Sheepdog in the Snow

Animal Ark Holiday Special #1

by Ben M. Baglio, Shelagh McNicholas

Having rescued a wounded sheepdog right before Christmas, Mandy and James worry about the dog's safety when local farmers accuse the dog of attacking their sheep. Original.

Genres: Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Dogs, Middle Grade, Christmas, Realistic Fiction

156 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 1995

About the author

Ben M. Baglio created the brief for two series of children's books - Dolphin Diaries and Animal Ark. Dolphin Diaries features a girl and her family from Florida, who travel around the world as marine biologists and study dolphins. Animal Ark features two children who work together to help animals and solve animal-related mysteries. The books were written by commissioned writers in the UK under Baglio's instruction using the pseudonym Lucy Daniels. Each ghostwriter is named with a 'Special Thanks' on the copyright page.

Using his real name he also wrote the book series The Pet Finders Club, featuring a group of three children who search for peoples lost pets.

Reviews

[Rena Sherwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of the American Scholastic edition. It was the seventh book published in America, but was about the 14th in the UK. This was written by Jenny Oldfield, who dedicated this "to the real Tess." How she could seemingly love collies and retrievers, yet despise pit bulls or any other bully dog, is beyond me.

Usually when I read an Animal Ark book, I only read one or two chapters a day to prolong the pleasure. This one I didn't. I more or less inhaled it during two days because I just had to see how it would end.

It's a suspenseful story, even for an adult. I used to live in England and well remember the presence of sheep in many places. I also saw signs up saying that any dog worrying sheep would be shot. I found out that it was legal for any farmer to shoot any dog caught bothering sheep. This made me quite worried for the sheepdog of the title.

I could have done without the secondary storyline of James and Mandy getting a Christmas party ready for pets and their owners. The slapstick seemed forced this time around and really slowed down the storyline I was most interested in -- that of the Border collie in big trouble. There also was some lack of series continuity in the Christmas party bit. Andi shows up with the donkey Dorian. We know that couldn't have happened since Andi moved from Welford back in Donkey On the Doorstep

[Bionic Jean]

author: Jenny Oldfield

[A.R. Collins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst I don't like Mandy's idea of a Christmas party for pets - because it's so impractical, and because it's a distracting and not very successful attempt to shoehorn some actual Christmas into the story - I do like the main narrative about Tess, the titular sheepdog. As ever with this series, it's not totally original, but it's well done and, for an Animal Ark book, offers something a little different. (I'm reminded that Puppies in the Pantry started to tell a similar story, among its many disconnected threads, but it wasn't actually resolved! So perhaps this much better attempt was a little overdue.)

Sam Western is back again... but used differently this time! In fact, he really adds to the story, along with several other local landowners; a crisis affecting the many farmers in and around Welford is a very good bit of world-building. A less successful bit, however, is cramming practically (or actually?) every previous guest character and their animals into the village hall... especially when Andi arrives from a house she no longer lives in, with an animal she no longer owns! I'm certain that this book was the next one released after Donkey on the Doorstep, but in future, I must remember to read them the other way round.

[Lianna Kendig · Rating 4 out of 5]

(LL)
This was full of mystery, suspense, and some comedy. It is a great holiday story for kids. I enjoy Mandy and James’ friendship so far, as well as the adventures of a veterinarian!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly couldn't remember anything about this series aside from the names of the books. I loved them as a kid. After rereading it as an adult, all I can say is there's no doubt in my mind where a lot of the beliefs I have about pet ownership come from. It's amazing how much the lessons and morals from this series shaped my life.

Aside from the obviousness and slightly dramatic moments that children's books almost always have, this book is fantastic. It touches on a lot of important topics and handles them well. The kids in this series are trusted and supported by the adults in their lives and even given a lot of responsibility. They work hard and care about everyone, and I think they set a great example for young readers. I love that there is a strong female protagonist, a close friendship between a boy and a girl, and a supportive family.

[Worms_and_Words · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it was very sweet and nostalgic and that’s what I wanted most this holiday season. This book is perfect for a new generation of kind and empathetic readers to animals and other people.

[Callie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ending felt rushed. One minute resolution and magically the missing is not missing. Started off as potential of one of the better in the series, but in the end it was okay. To be clearing books off my shelf.

[Noelani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars.

[Phoebe Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is one of my favorite Animal Ark books (maybe THE favorite). It's got a lot of drama and tension, and a very "Bleak Midwinter" feel to it. The pathos of Tess's plight has always tugged at my heart, especially when she's trying to evade the farmers and their guns. Ever since I first read this, I've wanted a border collie; I still do. <3

[Tessie Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jak já milovala Archu zvířat,Mandy a Jamese a spoustu zvířátek,co se tam objevila.Knížka je od 9 let,je to nádherný dětský příběh plný zvířátek,přátelství a důvěry.Jako malá jsem ji přímo ''žrala'' a přečetla jsem celou sérii. ;)

[Rosemary Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is an amazing book. But of course I would say that because I LOVE animals and the animal ark series. this will be a very short review. Read this book.

[Sue Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it
love the stories
definitely want to read more
love the sheep dogs journey to find a new home

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first Animal Ark book I have read, despite having many in our school library. I'm thankful to have gotten to know these characters & learn more about this series!

I liked the premise of this one- a holiday party for pets, and a stray border collie that needs a home! It had some sad parts that may be difficult for young readers (death of sheep), but I think many will really appreciate the real look at being a vet, fostering or helping animals, and farm life in rural communities!

I liked our two main characters, and because there is a boy & a girl, I think this series will really appeal to all readers :)

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas, and Mandy and James decide to have a Christmas party for all the dogs in the neighborhood. When Mandy sees a wounded sheepdog, she doesn't feel happy anymore. Can Mandy save this dog's life? Read the book to find out!
This book is great! I love it. You should read this book.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very good it was my favorite book and it was very funny.

[Rachel (Sfogs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very cute story!

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it.

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so obsessed with this series while growing up. I highly recommend it.

[Bre · Rating 3 out of 5]

my childhood holiday read. i used to read this every christmas season!

[10-11 Bryanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the setting of the book but i can't beleive they thought Tess was the killer.

[Rea]

I really enjoyed this whole series as a child. Back then I'd devour each of the books as soon as I could get my hands on them.

[Twyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mandy found a lost sheepdog out in the snow and named her Tess.when Tess was better she went to her new home.then one of there sheep got hurt and it wasn't Tess.
Auryn 7yo

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why did I give this book a 2 star rating years ago? I remember loving it!

[Sammy]

I was completely obsessed with this series of books when I was a child and my aim was to read every single book. They are a really good children's series.

[Laurie D'ghent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time staying with it (that's probably because it's a 4th grade reading level), but it was still a nice little story.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor little sheepdog...