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A Dog's Day #2
I Am Jax, Protector of the Ranch (Volume 1)
Spend a day in the life of a livestock guardian dog! Jax the Great Pyrenees has a big job. After the Texas sun goes down, it’s up to him and two other LGDs to protect their ranch from predators. But when the lead dog gets hurt, Jax and a young pup are the only ones left to protect the flock through the night. Told from the dog’s perspective, this story also includes back matter about the breed and role of the working dog.
96 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 7, 2022
It was an amazing book. I loved it. It was so interesting. I loved the scene where the giant cat (mountain lion) stood on one side and the sheep and its baby stood on another with lightning flashing in the background and Jax looking up at the giant cat. It was amazing. I bet you'll love it (because I don't know how anyone could hate it).
September 21, 2020
I am a city girl. Sheep and ranching are about as foreign to me as the idea of a working dog who loves living outdoors amongst all of its dangers and discomforts. After all, in the city and in the suburbs these days, all dogs (and cats and bunnies and birds and even reptiles and who know what else) live in air conditioned luxury as someone’s pet.
So, I was very interested to learn about Jax, Protector of the Ranch. After reading about a day in the life of this Great Pyrenees, I’ve got to say, “Wow! What an amazing dog.”
Jax is big and can easily stand his own against predators like coyotes and mountain lions. He is perceptive and can tell when the rain is coming just by sniffing the air. He is protective of his herd and he is protective of his humans, too.
Jax’s sharp wit makes him thoughtful. He remembers words and their meanings but he doesn’t need a human trainer to become good at his job. Watching and learning from the other guardian dogs on the ranch has helped him keep his flock safe.
He learned his trade by observing Bev, the oldest dog on the ranch. She’s an Anatolian shepherd. The new kid, Stormy, is a guardian-pup-in-training. That little Great Pyrenees still has a lot to learn and Jax is happy to be her mentor.
A guardian dog’s work day begins as the sun starts to go down. That is when sheep most need a defender. There’s a full moon on this night. Jax knows that strange things seem to happen when the moon is full. That’s when more predators come out. It’s when animals act up in unexpected ways. There are plenty of uncertainties for the sheep this night.
The author takes readers on an exciting and sometimes, gripping adventure that lasts throughout a very long and scary night. You can feel the tension build as Jax and the other protectors of the ranch do their best to guard their sheep from hungry wild animals. With every turn of the page, you will be wondering and hoping that when the morning finally comes, everyone will still be safe and accounted for.
Ms. Stier really makes you feel like you are inside Jax’s head. My favorite insight into his thought process is when he’s telling us, “Now, I know Colton thinks I got a tough break having to work outside all night. But tonight I look around and see what Sweep and other dogs that stay inside at night are missing. There are more stars in the sky than there are wildflowers in a Texas field.”
Sweep, by the way is a Border Collie. She’s a herding dog and her job is moving the sheep from one side of the ranch to another. She gets to sleep in a soft doggy bed in the ranch house with Gail, the ranch owner, and her grandson, Colton.
You don’t have to feel sorry for Jax’s lack of air-conditioned luxury. He is right where he wants to be, out amongst his sheep where he will do whatever it takes to keep them all from harm.
This is a very quick read and kids who love dogs are absolutely going to devour this very informative chapter book. Each chapter features several black and white illustrations, by Francesca Rosa, that are reminiscent of those by Marguerite Kirmse, who illustrated Eric Knight’s “Lassie Come Home.” They also remind me of those in “The Adventures of Scamp” by Mary Pollack. Unfortunately the illustrator is unknown for that book.
Get “I Am Jax, Protector of the Ranch” for your early reader today. They will love you for it.
So, I was very interested to learn about Jax, Protector of the Ranch. After reading about a day in the life of this Great Pyrenees, I’ve got to say, “Wow! What an amazing dog.”
Jax is big and can easily stand his own against predators like coyotes and mountain lions. He is perceptive and can tell when the rain is coming just by sniffing the air. He is protective of his herd and he is protective of his humans, too.
Jax’s sharp wit makes him thoughtful. He remembers words and their meanings but he doesn’t need a human trainer to become good at his job. Watching and learning from the other guardian dogs on the ranch has helped him keep his flock safe.
He learned his trade by observing Bev, the oldest dog on the ranch. She’s an Anatolian shepherd. The new kid, Stormy, is a guardian-pup-in-training. That little Great Pyrenees still has a lot to learn and Jax is happy to be her mentor.
A guardian dog’s work day begins as the sun starts to go down. That is when sheep most need a defender. There’s a full moon on this night. Jax knows that strange things seem to happen when the moon is full. That’s when more predators come out. It’s when animals act up in unexpected ways. There are plenty of uncertainties for the sheep this night.
The author takes readers on an exciting and sometimes, gripping adventure that lasts throughout a very long and scary night. You can feel the tension build as Jax and the other protectors of the ranch do their best to guard their sheep from hungry wild animals. With every turn of the page, you will be wondering and hoping that when the morning finally comes, everyone will still be safe and accounted for.
Ms. Stier really makes you feel like you are inside Jax’s head. My favorite insight into his thought process is when he’s telling us, “Now, I know Colton thinks I got a tough break having to work outside all night. But tonight I look around and see what Sweep and other dogs that stay inside at night are missing. There are more stars in the sky than there are wildflowers in a Texas field.”
Sweep, by the way is a Border Collie. She’s a herding dog and her job is moving the sheep from one side of the ranch to another. She gets to sleep in a soft doggy bed in the ranch house with Gail, the ranch owner, and her grandson, Colton.
You don’t have to feel sorry for Jax’s lack of air-conditioned luxury. He is right where he wants to be, out amongst his sheep where he will do whatever it takes to keep them all from harm.
This is a very quick read and kids who love dogs are absolutely going to devour this very informative chapter book. Each chapter features several black and white illustrations, by Francesca Rosa, that are reminiscent of those by Marguerite Kirmse, who illustrated Eric Knight’s “Lassie Come Home.” They also remind me of those in “The Adventures of Scamp” by Mary Pollack. Unfortunately the illustrator is unknown for that book.
Get “I Am Jax, Protector of the Ranch” for your early reader today. They will love you for it.
September 26, 2020
"There are more stars in the sky than there are wildflowers in a Texas field. Throughout the pasture, fireflies flash and glow.”
I love dogs. I adore dogs. I am simply bewitched by dogs. If I see a dog nine times out of ten I either speak to it or I will ask to pet it. I have two charismatic dogs myself, one who is a protector. I was overjoyed to be able to read and review of this little book I Am Jax, Protector Of The Ranch, by Catherine Stier.
This is a delightful chapter book that introduces kids to the significance of having protector dogs around for livestock. Unless you grew up around livestock and farming and ranching, most kids will be unfamiliar with the chief role dogs like Jax are in working at keeping sheep, goats, and cattle safe.
Raise your hand if you have ever hugged the neck of Great Pyrenees. I have. You can literally use them as pillows.
In this little book, kids are introduced to Jax, a Great Pyrenees, and his other protector companions who guard sheep. In the span of a night, Jax encounters some coyotes, a bobcat, a mountain lion, and the birth of a lamb. As the story moves along it relates the possible dangers livestock faces while living out in the country. Stier handles the realistic writing about the coyotes, bobcat, and mountain lion impeccably from a wildlife biological perspective.
One of the most important lessons from this chapter book is that not all dogs need to be in a home every night.
The illustrations by Francesca Rosa are charming and carry the story quite well. My favorite illustration is of the mockingbird and Jax. The end reading materials go into more details about working dogs and offer the possibility of further discussions. Plus, Stier adds additional information about Great Pyreneess and Anatolian Shepherds.
I Am Jax, Protector Of The Ranch, is a perfect read for kids between 2 – 5 grades. I can even see a read-along of the book for 1st graders.
This is an impeccable little book relating the importance of livestock protector dogs. Check it out to expand your children’s world and most definitely check it out if your kids loves dogs like I do!
I love dogs. I adore dogs. I am simply bewitched by dogs. If I see a dog nine times out of ten I either speak to it or I will ask to pet it. I have two charismatic dogs myself, one who is a protector. I was overjoyed to be able to read and review of this little book I Am Jax, Protector Of The Ranch, by Catherine Stier.
This is a delightful chapter book that introduces kids to the significance of having protector dogs around for livestock. Unless you grew up around livestock and farming and ranching, most kids will be unfamiliar with the chief role dogs like Jax are in working at keeping sheep, goats, and cattle safe.
Raise your hand if you have ever hugged the neck of Great Pyrenees. I have. You can literally use them as pillows.
In this little book, kids are introduced to Jax, a Great Pyrenees, and his other protector companions who guard sheep. In the span of a night, Jax encounters some coyotes, a bobcat, a mountain lion, and the birth of a lamb. As the story moves along it relates the possible dangers livestock faces while living out in the country. Stier handles the realistic writing about the coyotes, bobcat, and mountain lion impeccably from a wildlife biological perspective.
One of the most important lessons from this chapter book is that not all dogs need to be in a home every night.
The illustrations by Francesca Rosa are charming and carry the story quite well. My favorite illustration is of the mockingbird and Jax. The end reading materials go into more details about working dogs and offer the possibility of further discussions. Plus, Stier adds additional information about Great Pyreneess and Anatolian Shepherds.
I Am Jax, Protector Of The Ranch, is a perfect read for kids between 2 – 5 grades. I can even see a read-along of the book for 1st graders.
This is an impeccable little book relating the importance of livestock protector dogs. Check it out to expand your children’s world and most definitely check it out if your kids loves dogs like I do!
September 26, 2020
As a lifelong Texan and lover of chapter books with Dogs as main characters, I absolutely loved this book! In the vein of Hank the Cowdog or Charlie the Ranch Dog, I Am Jax: Protector of the Ranch is a wonderful addition from a fabulous author! Jax is a Great Pyrenees, working on a ranch and guarding livestock. Jax is a Livestock Guardian Dog, LGD, which is an incredibly important job.
I asked my 8 year old to read along with me, which was a great bonding experience! He is getting introduced to chapter books, so this was a perfect book to read together! His favorite character was Jax, who was brave and responsible. He gave this book two thumbs up! His favorite chapter is Chapter 2, when the reader is introduced to the guard dogs and the flock. He loved learning about Livestock Guardian Dogs and the breeds of dogs featured in the book!
I really enjoyed Jax, Bev, and the other dogs and sheep. The story flowed seamlessly and was easy to understand for both my son and I. We learned about bravery, having courage in the face of danger, and responsibility for others. These are all lessons and messages that are important for young people to learn! Jax is a wonderful character to convey these messages to emerging readers!
The illustrations are wonderfully done and very descriptive! The illustrations highlighted and enhanced the narrative as Jax navigated the protection detail for the flock. This is a great book for emerging readers and I would recommend it to parents and teachers for their children/students. This would make a great birthday gift for a child or a gift for a teacher's classroom!
I thoroughly enjoyed I Am Jax: Protector of the Ranch!
I asked my 8 year old to read along with me, which was a great bonding experience! He is getting introduced to chapter books, so this was a perfect book to read together! His favorite character was Jax, who was brave and responsible. He gave this book two thumbs up! His favorite chapter is Chapter 2, when the reader is introduced to the guard dogs and the flock. He loved learning about Livestock Guardian Dogs and the breeds of dogs featured in the book!
I really enjoyed Jax, Bev, and the other dogs and sheep. The story flowed seamlessly and was easy to understand for both my son and I. We learned about bravery, having courage in the face of danger, and responsibility for others. These are all lessons and messages that are important for young people to learn! Jax is a wonderful character to convey these messages to emerging readers!
The illustrations are wonderfully done and very descriptive! The illustrations highlighted and enhanced the narrative as Jax navigated the protection detail for the flock. This is a great book for emerging readers and I would recommend it to parents and teachers for their children/students. This would make a great birthday gift for a child or a gift for a teacher's classroom!
I thoroughly enjoyed I Am Jax: Protector of the Ranch!
July 14, 2020
I love this series for younger readers! It’s packed with interesting facts and a great storyline. I am excited to recommend it to readers 2nd-5th grade.
March 28, 2021
I am becoming a fan of early chapter books. Early chapter books, in case the term is unfamiliar, are short chapter books that bridge the gap between leveled readers or picture books and the chapter books that you're likely more familiar with. Chapters are short, illustrations abundant. Fonts are large, stories high-interest. And language is accessible. Think of them as a stepping stone between Dr. Seuss and Beverly Cleary.
I am Jax is our most recent shared reading. We tend to divide the text as follows: T reads the chapter titles, first and final paragraphs, and onomatopoeia. I read the rest. Unless we're snacking while reading – then we each take a turn reading a few paragraphs while the other munches. Sour cream and onion chips are our snack of choice!
I am Jax is the exciting and informative story of a ranch dog's life, with the focus on the events of one day and night. It is educational and emotional, narrated by the dog in a style that suspends disbelief. Jax comments about how his instincts tell him to give a new lamb space and how he recognizes the scent of feline on the breeze, but cannot identify the animal. When that unknown feline finally appears, a tense fight ensues. The suspense was so great that T wanted to discontinue reading because the stakes were so high. "It was kinda scary," he says. Not to worry, though, no one is seriously injured. T and I both learned how a ranch dog is trained and what its duties are. I am Jax was fun and interesting. There are more books in this series, and T wants to read them. I am fully on board with that plan! Ava, you're up next!
A Dog's Day Series
1. I am Jax, Protector of the Ranch
2. I am Ava, Seeker in the Snow
3. I am Sammy, Trusted Guide
4. I am Bella, Star of the Show
5. I am Skye, Finder of the Lost
6. I am Tucker, Detection Expert
Note: A review copy was provided for an honest review.
I am Jax is our most recent shared reading. We tend to divide the text as follows: T reads the chapter titles, first and final paragraphs, and onomatopoeia. I read the rest. Unless we're snacking while reading – then we each take a turn reading a few paragraphs while the other munches. Sour cream and onion chips are our snack of choice!
I am Jax is the exciting and informative story of a ranch dog's life, with the focus on the events of one day and night. It is educational and emotional, narrated by the dog in a style that suspends disbelief. Jax comments about how his instincts tell him to give a new lamb space and how he recognizes the scent of feline on the breeze, but cannot identify the animal. When that unknown feline finally appears, a tense fight ensues. The suspense was so great that T wanted to discontinue reading because the stakes were so high. "It was kinda scary," he says. Not to worry, though, no one is seriously injured. T and I both learned how a ranch dog is trained and what its duties are. I am Jax was fun and interesting. There are more books in this series, and T wants to read them. I am fully on board with that plan! Ava, you're up next!
A Dog's Day Series
1. I am Jax, Protector of the Ranch
2. I am Ava, Seeker in the Snow
3. I am Sammy, Trusted Guide
4. I am Bella, Star of the Show
5. I am Skye, Finder of the Lost
6. I am Tucker, Detection Expert
Note: A review copy was provided for an honest review.
November 27, 2022
Good book for young early readers just starting out with chapter books. Plenty of nice illustrations. This book is a fictional story about livestock guard dogs and how they protect sheep from predators. I love that the book is written from the point of view of one of the guard dogs.
The book is very educational and you learn a lot about these dogs and what they do. Also learn a bit about sheep and some predators. however the educational comments often felt thrown in and didn’t flow smoothly within the story. It kind of felt like “oh hey! speaking of bobcats here’s a fun fact….” I wish it felt more organic and natural within the story, but at the same time I do like all the facts and I think it’s great to have books like these that are really educational and yet still exciting and enjoyable for young kids to read.
I love that this is an early chapter book. It’s hard to find good quality, non silly type books for kids at this reading level ( I would say grades 2-4). I look forward to reading more books in this series (currently there are 6 books) and I’m glad to have this book on our shelf for my younger children to enjoy.
The book is very educational and you learn a lot about these dogs and what they do. Also learn a bit about sheep and some predators. however the educational comments often felt thrown in and didn’t flow smoothly within the story. It kind of felt like “oh hey! speaking of bobcats here’s a fun fact….” I wish it felt more organic and natural within the story, but at the same time I do like all the facts and I think it’s great to have books like these that are really educational and yet still exciting and enjoyable for young kids to read.
I love that this is an early chapter book. It’s hard to find good quality, non silly type books for kids at this reading level ( I would say grades 2-4). I look forward to reading more books in this series (currently there are 6 books) and I’m glad to have this book on our shelf for my younger children to enjoy.
April 27, 2020
Thank you to Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
I'm always looking for good chapter books for my young patrons, and this is one that I will be purchasing. Jax is a LPD, or Livestock Guardian Dog. The story is told from his perspective about his duty of keeping his flock of sheep safe at night. He and two other LPDs, both of which have different duties that his, stay with the flock at night and keep them safe from predators. On this particular night, it's a full moon, and we see all three dogs in action.
I loved the respect and care that the humans show the dogs, and how the different animal behaviors are explained rather than being seen as aggressive. Even the predators are shown compassion, although Jax is committed to keeping them away from his flock.
I Am Ava, Seeker in the Snow, is also now available, and there are more titles to come in this series.
I'm always looking for good chapter books for my young patrons, and this is one that I will be purchasing. Jax is a LPD, or Livestock Guardian Dog. The story is told from his perspective about his duty of keeping his flock of sheep safe at night. He and two other LPDs, both of which have different duties that his, stay with the flock at night and keep them safe from predators. On this particular night, it's a full moon, and we see all three dogs in action.
I loved the respect and care that the humans show the dogs, and how the different animal behaviors are explained rather than being seen as aggressive. Even the predators are shown compassion, although Jax is committed to keeping them away from his flock.
I Am Ava, Seeker in the Snow, is also now available, and there are more titles to come in this series.
September 28, 2020
Jax, is a guard dog for the sheep on a large Texas ranch, and is the narrator of this story. His story includes a day's narrative about what happens when a new puppy arrives to join the guard dogs, along with a new lamb being born, an attack by a wildcat, and then another attack by a pack of coyotes. There is a lot of information and facts presented throughout this story. One in a series of work dogs for beginning chapter book readers. Large font and plenty of illustrations in this 90 page title. NOTE: Match with the titles by Kim Lewis (i.e. FLOSS series) for younger readers.
October 24, 2020
I see this being a great book to recommend to kids--I suspect this will become a series (there is one other title right now) about different kinds of working dogs. There was a lot of useful information and back matter to teach kids about the life of a livestock guardian dog (see, I didn't know that term before). Also, there is a ton of suspense that kept me hooked! That being said, the story often gets didactic.
May 24, 2021
What an adorable chapter book series! Each book offers accurate informative AND exciting stories for young readers. Book 1 is set in Texas with Jax the sheep dog. Other books share about life from different kinds of working dogs, from a rescue dog to a dog actor. Cute illustrations add to the enjoyment. If you've got a young reader who loves dogs, these early chapter books should definitely be on your list! I can see why I AM JAX got a starred review from Kirkus!
January 19, 2023
This is the best third grade fiction book I have read with my daughter. The suspense was actually interesting and we read it together in one sitting. Amazing! Such a nice story about different farm dogs as told by a guard dog.
We especially enjoyed reading about instincts as we are seeing our Rottweiler’s guarding instincts shine through so much more than our Labrador’s. We enjoyed comparing the farm dogs to our family dogs.
We can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
We especially enjoyed reading about instincts as we are seeing our Rottweiler’s guarding instincts shine through so much more than our Labrador’s. We enjoyed comparing the farm dogs to our family dogs.
We can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
September 12, 2022
August 2022 Hoopla Bonus Borrows Recommendation
What a cute little chapter book! This is a great book for any young child who loves dogs. In this book we follow Jax, a ranch dog who protects his heard of sheep. Looks like there are more books in the series that cover other jobs that dogs perform. It's great to see a well written series about all the ways dogs help.
What a cute little chapter book! This is a great book for any young child who loves dogs. In this book we follow Jax, a ranch dog who protects his heard of sheep. Looks like there are more books in the series that cover other jobs that dogs perform. It's great to see a well written series about all the ways dogs help.
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July 12, 2022Book from a livestock guardian dog’s point of view. I learned a lot bout livestock guardian dogs from reading this engaging book. Good for 3rd grade dog lovers! Would love to check out other books in the series.
September 3, 2024
What a lovely way to introduce the concept of working dogs and their roles in our lives, from the perspective of the dog! Good introduction to chapter books. There are more in this series and we're looking forward to reading more.
September 17, 2020
First Chapter book for dog lovers.
September 27, 2020
Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 5 stars.
March 28, 2021
A ranch dogs purpose beeming with pride and self reliance
September 22, 2021
Fun into to suspense for middle elementary school. Written from the guard dog's point of view.
May 8, 2022
🐶🐕🦮🐩it is so good I have a Great Pyrenees to😀
June 22, 2022
An excellent book for younger readers looking for chapter books. Illustrations help carry the story along.
September 10, 2022
A cute little children's story.
August 20, 2023
This was actually so much more exciting than most early reader chapters. Realistic adventure on a sheep farm. For kids who want some action and who like animals.
April 9, 2024
I liked when Jax fought a moutain lion.
September 30, 2020
I read this to my preschool. We would read two chapters a night. I liked that it had information at the end of the book for kids to get further information about Guardian dogs. My preschooler enjoyed listening to me read 2- 3 chapters a night.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews