A Hard Nut to Crack

by Christine Isley-Farmer, Taylor Bills (Illustrator)

An upset Robbie shows up on the doorstep of the home of his friends, Chloe, Boomer, and Nana Weathers. His dog, Hoppy, disappeared from his backyard. When Hoppy hasn't returned by the next day, family and friends spring into action. Boomer makes friends with two squirrels in a squirrel network who offer to help with the search. Will the piling-up clues lead to a reunion for Hoppy and Robbie?

98 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Christine Isley-Farmer is the author of the children's chapter book series, "Boomer's Tales." Her books have won recognition in children's fiction and children's chapter book categories.

Christine is also a writer of miscellaneous poetry.
She holds BM. MM, and DMA degrees and is Professor Emeritus in the School of Music at Middle Tennessee State University where she coordinated the voice area. She has sung professionally in opera and concert in the US and Europe. Christine currently lives in Murfreesboro, TN with her husband and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dylan.

Reviews

[Heather (Bookedwithheather) · Rating 5 out of 5]

T͟H͟I͟N͟G͟S͟ T͟H͟A͟T͟ I͟ L͟I͟K͟E͟D͟

🐶Great lesson on working together and telling the truth
🐶It has pictures!! I love pictures
🐶Dogs! Need I say more?!
🐶Cute story
🐶Quick read

T͟H͟I͟N͟G͟S͟ I͟ D͟I͟D͟ N͟O͟T͟ L͟I͟K͟E͟

🐶 Honestly there was nothing!

Even though this was a children’s book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! I think as adults it’s important for us to have these reminders that children’s books always give us on being kind, telling the truth and working together. I love that the second book picked up right from where the other left off and we get to hang out with the characters again. I saw there was a book 3 coming out and I can’t wait to read it!

[Kim Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle grade novel is the second in the series but would work as a stand-alone. I do advise reading the entire series! Between the existing two novels in the series, A Hard Nut To Crack is my favorite as it focuses on solving a mystery in a collaborative way. I love mystery novels and feel it is important that children learn about collaboration. The only downside is that AHNTC does not emphasize the healing power of music like Finding My Yip does, but more of this may be coming in book three. I also loved that the author included a short section on squirrel facts at the end.

[Book Dragons TBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Boomer's Tales Series but can be read by itself (though I highly suggest reading the first one!). In this book, Boomer, is trying to solve a mystery. His best dog-friend, Hoppy, has been dognapped. Can Boomer figure it out and find his friend?

This book is great for early readers, short chapters that will keep their attention. It's got a magical aspect that every childs imagination will enjoy. The story has underlying messages that are important for all kids to learn. This one talks about stealing, friendship and even touches on divorce and emotions kids can go through while their parents might be in the process of one. I love how close knit the friendships in the book are. Not just with friends but store owners and veterinarians. A wonderful book with stunning illustrations sprinkled throughout. Check out Boomers Tales!!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series, any book that has a dog for the main character is a winner for me.
Boomer is such a fun dog!
The author did a fantastic job of incorporating pet care into the book which I think is so important. Many children want a pet but aren’t sure the care that really goes into one.
I also thought the life lessons learned were brought out in an easy to understand way and the mystery surrounding the book was fun and made me excited to see what was going to happen next!
I can’t wait to read Book 3!!!

Thank you Christine Isley-Farmer for my gifted copy!