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Soaring Soren: When French Bulldogs Fly
Silver Winner of the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Award for Animals--Children's and Young Adult.
Bronze Winner of the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Award for Children's Picture Books.
Winner of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Children's / Juvenile Nonfiction.
Finalist for the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Children's Picture Book (6 Years & Up).
Silver Medal Winner of the 2017 Readers' Favorite International Book Award for Children / Animals.
Nominated for the 2016 Dog Writers Association Award for Best Series of Illustrations or Paintings.
"His legs are too short! ... His head is too big! ... He is simply not built to jump!"
Soren the French Bulldog is an unlikely champion in the athletic sport of dog agility, or so many people think. But Soren has something that his critics can't readily see: belief in himself. With that, and the support of his friend Deb, Soren sets out to prove that champions come in all shapes and sizes.
Soaring Soren is an inspiring true story about pursuing a dream. Soren is irresistible and determined. His quest for an agility championship is exciting. But most endearing is the love and trust between Deb and her dog. It is sure to melt the hearts of children and adults alike.
In Soren's honor, a portion of the proceeds from this book will go to a charity that rescues French Bulldogs in need.
Bronze Winner of the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Award for Children's Picture Books.
Winner of the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Children's / Juvenile Nonfiction.
Finalist for the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Award for Children's Picture Book (6 Years & Up).
Silver Medal Winner of the 2017 Readers' Favorite International Book Award for Children / Animals.
Nominated for the 2016 Dog Writers Association Award for Best Series of Illustrations or Paintings.
"His legs are too short! ... His head is too big! ... He is simply not built to jump!"
Soren the French Bulldog is an unlikely champion in the athletic sport of dog agility, or so many people think. But Soren has something that his critics can't readily see: belief in himself. With that, and the support of his friend Deb, Soren sets out to prove that champions come in all shapes and sizes.
Soaring Soren is an inspiring true story about pursuing a dream. Soren is irresistible and determined. His quest for an agility championship is exciting. But most endearing is the love and trust between Deb and her dog. It is sure to melt the hearts of children and adults alike.
In Soren's honor, a portion of the proceeds from this book will go to a charity that rescues French Bulldogs in need.
42 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2016
About the author
Deborah Stevenson
13 books7 followersDeborah Stevenson is an award-winning, American children’s author. Her work is eclectic: non-fiction and fiction, prose and verse, from silly to sentimental. Respect for animals and nature, valuing friendship and family, and appreciating diversity and tolerance are common themes. Stevenson strives to empower children...to believe in their abilities, to boldly pursue their dreams, and to be creative, imaginative and kind. Extra points if she can make them laugh. For more information, visit AuthorDeborahStevenson.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
February 6, 2018
Soaring Soren is an amazing story for all to enjoy! It is a perfect example of "not judging a book by its cover" and "believing in yourself"! The reader leaves the story with a real sense of love, kindness, hard work and an understanding of dedication! The message is powerful and especially important for children to read and live by...anything is possible! Thank you Soren for demonstrating and for being an unbelievable dog!
October 29, 2016
This book is the best....people who compete in agility will love it...great for the kids...it is all about beating the odds
January 15, 2017
An inspiring story about a little dog with a big heart. It's sure to become your child's favorite bedtime story.
January 23, 2017
Inspiring story with beautiful illustrations.
March 22, 2020
i didn't realize that Soren was a real puppy til the end of this read ... so cute. great illustrations. fun times. enjoyable read. i am really enjoying Deborah's book ... check them out asap!!
March 26, 2021
Cool art, fun story, weird tack-on moral.
February 9, 2018
An Underdog Takes Flight!
What a great true story! Who doesn’t love rooting for the underdog? Especially an actual dog as cute as Soren the French Bulldog. In "Soaring Soren, When French Bulldogs Fly" by Deborah Stevenson, the title character comes to the United States with hopes of being a show dog and thereby pleasing his new owner. But early on it becomes clear that Soren has grown a little too big to be a show dog and he worries this will make his owner sad. One day however, she notices that Soren has some athletic talents and might instead make a great agility dog. This begins their quest to win that championship even though a French Bulldog like Soren has never won the title.
Cleverly written as a narrative told by Soren himself, the story of his training and ultimate competition is beautifully explored and the anticipation builds throughout. The illustrations are expressive, colorful and (as a dog owner myself) delightfully realistic. As a story, the messages for children are important ones; that no matter what others might say or think you need to remain true to yourself; you may not always fit the mold, but you can achieve anything you put your mind to; and to never be afraid to try a different path in life.
I also love the owner/pet relationship depicted in the book. Soren seems to always be enjoying himself as he works toward his goal and his owner is ever supportive and nurturing. It’s a perfect if subtle modeling of a wonderful parent/child connection.
"Soaring Soren, When French Bulldogs Fly" is a delight and the fact that it’s a true story is just an extra doggie treat. Soren will stay with me for a long time. I loved this book and you and your children will too. - Rick Felty, Author of the award-winning Tabitha Fink series including his latest book, "Tabitha Fink and the Patchwork Pirates"
What a great true story! Who doesn’t love rooting for the underdog? Especially an actual dog as cute as Soren the French Bulldog. In "Soaring Soren, When French Bulldogs Fly" by Deborah Stevenson, the title character comes to the United States with hopes of being a show dog and thereby pleasing his new owner. But early on it becomes clear that Soren has grown a little too big to be a show dog and he worries this will make his owner sad. One day however, she notices that Soren has some athletic talents and might instead make a great agility dog. This begins their quest to win that championship even though a French Bulldog like Soren has never won the title.
Cleverly written as a narrative told by Soren himself, the story of his training and ultimate competition is beautifully explored and the anticipation builds throughout. The illustrations are expressive, colorful and (as a dog owner myself) delightfully realistic. As a story, the messages for children are important ones; that no matter what others might say or think you need to remain true to yourself; you may not always fit the mold, but you can achieve anything you put your mind to; and to never be afraid to try a different path in life.
I also love the owner/pet relationship depicted in the book. Soren seems to always be enjoying himself as he works toward his goal and his owner is ever supportive and nurturing. It’s a perfect if subtle modeling of a wonderful parent/child connection.
"Soaring Soren, When French Bulldogs Fly" is a delight and the fact that it’s a true story is just an extra doggie treat. Soren will stay with me for a long time. I loved this book and you and your children will too. - Rick Felty, Author of the award-winning Tabitha Fink series including his latest book, "Tabitha Fink and the Patchwork Pirates"
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews