that they had never seen.”

I couldn’t believe all this little dog has endured in the desert before he was able to live with Dion Leonard and his wife, Lucja in Edinburgh, Scotland as of January 2017. From the interviews, I watched they are looking to make a full-length motion picture of this dog and their adventures. I’m honored to meet this little dog and learn more about the race where he met runner, Dion Leonard. Look forward to seeing the movie.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://tinyurl.com/y9lwbfrs
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[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobi
A Little Dog with a Big Heart
By Dion Leonard
Illustrated by Lisa Manuzak

This is a cute picture book version of Gobi's story and her race across the desert with runner Dion Leonard. Before the race, Gobi and Dion had never seen one another but over the course, they formed a unique bond that would provide Gobi with a home.

Some of the difficulties are skipped in this version but children with enjoy the story and the accompanying illustrations. This is a story of friendship and perseverance and best of all it is a true story. And Gobi is an adorable little dog and who doesn't love a good dog story with a happy ending.

More details about bringing Gobi from China to her new home in Scotland are given following the illustrated story. This is the perfect book for new and early readers to share with their favorite grown-up as they listen or work through the words for themselves.

This book would be a great gift for any animal lover with a little one or two in their household. This book would also be a welcome addition to any library - be it home, school, or public library that services a young readership audience. The illustrations are a delightful addition and for those who want to know what the real Gobi and Dion look like, there is a picture on the back flap of the dust jacket.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through the BookLook blogger program with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[TheConsultingWriter · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the story behind this book, I was intrigued. A little stray dog followed a marathon runner across the Gobi desert? That sounds like quite a dog. I shared this book with my daughter (who is 8) and she loved it. Not only are the pictures of the pup cute, but the story is inspiring. Named after the desert he was found in,

I shared this book with my daughter (who is 8) and she loved it. Not only are the pictures of the pup cute, but the story is inspiring. Named after the desert he was found in, Gobi ran alongside Dion. And while the goal was to win the marathon, Dion revised that goal to include Gobi as his running partner. The story covers moments like running through rushing water, extreme weather and limited sources of food and water. When one person shows kindness to another, it's wonderful. When a group pulls together and shows kindness, it's amazing. The story is uplifting and encouraging and hopefully, will show that we can find friends in the most unusual of places, if we only keep our eyes (and hearts) open.

This picture book is bright and colorful, with a great story. It would be the perfect read for a young child up to a beginning reader. And who doesn't love a story with a puppy?

I hope they managed to bring this to the big screen. My son loves true story films. This would be one he'd watch (me too!).

BookLook Bloggers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gobi, a little stray dog is excited by all the people passing who want to play chase. She adopts one of them men running in a race through the Gobi Desert, and keeps up with him through the multi-day race. The two form such a great team she goes home with him to Scotland after the race.

What a crazy and touching true story about a little dog adopting a man! I don’t think he could have asked for a better pet, either. He definitely needs a dog who can run long distances, and Gobi proved she can do that. The illustrations are the perfect blend of cartoon and realism; kids should be drawn in by both them and the sweet story. I’ll be recommending this one to our elementary library for purchase. I can see the animal fans eating up the story. And of course, definitely the perfect read for dog lovers. (But parents beware. Your kids may start encouraging you to go run an extreme race in the Gobi in hopes of getting their own new pet.) Now I definitely want to go read the adult or young reader longer version of this story to find out more details. It seems like a fascinating story.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine, a hot day, you are in a race, you want to win.
You have rules to help you run better just as every runner does.
The end is clear, run smart, run fast, run to win.
Then you discover a small, furry bump in the road.
What's a fellow to do?

And thus the story of Gobi is told.

Through the eyes of one little dog, and his person. Because you know... that runner guy became her person. :)

This is a very cute book, the dog is so well illustrated, her personality just comes to life in the pages of this short picture book.

Gobi tells part of the story, and then Dion tells part of the story. Always showing both sides of the story making this a very cute book to share with your children.

The story of how Gobi got to her new home in Scotland is included at the close of the book. From what I understand, this book is the children's version of another book which tells the full story of Dion and Gobi. This version is sure to delight the children in your life.

[sweet orange books · Rating 4 out of 5]

"To all dog lovers: no matter where life takes you, your dog will always be there for you."

This was such a warm and great story! One day, as Dion was running in the desert of Gobi, he spotted a stray dog running next to him. From that moment on, they formed a team and drank, ate, and slept under the tent together. During the race, Dion decided to adopt his dog friend and to name her Gobi. They now live in Scotland where Gobi can play everyday with her cat sibling and her parents.

The story was well written and the dog's behavior felt very accurate. I also enjoyed the colorful and very expressive illustrations. I would recommend this book to any dog lover!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Read and reviewed: 2018-11-08

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a heart-warming book of a lifetime friendship and trust between a man and his dog. Discovering good choices between their partnership of give-and-take, always trusting, playing together and having fun. You'll notice maturity and growth in the owner who has trained long and hard, preparing to race across the Gobi Desert. You see, he decides that although he could win the race, in the long run, it would be better if he went back to scoop up his new found dog, Gobi from the waves of the water. Afterall, they're a team! Of course, you'll especially want to read the endnote and find out what Gobi is up to! I personally think this is a good read for children and adults. It just brings the whole family together and touches hearts. 5/5 stars. Highly recommend!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobi is lost in the desert and he is looking for a friend. He is a curious dog and a playful dog. When he comes across a 7 day race in the Gobi Desert, he playfully thinks that the participants are playing with him. One of the runners Dion takes to Gobi and finds a friend himself. Together, they take the 7 day trek across the desert encouraging each other. It is their encouragement that takes them across the finish line.

A fun book to read with your young kiddos to teach them about friendship. Highly recommend.

A Special Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Kimberly Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gobi, by Dion Leonard, takes place in the Gobi Desert and is about a lonely dog looking for friends. The dog hears a noise and decides to find out what it is. That is when she stumbles upon a race being held in the Gobi Desert. She meets up with Dion, one of the runners, and follows him throughout the seven-day race. Dion falls in love with the dog he later names Gobi. He even helps her across a raging river at one point during the race and lets her sleep with him at night. At the end of the race, Gobi and Dion both realize that they have found a friend for life.