What do you think?
Rate this book
Mishka
"An inventive treat, with humour, heart, and a hint of magic." Kirkus review.
A Russian girl adopts a very large, very unusual “puppy” in Maroney’s debut middle-grade novel. Although 9-year-old Natasha loves her grandfather, Deda, she doesn’t like having to leave her little Russian village to stay with him in the impoverished, crime-ridden town of Horridgrad while her father is away on an engineering job. The town is a scary place, under the thumb of crime boss Ivan the Horrid and a corrupt mayor. So Natasha is delighted when Deda buys her a playful, snow-white puppy in the marketplace. She names him Mishka, and the animal grows at such an astonishing rate that some in town even wonder if he’s a dog at all...When Mishka helps to rescue children from an icy pond, stops a robbery, and keeps Ivan’s thugs away, he makes the town’s residents feel safer, and they begin to join together to improve their community. Irate Ivan, losing his grip on the town, schemes with the flunky mayor to get rid of Mishka. Maroney sets this delightful story in the present day, but gives it the unforced charm of an old-world folk tale, with moments of real hilarity, subtle suggestions of mystery and magic, and an inventive take on the theme of good triumphing over evil." - Kirkus review.
A Russian girl adopts a very large, very unusual “puppy” in Maroney’s debut middle-grade novel. Although 9-year-old Natasha loves her grandfather, Deda, she doesn’t like having to leave her little Russian village to stay with him in the impoverished, crime-ridden town of Horridgrad while her father is away on an engineering job. The town is a scary place, under the thumb of crime boss Ivan the Horrid and a corrupt mayor. So Natasha is delighted when Deda buys her a playful, snow-white puppy in the marketplace. She names him Mishka, and the animal grows at such an astonishing rate that some in town even wonder if he’s a dog at all...When Mishka helps to rescue children from an icy pond, stops a robbery, and keeps Ivan’s thugs away, he makes the town’s residents feel safer, and they begin to join together to improve their community. Irate Ivan, losing his grip on the town, schemes with the flunky mayor to get rid of Mishka. Maroney sets this delightful story in the present day, but gives it the unforced charm of an old-world folk tale, with moments of real hilarity, subtle suggestions of mystery and magic, and an inventive take on the theme of good triumphing over evil." - Kirkus review.
291 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2019
20 people are currently reading
1791 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 31, 2020
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
In Russia, a 9 year old girl gets a dog. She is staying with her grandfather in a crumbling city that reminded me of Gary Indiana, or Toledo Ohio. It's overrun by gangs and crime. The puppy is very enthusiastic, and can apparently grow to a gigantic size. The puppy and the children inspire the people to take back their town.
Not bad, if written in a simple style.
In Russia, a 9 year old girl gets a dog. She is staying with her grandfather in a crumbling city that reminded me of Gary Indiana, or Toledo Ohio. It's overrun by gangs and crime. The puppy is very enthusiastic, and can apparently grow to a gigantic size. The puppy and the children inspire the people to take back their town.
Not bad, if written in a simple style.
December 5, 2019
Fun, quick, uplifting children's novel about a unique dog who saves and inspires a town!
Mishka is primarily a children's novel (not a picture book, maybe middle grade?) about a girl's dog who helps her stand up for what is right, show adults that they can still believe in hope and a childlike perspective sometimes, and ultimately clean up their town and save it from thugs. Mishka is a huge white puppy who loves people, cake, and likes to make friends and wrestle. To bad guys, he unintentionally comes across as intimidating and threatening, which happily chases them away and inspires the good citizens to clean up their own neighborhoods and stand up for themselves again.
Even as an adult, despite the simpler writing style, I still enjoyed the story, and the surprise revelation about Mishka. I lived in Russia for a couple years, so it was fun for me to read a story set in Russia, even if there were a few mistakes in words or names, the similarity was enough for me to enjoy it.
There were some editing errors scattered throughout the book, missing periods or quotation marks, things like that. Overall, it was a fun, quick, uplifting read, with a refreshing reminder that sometimes a simple child's perspective can still solve grownup problems.
Mishka is primarily a children's novel (not a picture book, maybe middle grade?) about a girl's dog who helps her stand up for what is right, show adults that they can still believe in hope and a childlike perspective sometimes, and ultimately clean up their town and save it from thugs. Mishka is a huge white puppy who loves people, cake, and likes to make friends and wrestle. To bad guys, he unintentionally comes across as intimidating and threatening, which happily chases them away and inspires the good citizens to clean up their own neighborhoods and stand up for themselves again.
Even as an adult, despite the simpler writing style, I still enjoyed the story, and the surprise revelation about Mishka. I lived in Russia for a couple years, so it was fun for me to read a story set in Russia, even if there were a few mistakes in words or names, the similarity was enough for me to enjoy it.
There were some editing errors scattered throughout the book, missing periods or quotation marks, things like that. Overall, it was a fun, quick, uplifting read, with a refreshing reminder that sometimes a simple child's perspective can still solve grownup problems.
May 14, 2019
This is a beautiful story for children age 8-12. It explores how a young girl Natasha adapts to moving to a new town, making new friends and getting a new pet puppy. As Mishka the puppy grows and grows he helps to transform not only Natasha’s life but the whole town. Heartwarming and irresistible for any child who has longed for a pet puppy.
July 13, 2019
I received Mishka through a Goodreads Giveaway.
I absolutely enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book, mostly in thanks to the sweet characters. Grandfather and Natasha were a true joy to behold, and the revelation about Mishka's heritage really helped to give the book a wow factor. The storyline makes this an excellent book for children and young adults because of the lessons it offers, teaching the reader that no matter how young or old you are you can still achieve anything you set your mind to.
I highly recommend this adorable book to anyone interested in reading about a little girl and her grandfather chasing out criminals with the help of a very big puppy. Mishka is definitely a favorite, and I can't wait to show it to the rest of my family.
I absolutely enjoyed every moment I spent reading this book, mostly in thanks to the sweet characters. Grandfather and Natasha were a true joy to behold, and the revelation about Mishka's heritage really helped to give the book a wow factor. The storyline makes this an excellent book for children and young adults because of the lessons it offers, teaching the reader that no matter how young or old you are you can still achieve anything you set your mind to.
I highly recommend this adorable book to anyone interested in reading about a little girl and her grandfather chasing out criminals with the help of a very big puppy. Mishka is definitely a favorite, and I can't wait to show it to the rest of my family.
August 7, 2019
THIS BOOK IS SO CUTE!!!!! I loved it!!! All the characters are rich and warm, the plot is simple good vs bad, Natasha is absolutely adorable, and there were a lot of parts that made me giggle and get a twinkle in my eye. Just a cute, simple read. Good for any age reader!! ❤️
June 30, 2022
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Mishka
Author: Mike Moroney
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A loved this story. The big dog was cool and I liked how it helped everybody and stopped the criminals.” Boy, aged 11
“A sweetly written, inspiring tale of a girl and her puppy, the puppy growing up to be a very, VERY big dog. So much so, the criminals in the town run scared. Plenty going on, lots of twists, and a strong ending. A few small errors here and there, but nothing too awful. My class of 11 year olds enjoyed it very much.” Primary School Teacher, aged 48
“This is a fun story about justice and the ´bad guys´ not always winning. I liked the characters, and the story was exciting.” Girl, aged 11
“The moral of this story is to do what´s right and to stand up to bad people.” Girl, aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A sweetly told story, perfect for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Mishka
Author: Mike Moroney
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 6/10
Writing Style: 7/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
13 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
13 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
12 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
13 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A loved this story. The big dog was cool and I liked how it helped everybody and stopped the criminals.” Boy, aged 11
“A sweetly written, inspiring tale of a girl and her puppy, the puppy growing up to be a very, VERY big dog. So much so, the criminals in the town run scared. Plenty going on, lots of twists, and a strong ending. A few small errors here and there, but nothing too awful. My class of 11 year olds enjoyed it very much.” Primary School Teacher, aged 48
“This is a fun story about justice and the ´bad guys´ not always winning. I liked the characters, and the story was exciting.” Girl, aged 11
“The moral of this story is to do what´s right and to stand up to bad people.” Girl, aged 12
To Sum It Up:
‘A sweetly told story, perfect for 9 – 12 year olds. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
April 21, 2025
Nine-year-old Natasha is disappointed to move in with her grandpa (Deda) for six months after her father gets a contract repairing machines in an oilfield. Though sad about leaving her hometown in Russia, she tries not to show this to her father because she knows money is tight. Natasha can't have pets back home because of their landlord's restrictions, but Deda doesn't have any such rules. To help Natasha get over her initial sadness, he decides to get her a puppy who she names Mishka.
Mishka turns into a great pet but has an enormous appetite, particularly fond of cake. He grows at a rapid pace and is sometimes feared by those who don't understand what a playful animal he is. The town of Horridgrad is a bit intimidating at first to Natasha because of its larger size and neighborhood bullies, but Natasha feels safer with Mishka and after she makes a friend with a boy named Max.
The town of Horringrad is run by a corrupt, bumbling mayor. Rather than trying to improve his city, he is all about lining his pockets with his buddy Ivan the Terrible. The mayor looks for a way to profit by taking Mishka away from Natasha and Deda with the intention of selling him to some wealthy hunters. Over time the characters realize that Mishka is not a puppy or dog.
I found a lot of the humor to be of the slapstick variety. It was a bit too silly for me, but since the book is for kids, they might find some of that funny. It's a quick read that I finished in two sessions. It did include the valuable lesson of not judging others before you get to know them.
Mishka turns into a great pet but has an enormous appetite, particularly fond of cake. He grows at a rapid pace and is sometimes feared by those who don't understand what a playful animal he is. The town of Horridgrad is a bit intimidating at first to Natasha because of its larger size and neighborhood bullies, but Natasha feels safer with Mishka and after she makes a friend with a boy named Max.
The town of Horringrad is run by a corrupt, bumbling mayor. Rather than trying to improve his city, he is all about lining his pockets with his buddy Ivan the Terrible. The mayor looks for a way to profit by taking Mishka away from Natasha and Deda with the intention of selling him to some wealthy hunters. Over time the characters realize that Mishka is not a puppy or dog.
I found a lot of the humor to be of the slapstick variety. It was a bit too silly for me, but since the book is for kids, they might find some of that funny. It's a quick read that I finished in two sessions. It did include the valuable lesson of not judging others before you get to know them.
October 28, 2019
I don't give many books 5 stars, especially for littler kids. This book is a bit odd, though. It could easily be a great story for a child to read as a first book, but it is almost 300 pages long. If you can get your kids (or parents or grandparents) to read this, you will be doing them a great favor. Most kids books I have looked at, are quite good. I don't know how to explain it, but the writing here, just has something "extra" that makes it exceptional.
I received this book from a free author promo, and this is definitely a voluntary review.
I received this book from a free author promo, and this is definitely a voluntary review.
July 4, 2019
Geared towards children and young adults this book is a story of a young girl and her "dog" set in the background of crime infested town in Eastern Europe. Triumph of justice over injustice, goodness over evil and strength of collective action is well-portrayed in this book. The book is an easy read and I recommend to parents of young kids. Will make a good bedtime read.
P.S: I was given this book by the publisher for my unbiased opinion.
P.S: I was given this book by the publisher for my unbiased opinion.
August 7, 2019
Natasha receives Mishka as a gift from her grandfather. Neither human knows that this act will change the lives of everyone in their town, for Mishka becomes the town's hero. This wonderful story can be enjoyed by children, adults, and all ages in-between. I received my copy as part of the Goodreads Giveaway program.
March 9, 2020
The story of a girl and her “dog”
This is a story for young readers about a young girl and her grandfather and their “dog” that help save a town overtaken by criminals in high places. It’s a story of what it takes to be brave in the face of ignorance, indifference, and that even the smallest voice can make a change if they care enough.
This is a story for young readers about a young girl and her grandfather and their “dog” that help save a town overtaken by criminals in high places. It’s a story of what it takes to be brave in the face of ignorance, indifference, and that even the smallest voice can make a change if they care enough.
June 25, 2019
While geared towards a younger audience, this book can be enjoyed by those of all ages. As a heartwarming story that moves at a great pace, this easy read will make a good addition to anybody's shelf.
July 6, 2019
An enthralling story. Clearly defined characters and wonderful descriptions. The perfect book for a young reader or adult - great beach read! Thank you Mike Maroney for a lovely, enchanting and uplifting story.
October 8, 2019
This was a very sweet children's story. I definitely enjoyed it. I love Natasha & Mishka. I loved the storyline.
I very much recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book through good reads for an honest review.
I very much recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book through good reads for an honest review.
January 2, 2025
Trust Triumph’s Trouble
Great read especially for middle school / young adults. Sometimes you have to stand up for what’s right! This Grandfather & his grand daughter teach the entire town how important it is to stand up for what is right.
Great read especially for middle school / young adults. Sometimes you have to stand up for what’s right! This Grandfather & his grand daughter teach the entire town how important it is to stand up for what is right.
July 6, 2019
Very entertaining children's book.
Will appeal to young animal lovers..
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book!! (Good reads and author)
Will appeal to young animal lovers..
Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book!! (Good reads and author)
August 22, 2019
A sweet and delightful read. A lovely tale that both adults or children will enjoy.
September 8, 2019
A good book for any young person who has wanted a dog and for dog lovers in general. It has a good lesson more than just kids could benefit from. A worthwhile read.
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
*won as a GoodReads Giveaway*
February 24, 2021
I won this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway.
The story is cute and fun. It shows the importance of friendship, community, and love for those different than you. It was a quick read.
The story is cute and fun. It shows the importance of friendship, community, and love for those different than you. It was a quick read.
December 31, 2024
Wonderful story
This is such a warm story, full of love, bravery and goodness. Mishka is a delight. Definitely a must read.
This is such a warm story, full of love, bravery and goodness. Mishka is a delight. Definitely a must read.
January 11, 2025
Fun read with life lessons
I loved the ending, but it was the little life lessons scattered throughout the story that touched my heart. Bravery and truth trumps evil.
I loved the ending, but it was the little life lessons scattered throughout the story that touched my heart. Bravery and truth trumps evil.
August 1, 2019
I just finished Mishka by Mike Maroney. It was a cute early readers book about a girl, Natasha, who got a pet dog, Mishka, who turned out to be a polar bear. Together with her grandfather, her friend, Max, and Mishka they managed to get all the bad people run out of their town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2019
This is a wonderful story. Even though it's written for a young audience I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book. If my children were younger this is a book that would've been perfect for family bedtime reading.
I received a copy through goodreads giveaway.
I received a copy through goodreads giveaway.
December 5, 2019
Beautiful
A wonderful story for young children. It covers topics such as selflessness, courage, love, doing what is right, and helping others. Beautifully written and an interesting and intense plot twist... or two.
A wonderful story for young children. It covers topics such as selflessness, courage, love, doing what is right, and helping others. Beautifully written and an interesting and intense plot twist... or two.
October 25, 2019
"Save Mishka!"
Mishka (the book) is like a warm cup of tea on a especially cold winter day. It has all the trappings of a perfect middle-grade fiction, written in a language that charms, excites, and comes alive in its simplicity, featuring an entire community of people—young and old—who all have a thing or two to learn about hope, bravery and the true power of teamwork from the guileless new girl in town and her adorable "little puppy" who isn't really quite a puppy...
I breezed through this book, having all sorts of warm and pleasant feelings for all of its small and big victories. A few spots could use some minor spellcheck, but overall the story reads smoothly and flows at a decent pace, letting each scene just play out uninterrupted with every well-placed word, humor, and payoff.
I adored its good characters and got too busy laughing at the quirkiness of its evil doers to really loathe anyone (that vegan hitman cracked me up!). And don't even get me started on Mishka (the character)—
Mishka, the overgrown puppy who loves cakes and only wants to play, but always ends up getting misunderstood by the cowardly thugs he "rough-and-tumbles" with.
Mishka who grows too huge for Natasha's bed, but never too big for anybody's heart.
Mishka who endears himself to the people of Horridgrad, without much effort other than being his sweet and instinctively playful self, and who eventually rouses the town, especially its little children, to take a stand and aspire for great change.
Don't get me wrong, though. The villains of this book may not be threatening in their often hilarious dumbness, but the power they have over Horridgrad and the things they have done and can still do, has effectively kept me worrying—almost in a panic—that something may still turn out horribly wrong for everyone I have come to care about. But maybe that's just me no longer trusting in the conventional "happily-ever-afters."
What I did not doubt, though, is this book delivering a satisfying end, which is exactly what it did for me. ♥
I received a digital review copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.
November 10, 2019
This is a wonderful, inspiring story for the young reader. It promotes effort, non-stereotyping, respect for elders and cooperation. And it had me laughing out loud at the most incompetent band of bad guys I have ever stumbled across. I think the kids will enjoy Mishka as he grows and grows.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
July 8, 2019
Definitely read this!
Sweet and inspirational. Everyone can make a difference. Even a “puppy” that grows up quite large. Mishka makes things happen and people are more than just first impressions.
Well written for the younger crowd. Could be read out loud. Good messages for all ages. Has heroes of all ages and backgrounds.
Sweet and inspirational. Everyone can make a difference. Even a “puppy” that grows up quite large. Mishka makes things happen and people are more than just first impressions.
Well written for the younger crowd. Could be read out loud. Good messages for all ages. Has heroes of all ages and backgrounds.
September 6, 2019
What a fabulous book, really enjoyed reading this book
August 13, 2019
Such a cute easy read
This was the cutest story. Felt it was more for a child but was still good. Makes ya wanna go out and get a BIG DOG of your own. Definitely kept you rooting for Mishka and the family the entire book.
This was the cutest story. Felt it was more for a child but was still good. Makes ya wanna go out and get a BIG DOG of your own. Definitely kept you rooting for Mishka and the family the entire book.
August 31, 2019
This was a great children's book. It has a good storyline and a good lesson that all children should hear and it has some lessons that even some adults would benefit from hearing. Overall, I enjoyed this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews