Review by Joan Joan Schweighardt, author of GUDRUN'S
TAPESTRY posted at Our
Place to Paws website.
The narrator in BELLE'S STAR is Belle, a smallish, reddish, farm dog bred to
herd cattle and hence referred to as a "heeler." We learn right away,
in this 125-page book written for children ages 10 through 12, that Belle is
perceptive, curious, and nervous in new situations-which is to say that kids
who buy the book will relate to her immediately. Moreover, she is an awesome
storyteller, which is no less than one would expect from a creation of
award-winning novelist like Connie Gotsch.
Belle was badly mistreated on the farm where her life began. When we meet her,
the farmer and his nasty son are in the process of taking her for a one-way
ride in their truck. They kick her out at a gas station and hope never to see
her again. But she is rescued by a girl named Darcy and Darcy's aunt Ellen, who
happen to be at the station and are witness to what the reader hopes will be
Belle's final incident of abuse.
Belle is adorable, and the reader understands that her rescuers are bound to
fall in love with her and try to help her out. The suspense comes from
wondering whether or not Belle will decide to accept their help-or even
recognize it as such. Having known nothing but bullying during her life on the
farm, it will take more than a bath and a few doggie treats for Belle to learn
to trust. And ultimately it will take an incident in which Darcy is threatened
for Belle to learn her first lesson in loyalty.
Connie Gotsch has succeeded in creating a world from a dog's point of view.
Buildings are "dens," rooms are "burrows," doorways are
"holes," and people are described more often by their smell than how
they look. Sounds and textures are also amplified. There are other dogs and
even a cat in the story, and their friendly and sometimes foolish communication
is reminiscent of the animals in the 1993 hit movie "Homeward Bound: The
Incredible Journey."
BELLE'S STAR is a page-turner, full of adventure and snappy dialogue and even a
subplot concerning Darcy and her uncle. But it is also a book full of valuable
lessons. Young (and older) readers will learn some good tips about how to treat
animals, which is sure to come in handy especially for those who opt to adopt
pets from shelters. But there are also some good tips about how people should
treat one another. Great illustrations within and a beautiful painting of Darcy
and Belle on the cover round out a wonderful reading experience.
Reviews!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Review by Amelia Mae
in High Desert Dog
magazine:
Belle's Star by Connie Gotsch is a book about a dog who has gone through a lot
in her puppy days. She was beaten, not well fed, and not loved until l2 year
old Darcy rescues her. Lucklly, Darcy and her Aunt Ellen have dogs that teach
Belle how to be a normal dog. Overall, this book is great because it teaches
you that dogs have feelings like all of us and to treat animals like we would
like to be treated.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards!
2009
Winner Silver Recipient: 2009 Mom's Choice Award ® for Juvenile Level 2 Books (Ages 9 to 12)
ISBN: 978-1-932926-01-9
Format: Paperback
Publication Date: August 2009
Price: $8.99
Pages: 136
When Big Toby and his father, Bonehead throw Belle out of their truck at a
convenience store, 12 year-old Darcy and her Auntie Ellen rescue the frightened
puppy. They show Belle kindness and offer her a life with love and security.
However Belle thinks no human is worth trusting. Darcy's family and their pets,
including a cat, try to show Belle otherwise. Will she realize that though she
cannot change her past, she can put it aside and build a future full of
happiness? When Bonehead and Big Toby reappear and threaten Darcy, the girl's
survival depends on the choice Belle makes.
Written in the first person from a dog's point of view, Belle's Star empowers
young people who have escaped abuse and bullying to build new lives. Adventure
and colorful characters help these children face painful issues, and find the
strength to heal.
Buy Belle's Star today!
Material copyright Artemesia Publishing and Kinkajou Press