Description
Price: $18.99 - $13.99
(as of Mar 04, 2025 02:48:26 UTC – Details)
A thrilling story of a dog who found the perfect job and a loving home, based on the real heroes of Working Dogs for Conservation.
Tucker the dog never means to be trouble: he just loves to play. But at the animal shelter, every visitor says he’s too much trouble—until Laura. Laura thinks Tucker might be just right for a very special job. Could all his energy make him an amazing conservation dog? Laura trains Tucker to track down Gila monsters, endangered flowers, even grizzly bear poop. His first assignment is in Hawaii, searching for invasive rosy wolf snails hidden under leaves. Where will his nose lead him next?
With colorful, endearing art and dashes of humor, Trouble Dog invites children to join scientists—and their canine colleagues—in their work to save wildlife around the world. Readers will cheer for Tucker’s inspiring journey from shelter dog to eager trainee to confident globetrotter. The story concludes with photos and further information about the real dogs and trainers of Working Dogs for Conservation, the world’s largest and oldest conservation dog organization.
From the Publisher
Publisher : Eerdmans Books for Young Readers (February 25, 2025)
Language : English
Hardcover : 48 pages
ISBN-10 : 0802855814
ISBN-13 : 978-0802855817
Reading age : 5 – 9 years
Lexile measure : 570L
Grade level : 1 – 2
Item Weight : 13.6 ounces
Dimensions : 8.13 x 0.45 x 10.14 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book’s educational content valuable and engaging. They appreciate the interesting facts about dogs and find it a great example for today’s youth. The story is described as inspiring, beautiful, and feel-good.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
ZoeChloeB –
Excellent story. There are no bad dogs . . . !
“Trouble Dog: From Shelter Dog to Conservation Hero” by Carol A. Foote, illustrated by Larry Day, is a unique and heartwarming book that chronicles the journey of Tucker, a spirited shelter dog who discovers his true calling as a conservation hero. The narrative follows Tucker’s transformation from a playful, misunderstood, energetic pup deemed “trouble,” to a dedicated conservation dog, assisting scientists worldwide in protecting wildlife and ecosystems.Critics have lauded the book for its engaging storytelling and educational value. Kirkus Reviews describes it as “a fascinating, feel-good tale about the unique dogs trained for conservation work,” highlighting its appeal to animal lovers of all ages. KIRKUSREVIEWS.COMThe author does a beautiful job of showing how Tucker’s energy is not meant to be destructive – he just has a busy mind that needs to be engaged. Thankfully, he ends up with someone who appreciates his strengths and understands how to keep him stimulated. It’s a win-win relationship – Tucker keeps busy AND truly has a positive impact.School Library Journal praises the book as “a fascinating look at a lesser-known field for working dogs and a surefire hit for a fictional tale that has uses for both cross-curricular connections and young dog enthusiasts.”SLJ.COMThe illustrations by Larry Day are noted for capturing Tucker’s energy and personality, effectively conveying his transformation and adventures. The back matter provides additional information about conservation dogs and the real-life dogs and trainers who inspired Tucker’s story. EERDMANS.COMOverall, “Trouble Dog” is celebrated for its inspiring narrative and educational content, making it a valuable addition to children’s (and adult!) literature.I purchased 5 copies of this book, one to keep and the rest to donate to our local animal shelter. I realize I will be buying more copies, as this is a perfect gift for all of the dog lovers in my life.
Gail L. Johnston –
An interesting and engaging book for dog lovers of all ages
Carol Footeâs endearing book is a dog-loverâs dream scenario: rejected rescue dog finds purpose and a forever home. Based on a true story, Tucker, the Trouble Dog, is repeatedly returned to the shelter by numerous adoptive families. His life changes when his âtroubleâ qualities are finally recognized as valuable, and eventually heroic, to the conservation efforts of the Working Dogs for Conservation (WD4C) organization.Interesting points to this adult reader include the training methods that channeled Tuckerâs high energy to learn the task at hand, whether sniffing out snails or scat. The author, interestingly, included back-of-book data and photos to inform the reader with facts about dogsâ amazing sense of smell, the desirable traits for conservation dogs that help conservationists, the efforts by WD4C and other conservation dog organizations to protect wildlife and habitat, and the variety of jobs held by other working dogs.This book is an informative feel-good story for ages 5-9; but really anyone who loves animals, especially dogs, will enjoy reading this engaging story and learning interesting facts about our âbest friend.â It is also a well-deserved shout-out to the important work of conservationists worldwide!
Sarah –
Inspiring Book with Beautiful Illustations
I loved this book! This is a adorable story about a shelter dog’s second chance and serves as a great example for today’s youth (and adults!). While on a surface level it’s a story about how animals can make a difference in the world, the deeper story is that no matter who you are or how “different” you are, there’s a place for you. The story is captivating while easy to read, and perfect for kids who love animals or may have a rescue dog at home. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and dynamic. I will be buying copies for all the kids in my life!
Alex Mandel –
Heartwarming and educational
A beautiful story about finding your place in the world, set in the fascinating and relatively unknown field of conservation working dogs. Highly recommend!
Wise Old Woman –
Charming and educational
Trouble Dog’s story shows how canine traits that may be trouble to some, could actually be a great gift that can benefit the world. It just takes the right person to spot this gift and, with love and training, transform an abandoned dog into an important team member. This satisfying story is accompanied by charming pictures, and has a very good background section that covers the lives and work of the real dogs the book is based on. Definitely recommended.
Cathe Lieb –
Amazing story about a trouble making dog
Such a fun, amazing book! I had a dog like this, but I never realized i could put him to work. Carol Foote’s writing is steller. Larry Day’s illustrations perfect – I especially love the blue elephant. I purchased two copies. One for the free library in front of my house, and one for my son who has a dog just like Tucker.Now I need to buy another for me because my personal library of dog books cannot be complete without it.
Paul –
Beautiful book with a great message for kids!
Love this book! It’s so cute and such a great message for kids about the importance of patience and the importance of embracing our differences.
MC –
A feel-good story for every kid!
I just loved Carole Foote’s picture book about Tucker who was trouble until he meets Laura and she gives him a job. The story moves and we just really want to know what happens next. As a beautiful compliment to Tucker’s story, Larry Day’s illustrations keep us turning pages and hoping things work out for Tucker. This one’s a winner!