Coop The Great

Coop The Great #1

by Larry Verstraete

Coop is an aging, cynical, down-and-out dachshund who faces the ultimate test when his new owner, Mike, and Mike’s grandchildren, Zach and Emma, run into trouble. Mike rescued him, but does Coop have what it takes to do the same?

Drawing strength from the stories about great dogs that Mike shares with him, Coop charts a dangerous journey to save his new family.

Genres: Canada, Middle Grade, Childrens, Fiction, Dogs

160 pages, Paperback

Published November 15, 2018

About the author

At nine years old, there were subtle signs that Larry Verstraete might be a writer some day. While thumbing through a toy catalog just before Christmas, he found, and then later received, the perfect gift - a small toy printing press. The summer after, Larry and a friend started an ambitious publishing project, aiming to become as he puts it, ‘rich and famous’ with the printing press.

Their goal was to publish and sell a newsletter filled with stories gathered around the neighborhood. For a week, the two would-be reporters spied on neighbors, filling notepads with facts and observations. But when they started setting the stories into type on the printing press, the project floundered. The work was too boring, too tedious, and they abandoned dreams of fame and wealth in favor of more enjoyable summer pastimes like swimming and biking.

That was Larry’s earliest foray into writing, and although that venture was a gob-smacking failure, the drive to write simmered below the surface for years. One day, older now with a science degree under his belt and a teaching career already well in hand, fate intervened. While waiting for a haircut in a salon, a magazine ad for a correspondence writing course caught his eye, rekindling his desire to write and be published. He clipped out the ad, enrolled in the course and as the saying goes ‘the rest is history’.

One of his first course assignments was to write a non-fiction article for children. He quickly latched on to a topic that fascinated him – accidental discoveries in science. By the end of the course, he’d written about 25 short stories, each telling about a breakthrough in science that owed much to a mistake, mishap, coincidence or spectacular blunder. That became his first Scholastic book – The Serendipity Effect (later re-issued under the title Accidental Discoveries: From Laughing Gas to Dynamite).

Since then, Larry has published 13 non-fiction books and 1 middle grade novel. The roots of his writing lie deep in his own personal experiences and his interests in science, history and true adventure. For Larry, ideas usually begin with an intriguing story, event or fact, something that triggers his curiosity. He and his wife are devoted travelers, and each trip offers fresh opportunities to discover new writing material. Becoming lost on a mountain hike in Colorado, for example, sparked the idea for Survivors:True Death-Defying Escapes, and visiting the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona – the place where Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto – eventually became C is for Compare in his book S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet.

Some key accomplishments of Larry’s career include:
•Two-time recipient of Ontario’s Silver Birch Award for Non-fiction (Survivors: True Death-Defying Escapes; At the Edge: Daring Acts in Desperate Times)
•Two-time recipient of the McNally Robinson Book of the Year for Young People Award (Lost Treasures: True Stories of Discovery; S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet)
•Awarded B.C.’s Red Cedar Award (Survivors: True Death-Defying Escapes)
•Nominated for the Norma Fleck Award (Accidental Discoveries: From Laughing Gas to Dynamite)
•Nominated for the New York Reading Association Charlotte Award & Alberta’s Rocky Mountain Award (Surviving the Hindenburg)
•Among other distinctions: Honor winner, 2014 Story Telling World Resource Awards (Surviving the Hindenburg); Runner-up, 2012 USA Best Book Awards, Children's Picture Book (Surviving the Hindenburg); Outstanding Science Trade Book of 2011 by the National Science Teachers Association and Children’s Book Council (S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet); Selected, 2001 Canadian Toy Testing Council, 25 Great Books, (Whose Bright Idea Was It?)

Reviews

[Mary BookHounds]

Cooper the dachshund has been through so many homes and now back at a no-kill shelter, he assumes that he is a permanent resident with a revolving cycle of roommates. Then he is adopted by an older man who just lost his wife and Coop, as he is now called, tries to adjust to a new life. That new life includes a cat and at least he can bring along his favorite blanket that he has had since birth. That blanket is the one constant. Mike hasn’t had a dog in a while but knows that Coop just might be the thing to help him and they can grow old together.

Coop and Mike adjust to life and when Mike’s daughter has issues, he brings them to live with him, which, in a small way is good for Mike since his health is declining. Coop again adjusts in his own way to this new family. I am not going to lie, this book was a very emotional read for me. I grew up with rescued dachshunds and although we never knew their history, I am sure some had the same as Coop. I am not quite sure which age group this book would be appropriate for so I am going to recommend this one for parents to read along with their children.

What really struck me about this book is the fact that the author really captures the voice of Coop. I have read many failed attempts at this point of view, but Verstraete does an amazing job. I don’t think I could survive another chapter in this book since it was filled with almost too much excitement for one small dog. Fans of Spencer Quinn, Bruce Cameron, and Garth Stein will love this one. Parents: I am not sure which age is best suited for this one but a mature middle grader would probably love the adventure.

[Gabriele Goldstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

An old man adopts an old dog. There’s something compelling about this premise told from a dog’s point of view and Coop's body language speaks volumes.

Coop's a cool dachshund, albeit a jaded one. He's had a challenging past and is distrustful of the future. Like a lot of people. But the old man teaches this old dog some new tricks.

Coop the Great earns his title by stepping beyond his comfort zone…the little dog that could. A dog lovers’ book for young and old to share with an inspiring message about accepting change. An easy to read page turner.

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coop is an aging, cynical, down-and-out dachshund who faces the ultimate test when his new owner, Mike, and Mike’s grandchildren, Zach and Emma, run into trouble. Mike rescued him, but does Coop have what it takes to do the same?

Drawing strength from the stories about great dogs that Mike shares with him, Coop charts a dangerous journey to save his new family.

Writer and educator LARRY VERSTRAETE is a former elementary school teacher and university instructor. He is an award-winning author of sixteen books for young people, an active promoter of books and literacy, and a frequent visitor to schools and libraries where he shares his passion for writing, science and great adventures. He’s travelled all over the world, but calls Winnipeg home.

MY THOUGHTS:

I received a galley of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Every now and then, I come across a book that hits me so hard that I can’t stop thinking about it, this is one such book. I have to confess, I’ve read this book four, yes that’s right, four times. The first time, I read the story through for a review and thought wow, what the heck was that? I did not see THAT coming (as I sighed and wiped a tear or two away) So I read it again. Then I read it to my daughter, who is special needs, and she absolutely loved it. After a couple of weeks of being unable to get it out of my mind, I read it for a fourth time and experienced all the emotions again: sadness, happiness, joy, humor, satisfaction, horror, anger, frustration, hope, peace…

This is one of those situations when you stumble across a book that is underhyped, hardly known, and written by an author exuding incredible talent, a talent that is missed or unnoticed because of timing or all the attention given to other equally exciting books being published at the same time. The story is heart-warming and heart-wrenching and should not be missed.

In a way, you can equate the main character and events surrounding him to human dilemmas often felt and experienced during the latter years of life. Coop has a beautiful personality and enduring soul that will pierce yours and stick with you for a very long time after you've read the final page. I believe this book could be categorized in many levels, from middle-grade to adult fiction. In fact, I can see a movie being made based on this story, maybe a Hallmark television movie even.

I recommend you pick it up and give it a read, especially if you love dogs/animals and wonder about the relationships/feelings they have toward those humans who interact with them throughout their lives. Oh… get ready to cheer for Coop, The Great!

I wish I could give this book 100 stars, but, I am forced to only give it a meager five out of five. Well done!

[Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best read so far this year. The story really had me going through a rollercoaster of emotions. I was rooting for Coop the whole way and I was happy for him at the end when he found a forever home.

[K-Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in three sittings. The action never ends. I usually don’t enjoy books written from the perspective of a dog but this one is somehow different. Although there are aspects of the storyline which are far fetched, and the ending is easy to predict, I did enjoy the suspense of the story. I believe this would make a really good read aloud for youngsters. They would be captivated, and have many questions and predictions while reading.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coop the Great was my last MYRCA book (10th) and I think it’s really good!!! I loved the writing. I didn’t like the bad words in it but I understand why Larry Verstraete put them in there. I can’t say much more because I think it will spoil it. It is a little sad but with a lot going on and it also is told by a dog’s perspective. This was definitely one of my top MYRCA books for this year. If you like books with family and dogs you should try this book!!!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would have gotten a 3 from me but the cover bumped it up to a 4. Who doesn’t love a down on his luck weiner dog?

[MaryLou Driedger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was once bit on the nose by a dachshund and needed several stitches. My nose ballooned up to about triple its size.  I was a teenager at the time and was so embarrassed because my Mom made me go to school despite the fact that thanks to a dachshund I looked like a clown. That's important for you to know before I offer my review of this book.  The main character is......... you guessed it......... a dachshund.  You have to understand that I am not really a dog person and in particular not a dachshund lover.  
So the fact I enjoyed this book despite my lack of affinity for canines should be an indication of just how good a story it is.  The novel taught me some very interesting things about dogs and I was amazed at how the author was able to consistently let us see the world from a dog's perspective. 
Coop is an ageing pet who struggles with health issues and some past problems with the families who have offered him a home. In that regard, he is not unlike his owner Mike who is getting on in years and is dealing with cancer and heart issues. Mike has lost his wife and is worried about his daughter Jess and his grandchildren Zach and Emma who are being threatened by an abusive husband and father. 
In some ways, Coop reminded me of The Littlest Hobo a television series about a dog that was popular when I was about ten years old- the age of the target audience for his book.  Coop proves to be every bit as daring and brave as The Littlest Hobo but I liked him more than my childhood television hero. Coop is such a colourful, quirky and interesting character.  
On the cover of the book, Coop has some earbuds wrapped around his neck.  It's a clue to the exciting climax of the story that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Although Coop is definitely the novel's main protagonist the story is also about Mike's grandson Zack and the way he deals with his difficult family situation.  That was a helpful thing for me to read about in reference to the work I do with children, and I am sure other adults in similar professions will feel the same way. 
Coop the Great is an interesting, exciting and inspiring read even if you aren't a dog lover. 

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will not mislead you. This book is sad. It will tug at your heartstrings.
Do not let that stop you from reading Coop's story.
When all is said and done, you will feel better for having experienced it.

Coop is an older dog. In a way he has lived many lifetimes. He doesn't understand why he has been passed from family to family. At the point we meet him, he considers the other dogs at the shelter to be his family. And then he meets Mike.

Mike is also older. He has experienced loss in life. Presently there is also a "situation" that weighs heavily on his mind. In some ways he and Coop are a good match, in others, not as well.
I think each reader will form their own opinion in that regard.

There are many messages in this book. It is a story of acceptance, of growth and bravery, of trust, and of usefulness, regardless of age or stature.
Your emotions will be tested.

At the end, a feeling of hope remained. Of doing what is required in the moment and for those for whom you care. I don't want to give the story away but I am happy I took the time to read this book.

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told from an aging, but charming Dachshund's perspective, Coop the Great is sure to please middle grade readers. Coop is adopted by Mike, also aging and charming, and together they strive to save each other.

Coop witnesses some mature content, making Coop the Great appropriate for an older or mature middle grade audience (grades 5+). Coop the Great is shortlisted for the 2020 MYRCA Sundogs.

[Amy (novelteahappyme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and emotional tale told from the perspective of a down-and-out rescue dog novel, Coop the Great is a well-crafted middle school novel filled with endearing characters, moments of humour and heartfelt storytelling.

Full review to be published via CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials.

[Liander (The Towering Pile) Lavoie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think maybe this book would've gotten a higher rating from me if the "dog is brave and helps his family" part were a bigger part of the book, like more of a Homeward Bound kind of thing. Instead, I found the buildup quite long and took a while to get into it. But it was a sweet story.

[Deborah Bigbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about a Dachshund (Coop) and his owner. It was a good story, although some parts are kind of depressing. It ends well, though.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good