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Bulu: African Wonder Dog
Fans of narrative non-fiction, true dog stories, and African wildlife will want to check out Bulu!
Born on a crocodile farm in Zambia's untamed South Luangwa Valley, the puppy seemed different from his littermates. Too quiet. Unresponsive. Terriers are usually full of energy and bouncing off walls. But not this one. Nobody wanted him. Enter Anna and Steve Tolan—former police officers who had left behind their life in England to live in the African bush. People thought the Tolans were a bit different, too. The peculiar puppy suited them perfectly. They named him Bulu, or "wild dog" in the local Nyanja language.
Living in the bush, Bulu not only found his voice, he also found his calling as a foster parent to the orphaned baby animals—including warthogs, monkeys, elephants, baboons, bushbucks, and buffalo—cared for by the Tolans. But Bulu's protective nature led him into terrifying situations in the wild. It's a miracle he survived! But survive he did, disarming people with his wacky ways and nurturing once-unwanted creatures like him until they too could be set free. Bulu's story is a joyful confirmation of dogs as unique spirits, capable of love, compassion, and bravery.
Packed with vivid descriptions of encounters with crocodiles, lions, leopards, poisonous snakes, armed poachers, and more—and illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs— African Wonder Dog is a great resource for meeting Common Core State Standards that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Born on a crocodile farm in Zambia's untamed South Luangwa Valley, the puppy seemed different from his littermates. Too quiet. Unresponsive. Terriers are usually full of energy and bouncing off walls. But not this one. Nobody wanted him. Enter Anna and Steve Tolan—former police officers who had left behind their life in England to live in the African bush. People thought the Tolans were a bit different, too. The peculiar puppy suited them perfectly. They named him Bulu, or "wild dog" in the local Nyanja language.
Living in the bush, Bulu not only found his voice, he also found his calling as a foster parent to the orphaned baby animals—including warthogs, monkeys, elephants, baboons, bushbucks, and buffalo—cared for by the Tolans. But Bulu's protective nature led him into terrifying situations in the wild. It's a miracle he survived! But survive he did, disarming people with his wacky ways and nurturing once-unwanted creatures like him until they too could be set free. Bulu's story is a joyful confirmation of dogs as unique spirits, capable of love, compassion, and bravery.
Packed with vivid descriptions of encounters with crocodiles, lions, leopards, poisonous snakes, armed poachers, and more—and illustrated throughout with black-and-white photographs— African Wonder Dog is a great resource for meeting Common Core State Standards that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
30 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 19, 2010
I admit, I'm a sucker for dog stories. The cute little guy on the cover caught my attention because I have two Jack Russell terriers and Bulu had a Jack Russell daddy, so he strongly resembles my two. Further, I love stories that take place in Africa. (Maybe I'll actually get there one day, but until then, I'm an avid armchair traveler.) This book is cataloged as juvenile nonfiction, but adults will enjoy it too. Steve and Anna Tolan were police officers in England when they met and married. They often vacationed in Africa and found it harder and harder to return home. After Steve was in an accident, they realized life is brief and you must live your dreams. They sold everything and moved to Zambia to live and work in wildlife conservation. They were told not to get a dog if they were living in the bush because it would only break their hearts, as so many dogs were eaten by predators or fell victim to diseases. They had had to leave their old dog with their family in England and missed having a canine companion, so they took the risk and adopted a little pup, the last of the litter because he didn't seem alert or active enough to other prospective owners. They named him Bulu, "wild dog". This book is the true story of his (and their) adventures. About a quarter of the way into the book, I could not put it down. Jack Russells are known as big dogs in tiny dog bodies, and Bulu was no exception. He had an amazing life and by the end (warning: it's a three hankie ending)he had stolen my heart. What a great animal story! P.S.-- Here is a link with a short video of Bulu:
http://www.buluafricanwonderdog.com/B...
http://www.buluafricanwonderdog.com/B...
November 13, 2012
I loved this sweet and sad story about a dog named bulu he had a love for everyone around him. He sadly died from liver failur in 2008. By then he had fostered 11 wild african animals. I will never forget this story.
October 12, 2010
Absolutely loved it. I thought it was one of the greatest books I've ever read. I also love dogs so that probably helped :)
January 26, 2010
This book took me by surprise! I am not much of a fan of animal stories, but Bulu and the setting of the story are incredible. I have long dreamed of visitig Africa, and this book is set in Zambia. It is the true story of Steve and Anna Tolan, a British couple who leave their regular life in England and replant themselves remote Zambia. They build a wildlife conservation learning center there and take in orphaned animals = vervet monkeys, baboons, warthogs, and others, including elephants. The story centers around Bulu and how he cares for the orphans and escapes death many times. Pet dogs are not prevalent in Africa as there are far too many natural predators there. The one thing that bothered me was Anna's insistence that Bulu be treated by vets right now and with diginity after one of his brushes with the local wildlife. The same book discusses how many people in Zambia have lost their lives to AIDS; in fact, many children are left orphaned by this disease. To elevate the importance of the care and comfort of a dog above that of humans is problematic to me. However, the book is adorable, educational and an enjoyable read!
August 20, 2012
I grabbed this book at the library because I was in the mood for dog books and this one was on the new book shelf and was about a dog. When I opened it up I realized by the writing style that it is actually a kid's book. Nevertheless... I'm 36 and I enjoyed it.
Summary: an English couple working on wildlife conservation in Africa gets this dog named Bulu, some kind of Jack Russell mix. He has lots of adventures involving lions, sleeping sickness, elephants, baby monkeys, baby warthogs, and other animals. I like Africa, I like dogs, and I like lions, monkeys, and warthogs, so what's not to like about this book? I read it in an hour in the airport.
I can't really recommend it as a serious read because, well, because it's written for kids, but what the hell, I liked it.
Summary: an English couple working on wildlife conservation in Africa gets this dog named Bulu, some kind of Jack Russell mix. He has lots of adventures involving lions, sleeping sickness, elephants, baby monkeys, baby warthogs, and other animals. I like Africa, I like dogs, and I like lions, monkeys, and warthogs, so what's not to like about this book? I read it in an hour in the airport.
I can't really recommend it as a serious read because, well, because it's written for kids, but what the hell, I liked it.
June 17, 2010
A great story, not just about a dog, but about the African wildlife and the conservation efforts of Steve and Anna Tolan. There are a few grisly descriptions close to the end of the book, but I enjoyed all the animal encounters, some quite suspenseful. The story lacked, for me, a definite timeline of events. It was not clear to me when events were happening or how much time had passed between events.
August 16, 2012
This book was one that made me make one- hundred different emotions. Steve and Anna Tolan moved from England to Zambia, Africa as retired police officers. They adopt a small jack russell terrier. His name is Bulu meaning wild dog in Africa. The Tolans live where where many different animals live and end up caring for warthogs, a baboon, vervets, elephants and other animals. I recommend for everyone and anyone. Bulu will steal and warm your heart.
August 3, 2010
I love this dog! Smart, loyal and full of spirit. He chased away a lion to protect his people, faced off against a crocodile to protect the orphan warthog piglets he's adopted. Not bad for the little one considered the runt of the litter. Adorable photos! Pageturner for anyone who loves animals and adventure.
May 2, 2017
I thought that the book "Bulu: African Wonder Dog" was a good book, it is non-fiction so it took me a while to read it. it seemed informational but not so much that you wouldn't wanna read it in your free time. This book is about a couple and they work together as cops, the moved to Africa to be with the animals because the wife loves them. They decide to adopt a dog, the dog is very small, his name is Bulu. Bulu was my favorite character in the book because I love animals and he was a very adventures and playful puppy, he gets into a lot of trouble in the beginning but his owners slowly start to train him, Bulu is a white dog with brown and tan spots, he has brown ears and he is also very fast. In the story, Bulu was a prized possession by everybody, children loved him, adults loved him and even the strictest of people in the story loved him despite the trouble he caused. about 3/4 through the story Bulu gets very hurt on a camping trip with his owners, a snake shot poison in his eyes. His owners flushed his eyes out as soon s they could, they gave as much care and attention to him as they could but he didn't seem to be getting better. Where they lived there wasn't a near by vet, eventually the wife gets on a boat to take Bulu to the vet while the husband stays home with his injury.
September 1, 2014
Bulu is a little Jack Russel Terrier who was born on a crocodile farm in the untamed South Luangwa Valley in Zambia, Africa. This puppy seems different from his siblings, especially with his curious nature and long legs. Anna and Steve Tolan used to be police officers in England. They had both always dreamed of living in the wilderness. Everyone thought that they were crazy to move to Africa and to build their own “hut” there. After a while of living in Africa, they heard rumors that there were puppies for sale at an old crocodile farm. Anna immediately wanted to go there and get the last puppy for sale even though African friends tell them that it’s only going to be a tragedy… They thought about it but decided they should buy him.
This book is packed with Bulu’s adventures with lions, crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, warthogs and more. Read it and go on an adventure in the African bush.
I loved this book
This book is packed with Bulu’s adventures with lions, crocodiles, snakes, monkeys, warthogs and more. Read it and go on an adventure in the African bush.
I loved this book
March 27, 2019
I enjoyed reading about Bulu, Anna, and Steve’s life in Zambia. The author, Dick Houston, is a friend of Steven and Anna’s and he tells their story well.
“The real enemy of wildlife is ignorance.”
Bulu is the centering theme throughout the book, but the reader gets to see much more, such as the adoption of warthogs and vervets, the opening of a wildlife education center, and near-death experiences.
I liked the clear, concise writing and the well-described setting. This is a great read for both children and adults. And my Serengeti wanderlust is going strong after this read.
“The real enemy of wildlife is ignorance.”
Bulu is the centering theme throughout the book, but the reader gets to see much more, such as the adoption of warthogs and vervets, the opening of a wildlife education center, and near-death experiences.
I liked the clear, concise writing and the well-described setting. This is a great read for both children and adults. And my Serengeti wanderlust is going strong after this read.
November 3, 2016
I don't even know where to start on this book. I myself say don't even waste your time with this book. Bulu (the main character and name of the book...duh) was always getting into trouble whether it was fighting a croc or chasing away a bull elephant. He never listened. The African Bush is a very deadly place and Steve and Anna knew that when they got Bulu. This book was way too long and was overstretched and boring. The chapters consist of they did this, they did that, he got in trouble, end. If I could give it any lower rating I would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 27, 2012
Very Good Book. This book is actually based on where I am from, Zambia. It is a very sad/emotional book. I started crying in the middle of the book thinking the dog was going to die but he didn't which was a suprise to me. I love this book and I had to write an essay sort of thing on it and got an A+ on it.
October 13, 2010
I loved it. I'm always a sucker for a good dog story. This has got to be one of the best.
October 23, 2011
Such a cute story. I love Bulu!
March 12, 2014
It is for sure a non fiction book it has a little bit of fun but kind of boarding
January 9, 2024
Richtig cute. Die letzten zwei Kapitel haben mich ein bisschen fertig gemacht.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2018
Would not have picked this for myself - group read. Cute dog story but........
Selfish of the owners to put Bulu in such dangerous territory after they were warned. Never put him on a leash or tried to train him. Why build house so close to river when they knew it would flood? Why not be prepared to move when they knew river was overflowing banks so they didn't have to pack in a hurry? Why not have the tsetse fly medication on hand before Bulu got sick? Anna just figures out what is wrong with Firefly out of the blue? Where did they get the money for the learning center and all the things they bought the children? One description is of Bulu waking up in the night and growling at animals outside - how did they know when the owners never woke up?
Selfish of the owners to put Bulu in such dangerous territory after they were warned. Never put him on a leash or tried to train him. Why build house so close to river when they knew it would flood? Why not be prepared to move when they knew river was overflowing banks so they didn't have to pack in a hurry? Why not have the tsetse fly medication on hand before Bulu got sick? Anna just figures out what is wrong with Firefly out of the blue? Where did they get the money for the learning center and all the things they bought the children? One description is of Bulu waking up in the night and growling at animals outside - how did they know when the owners never woke up?
March 3, 2019
This is an inspiring story about a dog who miraculously survives living in Africa. He’s a pretty awesome dog who also helps his owners in fostering various orphaned animals. The book promotes wildlife conservation and teaches some African culture and vocabulary. The writing is nothing special. The start is pretty slow, but then the book is basically one near death experience after another for Bulu the dog and his owners—pretty suspenseful! He survives encounters with a croc, elephant, cobra, lion, incompetent veterinarians, and disease to name some of the more exciting ones. A few parts describe what happens in Africa in more detail than I would have liked from a younger child's perspective, but I would still be okay with my elementary student reading it.
August 28, 2019
When I started the book I knew I would have loved it. I am a dog person and reading about a book like this, I knew I would have been attached. If you have read a book about animals or dogs, this will be a book for you. I loved picturing the events in the story in my head, like when they were picking out Bulu. I also loved picturing Bulu with the other orphaned animals and basically him taking care of him. The story does have a bit of pictures, but I would have loved to see more pictures. This book reminds me of The One And Only Ivan, which was a book I really liked. Overall, I liked the book. It has a great setting and great story told in the right way. I also like how it was a chapter book with pictures which not many stories do.
June 9, 2017
Doesn't hurt at all that I love dogs, and Bulu's sweet, intelligent face on the cover caught my attention immediately. I work in a library, and was shelving when I noticed it. It's a kid's book, yes, but it's been a long time since I was a kid, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The conservation efforts of the English couple, the local authorities in Zambia, and, of course, Bulu, were heroic, and heart warming, and, at times, sad. The descriptions of the wilds of Zambia were marvelous. The people are all exceptional folks who are trying to make the world a better place, but Bulu truly stole my heart.
May 20, 2020
This is an exciting true story, full of both laughter and tears. It is pretty intense at times, describing death, illnesses, injuries, wounds, and surgeries. There was no swearing; however, there were several misuses of God's name. Periodically, blunt impolite terms for bodily functions were utilized. There was a part where it was described that Steve and Anna felt like the ghosts of a thousand poached animals haunted them.
This would be a great read-aloud for older elementary (sixth grade or so) and up, during an Africa study (or conservation study, or anytime, really). The story takes place in Zambia, and the mountains of Malawi are mentioned a few times.
This would be a great read-aloud for older elementary (sixth grade or so) and up, during an Africa study (or conservation study, or anytime, really). The story takes place in Zambia, and the mountains of Malawi are mentioned a few times.
July 5, 2018
Amazing. I very much enjoyed this book, and was so sad when I was finished! What an incredible, and inspiring story about the huge heart and pure soul of a small dog. I have read many stories about animals and their people, but this one was just as informative and educational as it was just a heartwarming story. I laughed, learned, and came close to tears more times than I could count. I highly recommend this book to any animal lover!
February 11, 2023
This was an inspiring book about a young dog who was loyal and dedicated to his owners and was a father figure to orphans. If you need a quick read I think this book is perfect! This book would be great for children who are still learning to read or who need an interesting book to read.
"Bulu, African Wonder Dog" was an engaging book with some humor. You really connect with the characters.
I would definitely read this again and probably will!😂
"Bulu, African Wonder Dog" was an engaging book with some humor. You really connect with the characters.
I would definitely read this again and probably will!😂
January 9, 2024
I love true stories about dogs, even though I get attached to the dog too quickly the dog always ends up dying in the end, and I am left sobbing my eyes out at 2 in the morning. This story absolutely broke me, Bulu suffered so much from getting lost in the middle of the African juggle to surviving a lion attack.
I would definitely read it again because it I believe that a good cry every once in a while does wonders for an individual, and it's a really enduring story.
I would definitely read it again because it I believe that a good cry every once in a while does wonders for an individual, and it's a really enduring story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2020
Brave enormous heart
Bulu was a truly remarkable dog. His story gripped me. It’s a story of a deeply loving spirit who gave that love freely to other creatures. It opened my heart and broke it. Who dares to say that all God’s creatures are not equal in God’s eyes?! Bulu surely was.
Bulu was a truly remarkable dog. His story gripped me. It’s a story of a deeply loving spirit who gave that love freely to other creatures. It opened my heart and broke it. Who dares to say that all God’s creatures are not equal in God’s eyes?! Bulu surely was.
January 22, 2022
I didn’t realize when I got this book that it was a Children’s book. As an adult, I still enjoyed the story of Bulu, his orphans, and life in Africa, even though parts were difficult to read. I enjoyed the pictures scattered throughout as well. I give the book 3.5-3.75, but I rounded up to 5 stars because I give brave, loyal, kind-hearted Bulu 100 plus stars!
December 10, 2020
A great book about a great dog!
I love how this reads as if it is a fantastical story but it is in fact nonfiction.
I used this book for a school project and received top marks.
(good for AR points too)
I love how this reads as if it is a fantastical story but it is in fact nonfiction.
I used this book for a school project and received top marks.
(good for AR points too)
January 10, 2021
An emotional ride, especially for pet owners who have felt loss of any sort. A detailed portrayal of the life and dangers of the African bush, and how Bulu's kind heart brought joy to his owners and to other orphaned animals. The last 50 pages were very intense, but it had a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
This is a great non-fiction book about a dog named Bulu. It is great for people who have a hard time with non-fiction like me because this book is anything but boring!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews