Sled Dogs Run

by Jonathan London, Jon Van Zyle (Illustrator)

Whoosh! We take off, our sled nearly flying off the ground. Skookum and Hawk and Bamboo strain and huff, and we're running, racing over the soft white snow.
My sled dogs have been waiting for this day since they were puppies, and I have, too. Only the shusshh of the runners and the jingling of the collars and snaps disturb the quiet-- until we meet a moose. I have to steer my dogs away from the danger, and their instincts have to lead me when I can't see. Mushing can be dangerous, but there is nothing like the freedom and speed and peace that come from joining my sled dogs on a run. Jonathan London's lyrical text and Jon Van Zyle's gorgeous landscapes portray the magic and beauty of a young girl's first solo run as a musher.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2005

About the author

Jonathan London is the author of several celebrated children's books. His commitment to honoring the wonders of the natural world has been lauded by readers and critics alike. He is the author of more than 70 children's books, many of which are about nature. He's also the author of the popular Froggy series. He lives in Graton, California with his wife and two sons.

Reviews

[Emily Isom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It teaches you how sled pups start their life all the way until they can pull a sled. It even teaches you some language they yell at the dogs to make them turn! It was such a fun book to read!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me homesick for Alaska in the best way. The illustrations are perfect for this book; they capture the beautiful blue tints of snow and the playfulness in a husky's eyes.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

London Odyssey #74
Title is pretty accurate in describing what the book is about.
Pretty engaging for the younger reader and they should enjoy the happenings.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love love LOVE The pictures! The story is very interesting as well! This is going on my "Alice's Recommendations" shelf.

***
My neighbors have sled dogs (not sure if they are 2 huskies, or 2 malamutes or what) but they live in a tiny yard, and they howl-howling up a storm! It makes me so mad. 1) the noise in a neighborhood is rude 2) these are work dogs..they need to work, not sit in a tiny back yard. I almost want to report to Animal Control, but besides the howling..these are working dogs ...and it is cruel to make them...back yard, yowling, sitting on top of the hot tub -dogs. GRR!!!

[Stan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a little bit about Siberian huskies and sled dog running. More importantly I saw a family brave enough and smart enough to let there young daughter have a real life experience on her own.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are great and the writing in vivid. I just feel like the ending is rushed but perhaps my version is abridged since it's in an anthology.