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Stay, The True Story of Ten Dogs
Stay, The True Story of Ten Dogs (Paperback)
38 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
September 4, 2017
I really love dogs, so this was a good one to read. It was a bit longer, but it kept my interest. Especially since the photographs were real and not drawn.
September 16, 2012
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS BOOK!!!!! Narrative about a circus performer who suffered tremendous injuries and was not able to perform anymore; he decides to adopt unwanted dogs from the pound. He observed the dogs' strengths and used these to create a hilariously entertaining show - where everyone is valued, loved, and belongs. This would be a great read aloud and then re-read aloud again for grades k-2. If you had multiple copies, it could be a great book for 2nd/3rd graders to read and discuss in student-led conversations and I think writing in response to this book could push students to think critically - beyond the book - about theme words like compassion, perseverance, empathy, patience, wonder, curiosity and the power of listening and observing instead of assuming!
A few tips - students need to understand the difference between the pound for dogs and dogs you buy at a pet store or through a breeder - this is a concept central to the narrative about these ten dogs.
There are a few idioms that might trip up your English Learners like "three strikes against her."
Great tier two vocabulary (vocabulary that can be used in many different contexts) - dependable, contrary, hopeless, nervous, unmanageable, grateful, etc.
A few tips - students need to understand the difference between the pound for dogs and dogs you buy at a pet store or through a breeder - this is a concept central to the narrative about these ten dogs.
There are a few idioms that might trip up your English Learners like "three strikes against her."
Great tier two vocabulary (vocabulary that can be used in many different contexts) - dependable, contrary, hopeless, nervous, unmanageable, grateful, etc.
June 18, 2012
This is a sweet and humorous tale about a man who had been a part of the circus all of his life. After a tragic accident, he tries to find a new niche, a new place for himself in the circus family. Along the way, he rescues several dogs and creates an act out of their own natural talents and energy.
I love that he doesn't 'train' them to do tricks as much as allow their boundless energy to be channeled in a funny act. I also love that he has adopted a new 'generation' of unwanted dogs who will join along in the fun. The story is short, with lots of colorful photographs and small blurbs of information about each dog.
We were introduced to this book at a local library event this weekend that promoted the county's summer reading program. The librarians read small parts of many different books, offering teasers of some of the recommended books on the reading list. So, of course, we had to check it out.
Overall, we found this book to be heartwarming and funny and we really enjoyed reading it together.
I love that he doesn't 'train' them to do tricks as much as allow their boundless energy to be channeled in a funny act. I also love that he has adopted a new 'generation' of unwanted dogs who will join along in the fun. The story is short, with lots of colorful photographs and small blurbs of information about each dog.
We were introduced to this book at a local library event this weekend that promoted the county's summer reading program. The librarians read small parts of many different books, offering teasers of some of the recommended books on the reading list. So, of course, we had to check it out.
Overall, we found this book to be heartwarming and funny and we really enjoyed reading it together.
April 30, 2012
As a dog trainer (and a human!) I LOVED this book! I don't know what circuses Luciano performs with but given his positive reinforcement approach to his work with the dogs my guess is it's Big Apple or some other animal friendly group (I hope). I would think he wouldn't be a big fan go Ringling Bros...
March 31, 2015
I LOVE DOG'S AND Lucianos DOGS ARE SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!#
November 20, 2014
inspiring.
September 12, 2019
I swear with L's ongoing dog fixation she has read nearly every fiction picture book our library owns that features dogs, so now I've moved into the non-fiction section. I was happy to find this because I suspected she would be pleased with it, and I was right. We read this together several times while we had it checked out from the library. L really appreciated this story of a man who understood how to make the most of every dog, even the difficult ones. It's a great message, that all dogs have some special skill that can be honed and are worthy of love and affection. It helps that there are tons of cute dog photographs, too.
August 2, 2020
Wonderful true story about a group of rescued dogs trained to do circus tricks. Makes you think about all the potential behind these under-estimated and under-valued pets. Some were too active for their homes - because of their Olympic-caliber athleticism! Or they got into trouble - because they were clever and bored. The trainer finds the hidden talent in each dog, large or small. Heartwarming story for kids- illustrated with bright, fun and interesting photographs.
April 3, 2019
Last summer I was able to see a dog show at my state fair. I enjoyed seeing the act, but I sure wish I would have read this book before going to the show. The story of this dog show is incredible. The way that the performer has changed the lives of the dogs is amazing. We loved learning about the different personalities of the dogs and how he caters his show to his dogs. A fun read.
July 27, 2019
Stay is an encouraging and upliting book about a troupe of performing dogs and their trainer. At heart, it's about second chances, and how everyone has great potential if they're given a chance to lean into their gifts. It's a great book for young dog lovers.
November 17, 2019
This is such a sweet and inspiring story. It was fun to see the personality in each of the dogs featured. Luciano is an amazing circus performer who changed his life trajectory by accepting his fate. What a beautiful book!
November 20, 2023
A very sweet book (with adorable photographs) of doggies getting a second chance at life! Very moving. (But also really sad to think of these animals being returned to the pound, sometimes several times. Owners/humans can be so flippant.)
March 26, 2018
Well my heart is melted and I need 9 more dogs immediately.
August 21, 2018
Short, more of a children's book. But a delightful and inspirational read!
January 19, 2019
A heartwarming story the whole family enjoyed.
March 18, 2019
Amazing and heartwarming
January 2, 2021
true dog stories and circus - kids book
February 25, 2015
Nonfiction/Twin Text Entry #5
This book is about a man named Luciano Anastasini who was born into a family of circus performers. He was severely injured during a stunt, and it took four operations to put him back together. After the accident, he was told that he would never be able to perform again. This was problematic for Anastasini because the circus was in his blood, so he decided to come up with a completely new act. He went to an animal shelter and adopted 10 dogs that nobody had bothered to give a second chance, much like Anastasini himself. He spent a lot of time with each dog to find out what their weaknesses were so that he could turn them into strengths for a performance. "Let them show him what they wanted to do. Then, somehow, he'd figure out a way to let them do it."
The book highlights all ten dogs in brief summaries about their past and personalities. The page that is dedicated to their individual story reflects their personality in the photographs and colors used. The photos in the rest of the book are vivid and bright, and show the reciprocated love and trust the dogs and Anastasini have for each other. The amazing thing this book teaches students is that love can give people second chances, and that everyone has value. This book helps students understand compassion, patience, and the importance of perseverance.
A book that matches "Stay" perfectly is, "To the Big Top," written by Jill Esbaum. Sam and Benny are best friends who wake up early in the morning in eager anticipation for the circus' arrival into town. The two boys help the workers that morning set up the circus for the show and they, "Lugged water till our shoulders ached." That afternoon Sam and Benny watched the parade from the top of a tree, got into some trouble with a monkey, and took in the busy sights and sounds of the circus going on around them. The author incorporated lines in the book that brought the sound to life. For example, "The BOOM-baBOOM of the big drums shook my bones." This allows the reader to feel as if they are inside the story itself, experiencing it alongside Sam and Benny.
This book is a wonderful pair with "Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs," because there is an emphasis on the excitement of the circus, and the importance of friendship when things beneath the surface aren't always perfect. In "To the Big Top," Esbaum shows how Sam and Benny are paid for their volunteer work with two nickels and two tickets, and throughout the book the two friends are also given many decisions as to how to spend those nickels on the food and entertainment. "Good thing, because Sam and I didn't have two cents to rub together." This conveys the importance of spending money wisely and making good decisions, which are very valuable lessons for students to learn.
This book is about a man named Luciano Anastasini who was born into a family of circus performers. He was severely injured during a stunt, and it took four operations to put him back together. After the accident, he was told that he would never be able to perform again. This was problematic for Anastasini because the circus was in his blood, so he decided to come up with a completely new act. He went to an animal shelter and adopted 10 dogs that nobody had bothered to give a second chance, much like Anastasini himself. He spent a lot of time with each dog to find out what their weaknesses were so that he could turn them into strengths for a performance. "Let them show him what they wanted to do. Then, somehow, he'd figure out a way to let them do it."
The book highlights all ten dogs in brief summaries about their past and personalities. The page that is dedicated to their individual story reflects their personality in the photographs and colors used. The photos in the rest of the book are vivid and bright, and show the reciprocated love and trust the dogs and Anastasini have for each other. The amazing thing this book teaches students is that love can give people second chances, and that everyone has value. This book helps students understand compassion, patience, and the importance of perseverance.
A book that matches "Stay" perfectly is, "To the Big Top," written by Jill Esbaum. Sam and Benny are best friends who wake up early in the morning in eager anticipation for the circus' arrival into town. The two boys help the workers that morning set up the circus for the show and they, "Lugged water till our shoulders ached." That afternoon Sam and Benny watched the parade from the top of a tree, got into some trouble with a monkey, and took in the busy sights and sounds of the circus going on around them. The author incorporated lines in the book that brought the sound to life. For example, "The BOOM-baBOOM of the big drums shook my bones." This allows the reader to feel as if they are inside the story itself, experiencing it alongside Sam and Benny.
This book is a wonderful pair with "Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs," because there is an emphasis on the excitement of the circus, and the importance of friendship when things beneath the surface aren't always perfect. In "To the Big Top," Esbaum shows how Sam and Benny are paid for their volunteer work with two nickels and two tickets, and throughout the book the two friends are also given many decisions as to how to spend those nickels on the food and entertainment. "Good thing, because Sam and I didn't have two cents to rub together." This conveys the importance of spending money wisely and making good decisions, which are very valuable lessons for students to learn.
November 8, 2016
Title: Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs
Author: Michaela Muntean
Genre: Nonfiction/Informational
Plot Summary: This story is an account of a man named Luciano who has been surrounded by family members in the circus all his life. Without surprise he joins the circus and does lots of crazy stunts. Unfortunately one time his stunts lead him to a severe injury and he lost hope on following his dreams of being a circus perfomer. His imagination kicked in when he thought about how he could stay in his dream field. So, he decided instead of buying a dog from a breeder he would adopt some. Although he started out with 5 he eventually took more dogs in when he could. He helped them by taking them in but they helped him by giving him friends and helping him keep his drak alive.
Criteria for Nonfiction: One thing that validates the content of this book is Luciano's letter at the back of the book. He gives his sentiment of his life with dogs and how they have improved it so much. The information is clearly presented and the arrangement of the text on the page is easy and fun to follow.
Classroom Connection: This book might be for 1st or 2nd graders so I would try to connect this to them as much as possible. Since Luciano's dogs helped him continue his circus career I would have students think about different ways that dogs could be useful. Examples such as therapy dogs, seeing eye dogs, police and military, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcYzE... This is a link to a video of Luciano performing with his dogs. I would show this after reading the book so that the students could do more then just ee pictures of them.
Also I could read as connecting texts, Nubs- The Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Brian Dennis. I could also read The True Story of a Loyal Dog by Pamela Turner.
Note: This book is part of my text set on adoption.
Author: Michaela Muntean
Genre: Nonfiction/Informational
Plot Summary: This story is an account of a man named Luciano who has been surrounded by family members in the circus all his life. Without surprise he joins the circus and does lots of crazy stunts. Unfortunately one time his stunts lead him to a severe injury and he lost hope on following his dreams of being a circus perfomer. His imagination kicked in when he thought about how he could stay in his dream field. So, he decided instead of buying a dog from a breeder he would adopt some. Although he started out with 5 he eventually took more dogs in when he could. He helped them by taking them in but they helped him by giving him friends and helping him keep his drak alive.
Criteria for Nonfiction: One thing that validates the content of this book is Luciano's letter at the back of the book. He gives his sentiment of his life with dogs and how they have improved it so much. The information is clearly presented and the arrangement of the text on the page is easy and fun to follow.
Classroom Connection: This book might be for 1st or 2nd graders so I would try to connect this to them as much as possible. Since Luciano's dogs helped him continue his circus career I would have students think about different ways that dogs could be useful. Examples such as therapy dogs, seeing eye dogs, police and military, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcYzE... This is a link to a video of Luciano performing with his dogs. I would show this after reading the book so that the students could do more then just ee pictures of them.
Also I could read as connecting texts, Nubs- The Story of a Mutt, a Marine & a Miracle by Brian Dennis. I could also read The True Story of a Loyal Dog by Pamela Turner.
Note: This book is part of my text set on adoption.
November 28, 2022
My 8 year old and 5 year old audience LOVED the story of the circus performer and his dogs. "I loved how Luciano worked with the dogs and tried to connect with them even when they didn't want to," one of them said to me. The big pictures of the dogs are adorable too.
April 9, 2014
Fiction twin text- Flawed Dogs by Berkeley Breathed
These two texts were the most obvious pair in my mind. Both stories feature underdogs that have been rejected in one way or another but manage to get a second chance. Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs is such a sweet book about a man whose career as a circus performer is drastically altered when he sustains a life changing injury as the result of falling during his act. As he tries to pick up the pieces of his life and figure out how to still be a part of the circus despite his damaged body, he formulates a fantastic idea. He rescues rejected dogs from the pound, gives them a home and a job to do which he says is crucial to a dog's happiness. The relationship he develops with these once dejected dogs is so sweet. Together they created a hugely successful act that allows him, and the dogs to be a part of the circus.
Flawed Dogs is a fiction story of a group of misfit dogs who decide to break into the Westminster Dog Show to exact revenge on an evil poodle. As a person who grew up with plenty of mixed breed dogs and who currently owns and loves a whippet/pit bull mix, I have to root for the underdog and champion the less than show worthy pooches!
These two texts were the most obvious pair in my mind. Both stories feature underdogs that have been rejected in one way or another but manage to get a second chance. Stay: The True Story of Ten Dogs is such a sweet book about a man whose career as a circus performer is drastically altered when he sustains a life changing injury as the result of falling during his act. As he tries to pick up the pieces of his life and figure out how to still be a part of the circus despite his damaged body, he formulates a fantastic idea. He rescues rejected dogs from the pound, gives them a home and a job to do which he says is crucial to a dog's happiness. The relationship he develops with these once dejected dogs is so sweet. Together they created a hugely successful act that allows him, and the dogs to be a part of the circus.
Flawed Dogs is a fiction story of a group of misfit dogs who decide to break into the Westminster Dog Show to exact revenge on an evil poodle. As a person who grew up with plenty of mixed breed dogs and who currently owns and loves a whippet/pit bull mix, I have to root for the underdog and champion the less than show worthy pooches!
April 25, 2012
3.5 stars
An inspirational story about an ex-circus performer who has taken on the challenging task of taking in unwanted dogs. Luciano Anastasini grew up in the Circus and comes from a family of circus performers. After a horrible accident that could have easily taken his life, Luciano is forced to do something else. Not able to escape the circus bug for long, he turns to teaching dogs, but these aren't just any dogs. These are dogs no one wants any more, and have spent countless times at the shelter. With his band of unwanted dogs, and Lucian's endless patience, he's able to teach the dogs not only to respect him as much as he respects them, but he teaches them to perform. This is the cute story of the true story of one man and his ten performing dogs. With it's large, full color pictures, and brief introduction of each of the dogs, this book is sure to be a hit with dog lovers and younger elementary students alike.
An inspirational story about an ex-circus performer who has taken on the challenging task of taking in unwanted dogs. Luciano Anastasini grew up in the Circus and comes from a family of circus performers. After a horrible accident that could have easily taken his life, Luciano is forced to do something else. Not able to escape the circus bug for long, he turns to teaching dogs, but these aren't just any dogs. These are dogs no one wants any more, and have spent countless times at the shelter. With his band of unwanted dogs, and Lucian's endless patience, he's able to teach the dogs not only to respect him as much as he respects them, but he teaches them to perform. This is the cute story of the true story of one man and his ten performing dogs. With it's large, full color pictures, and brief introduction of each of the dogs, this book is sure to be a hit with dog lovers and younger elementary students alike.
August 2, 2012
A great book for animal/dog lovers! This book is about a circus performer, Luciano Anastasini, whose whole life has only known the circus. His family has always been connected to the circus, all the way back to his great-great-great grandparents. But one day, he falls from a highwire act and is told by his doctors that he won't be able to perform anymore stunts.
Luciano is devastated but determined to be somehow still be connected to the circus. An idea forms in his mind, where he adopts dogs from the pound who have been abandoned. Luciano sees greatness in all the dogs he takes in and cares for, whereas their previous owners have only seen them as troublemakers or michevious pets.
This is a great book with plenty of photographs of the featured dogs. The dogs have so much personality and you can really see their appropriate names from the photos. Wish I could attend one of their shows sometime!
Luciano is devastated but determined to be somehow still be connected to the circus. An idea forms in his mind, where he adopts dogs from the pound who have been abandoned. Luciano sees greatness in all the dogs he takes in and cares for, whereas their previous owners have only seen them as troublemakers or michevious pets.
This is a great book with plenty of photographs of the featured dogs. The dogs have so much personality and you can really see their appropriate names from the photos. Wish I could attend one of their shows sometime!
February 5, 2013
If you like dog stories that make you smile, this is the book for you!
Luciano, a third-generation circus performer who works in the trapeze act, had a bad fall and needed to come up with a new job to do at the circus. He knew he needed some partners--and he found all of them at the dog shelter.
As he got to know each dog personally, he figured out what kinds of behavior the dogs excelled at and incorporated them into his act, allowing each dog to shine.
Luciano says, "We are lucky, my dogs and me. We have a job we love, a job that makes people smile. But most of all, we have each other."
The take-away message is that all dogs can learn how to love and be loved, if a caring person takes the time to get to know him.
Great photos by K.C. Bailey and Stephen Kazmierski are splashed across every page. Author Michaela Muntean features each dog, telling how it ended up in the shelter and then became part of Luciano's canine family.
Luciano, a third-generation circus performer who works in the trapeze act, had a bad fall and needed to come up with a new job to do at the circus. He knew he needed some partners--and he found all of them at the dog shelter.
As he got to know each dog personally, he figured out what kinds of behavior the dogs excelled at and incorporated them into his act, allowing each dog to shine.
Luciano says, "We are lucky, my dogs and me. We have a job we love, a job that makes people smile. But most of all, we have each other."
The take-away message is that all dogs can learn how to love and be loved, if a caring person takes the time to get to know him.
Great photos by K.C. Bailey and Stephen Kazmierski are splashed across every page. Author Michaela Muntean features each dog, telling how it ended up in the shelter and then became part of Luciano's canine family.
June 3, 2015
This is one of my favorite books! It will become any dog lover's favorite too!
Luciano Anatasini's family, all the way back to his great-great-grandparents, have been circus performers. He loves the circus! By the time he was twelve, Luciano was a famous juggler and acrobat. The circus was the only life he knew.
One day he fell over fifty feet and broke many bones. His high-flying career was over. But Luciano couldn't leave the circus so he developed a new act. This time with furry, four-legged partners. He felt he had been given a second chance so he wanted to give some dogs a second chance, too. Luciano went looking for the ones no one wanted.
The story centers around ten dogs that are part of Luciano's act. How he acquired them, their personalities, and pictures.
Author Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie) writes an introduction and Luciano Anatasini closes with "A Letter From Luciano."
Luciano Anatasini's family, all the way back to his great-great-grandparents, have been circus performers. He loves the circus! By the time he was twelve, Luciano was a famous juggler and acrobat. The circus was the only life he knew.
One day he fell over fifty feet and broke many bones. His high-flying career was over. But Luciano couldn't leave the circus so he developed a new act. This time with furry, four-legged partners. He felt he had been given a second chance so he wanted to give some dogs a second chance, too. Luciano went looking for the ones no one wanted.
The story centers around ten dogs that are part of Luciano's act. How he acquired them, their personalities, and pictures.
Author Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn-Dixie) writes an introduction and Luciano Anatasini closes with "A Letter From Luciano."
January 15, 2015
Luciano grew up knowing that he would be a circus performer, just like his parents, his grandparents, and even his great-great-great-great-grandparents. But a serious injury during a high wire act seemed to end Luciano's dreams of performing in front of a crowd. Then Luciano got an idea. He found five dogs at an animal shelter that also had a dream - a dream of a home with a human who appreciated them for who they were. This man and these dogs have a second chance, and with hard work and determination, they can achieve it all - together.
Ahhh, this book almost made me cry. It's a feel-good read that any dog lover will swoon over. It's a little sparse on hard facts or detailed information, but the stories and photos of these adorable dogs in action are priceless. Kids, and kids at heart, will love this one.
Ahhh, this book almost made me cry. It's a feel-good read that any dog lover will swoon over. It's a little sparse on hard facts or detailed information, but the stories and photos of these adorable dogs in action are priceless. Kids, and kids at heart, will love this one.
January 10, 2015
This is a lovely little book about dogs rescued from an animal shelter who are trained to be circus dogs. I loved hearing about Luciano and how he treats each of his dogs with kindness and respect, learning what they like to do before training them for the show. He sounds like a remarkable man with a very big heart. After his injury Luciano picked himself up and figured out a new way to keep doing what he loves - a great message for my students to hear! The only thing I wished the book included was a list of sources or further reading at the back, I'd love to learn a bit more about Luciano and his performing family. I may supply this list for students who are interested. I think it's important to see that some circus performers treat animals with kindness and are saving them, as opposed to the typical focus on animal abuse in the circus world.
September 1, 2015
Lexile Level: 760L
Pages: unpaged (40)
Summary: Luciano Anastasini’s family were circus performers for many generations and that’s all Luciano ever wanted or intended to be until one day in Chicago when he fell 50 feet off the high wire and was no longer able to perform as an acrobat or wire walker. What was Luciano to do? He loved the circus and didn’t want to leave, so he decided to create a new act and give himself and stray dogs that no one else wanted a second chance. Instead of training the dogs to do tricks Luciano used the special traits of individual dogs and wove what the dogs did naturally into an act that was loved by the public.
Recommendations or Comments: A sweet and inspiring true story about making your own success. This book is intended for third to fifth graders but will appeal to people of all ages.
Stars: 4 stars
Reviewed By: Michèle Freese
Pages: unpaged (40)
Summary: Luciano Anastasini’s family were circus performers for many generations and that’s all Luciano ever wanted or intended to be until one day in Chicago when he fell 50 feet off the high wire and was no longer able to perform as an acrobat or wire walker. What was Luciano to do? He loved the circus and didn’t want to leave, so he decided to create a new act and give himself and stray dogs that no one else wanted a second chance. Instead of training the dogs to do tricks Luciano used the special traits of individual dogs and wove what the dogs did naturally into an act that was loved by the public.
Recommendations or Comments: A sweet and inspiring true story about making your own success. This book is intended for third to fifth graders but will appeal to people of all ages.
Stars: 4 stars
Reviewed By: Michèle Freese
April 6, 2012
A feel-good story about an injured circus performer who gets his life back on track by rescuing and training dogs to perform in the circus with him. With its large, full-color photos and positive message, this will be a surefire hit with kids, parents, and teachers alike. Pick this one up for a story about perseverence, creative problem solving, kindness to animals, or just a feel-good story.
(Worth noting that there is no back matter for this nonfiction book, but also worth noting is that it's not exactly the kind of story that demands a lot of back matter. I just always like to know at least what the author's process of researching or finding out about the subject matter was. I am a stickler for back matter.)
(Worth noting that there is no back matter for this nonfiction book, but also worth noting is that it's not exactly the kind of story that demands a lot of back matter. I just always like to know at least what the author's process of researching or finding out about the subject matter was. I am a stickler for back matter.)
June 27, 2012
True story of a young circus performer, Luciano Anastasini, who was severely injured and could no longer perform his amazing acrobatic stunts. Being a performer was in his blood from generation after generation of circus entertainers though, and giving up the dream was not easy to do. After years of working the ticket booth, hanging posters and anything other odd job to keep him with the circus Luciano came up with a wild idea: to train stray dogs. Just like himself these animals were needing a second chance and with no knowledge of how to train a dog he went to an animal shelter and adopted 5 unwanted "mutts." This was a touching read, that might be a bit long for a school read aloud, but would be a sought after book in libraries.
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