May 1, 2010
Gr 4-8-This is the story not only of a remarkable terrier but also of the natural African landscape and the people who wish to educate others about the value of animals. Bulu, "wild dog" in the local Nyanja language, was at first unresponsive and unlike the other puppies in his litter. Steve and Anna Tolan were warned about having a pet in the wilds of Africa but they saw something different in him. He soon became a part of the family and helped as the Tolans set up a wildlife education center in Zambia. Bulu acted as a foster parent to orphaned animals and survived against great odds. With vivid descriptions of the land and encounters with wild animals, this book will appeal to dog lovers as well as to readers who like adventure. Easy to read, with short chapters and black-and-white photographs throughout, this true story will hold the interest of even the most reluctant readers."Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD"
Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
March 15, 2010
Grades 5-8 In the Nyanja language, bulu means wild dog, and thats what Steve and Anna Tolan named the beloved little Jack Russell mix they adopted. Disregarding warnings about the dangers of raising a dog in the bush, the Tolans moved from England to rural Zambia to fulfill their lifelong dream of setting up an animal rescue and conservation center. What they never imagined were the incredible bonds Bulu would create, and the roller-coaster adventure of his life in the wild. He nursed and protected other animals in their care and had amazing radar to sense when dangerous predators were close. On various occasions his wanderlust led him directly into confrontations with attacking lions and a spitting cobra, in which he barely escaped with his life. Bulus energy, high spirits, and loyalty to his masters make the book read like a praise song to dogs. Houstons account is an animal-lovers delight, complete with the action-adventure of surviving the bush, fighting poachers, and spreading a message of conservation.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2010
In the Zambian bush, pet dogs are a rarity; however, little Bulu survives the odds. He even finds a unique calling: "parenting" orphaned wild animals being rehabilitated by his English owners. In a straightforward style, Houston relates exciting tales of Bulu's life. The book lacks a central narrative arc and may be best enjoyed by reading aloud individual chapters. Glos.
(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)