ALL Golden: Kids 4 to 8

This MGM movie tells about a Golden pup who takes off on a magical journey to the wilds of the Australian Outback. Life as a pet isn't much fun for young Muffin, a pup dreaming of being a "wild dog." So when he gets his chance to escape in a helium balloon-powered basket, the pup hops on board, changes his name to Napoleon & sets off on his adventure. He meets special friends who help him as he learns more about the world and himself than he ever thought possible. Local pair share lead role in new Aussie movie LOCAL pooches Trooper and Kaleb are heading for the big time. They star in the $4 million film, Napoleon, shot on location in South Australia and New Zealand and now being released. Both dogs play the lead part of Napoleon, a frustrated Golden Retriever who knows he's not cut out for a comfortable city life. Instead, he sets off for the outback and a series of wild and wonderful adventures, including a memorable trip in a hot-air balloon. Trooper is owned by Eden Hill's Lillian Robinson, while Kaleb belongs to Jane Dooly, of Bassendean. They were the only two dogs from WA to feature in the movie.

Lamb Chop's Fables: You Can Do It, Lamb Chop!  
This book was written by Shari Lewis and published by Time-Life Custom Publishing in 1994. This fable is a story within a story, like getting two books in one! Lamb Chop and her Golden Retriever Huxley experience typical trouble. Then they learn a valuable lesson from Shari's retelling of Aesop's classic fable, The Tortoise & The Hare. The illustrations in this book are incredible. You've got to see them!

My Big Dog
This book was written by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel and published by Golden Books in January 1999. In this book, Merl the cat is used to having things his way. But when a big Golden Retriever puppy moves in, Merl's kingdom is disturbed. All the puppy seems to do is follow Merl around and lick him in an all-out effort to be friends. Merl will have none of it. After all, he reasons, "I am a cat and it is a dog." But after a few failed attempts to get the dog to leave, Merl decides he has no choice but to pack up and go himself. But don't worry now, this Golden guy eventually does win Merl over. And, he will win you over as well!!

Everybody Needs a Hideaway
This book was written by Dean Bennett and published by Down East Books in January 2005. "Somewhere hidden in the woods of western Maine, there is a very special tree -- a hideaway tree -- in a secret place where a boy and his dog like to be." So begins the story of Ben, a Golden named Boo Dog, and the creatures that share the forest and marsh beneath Ben's tree house. From a vantage point high above the ground, young readers will watch birds and mammals, including the beaver and red squirrel. Best of all is a big bull moose that decides to bed down right at the base of Ben and Boo Dog's tree!

Brave Norman : A True Story (2002)
This book was written by Andrew Clements and illustrated by Ellen Beier. For children Grades 1-2. A blind dog saves a child and becomes a hero in this Ready-to-Read title. Rescued from the pound, golden retriever Norman adores his new family. When he starts to go blind, the family continues to love and support him, taking him often to the beach where he can run freely without bumping into things. That's where he hears a drowning girl, swims to her rescue, and becomes a local celebrity. The gripping, sentimental story, perfectly paced and worded for new readers, will compel children to complete the text on their own, and Beier's appealing, realistic watercolor illustrations show Norman in all his tongue-wagging, compassionate charm. A great choice for animal lovers.

Miss Kitty Mysteries: The Pearl Necklace (May 2006)
This book was written by Michael Faulkner, an artist, educator and American Kennel Club dog show judge. It takes you into the mysterious and often humorous lives of Miss Kitty the Beautiful Golden Retriever, Alice Jane The One-Eyed Pug, Bill the Bull, Lewis the Cat, Rustle the Parrot and many other delightful animal characters. Faulkner's page turning story comes to life through his own rich illustrations to create a charming story filled with action, suspense, forgiveness and love. Who took the Pearl Necklace and why? Here is an excerpt from page one:

Rolling on my side, then on my back, I find just the right spot for my tired furry body. “Miss Kitty, Miss Kitty,” I hear someone call. Lifting my head, with my ears to the wind, I hear nothing. I wait—no one calls. No one whistles. It must be a dream. As I settle back down on my bed, I begin to wonder why a beautiful, strong, intelligent Golden, who looks nothing like a cat, is called Miss Kitty. Some say my mother hated cats and I was named after one, so I would love them. Well…it worked. I like cats very much.

Uncle Looker and the Hurricane (August 2003)
This book was written by Patricia J. Thebo, who in the early 1990’s, as a member of a Golden Retriever club, founded a Golden Retriever Rescue in the State of Michigan. Uncle Looker and the Hurricane is a delightful children's book about the true adventures of two Golden Retrievers, Looker and Hurricane. The book teaches children the importance of true friendship and caring. Through good times and love Uncle Looker shows Hurri the joys of life.

This delightful hardcover children’s book features over 50 photos and illustrations. Looker ( aka “Sunfire Oh What a Mugshot”) and as you will discover, Hurricane (aka “Glenbrook Force Twelve”) are Golden Retrievers and very good friends. The book and story began when Hurricane arrived in Pat’s arms at the house, and Looker was there ……waiting! When Looker saw Hurricane for the first time it was very clear that Hurricane was brought home just for Looker. She would always be Looker’s. “We cataloged this amazing friendship and tried to capture some of the joy and tenderness that these two lovely Golden's have allowed us to share”, Pat says. Looker and Hurricane tell their story of life and fun as only they can. They experience swimming, running, ”gardening”, snow, a birthday, “cookies”, making faces, squirrel watch, mischief, and HUGS.

GINGER Leads the Way (October 2004)
Ginger is a beautiful Golden Retriever, and her family loves her. But Ginger is more than just a pet. She is a guide dog: When her owner goes to work, eats at a restaurant, or shops for groceries, Ginger leads the way.
Soundprints and the American Veterinary Medical Association teamed up on this book which is part of a series of captivating stories about pets. Each 8" x 8" 32-page softcover book is read word-for-word on it's accompanying Compact Disc.

Our Puppies are Growing  
This book was written by Carolyn Otto, illustrated by Mary Morgan, and published by Harper Collins Juvenile Books in September 1998. It tells all about the birth of a litter of Golden Retriever puppies and their first few weeks of life.

Lenny the Lazy Puppy (May 2000)
Lenny is such a lazy puppy. Why should he run around when he can snooze in the sun? But when Lauren loses her birthday money, Lenny knows he must try to help. Can he prove that he isn't such a lazy dog after all? 

The Littlest Uninvited One
This book was written by Charles Tazewell and published by Ideals Children's Books in October 1998. This inviting book tells about Michael, a mischievous boy in heaven who desperately wants to have a dog. Finally he gets his wish with an adorable Golden puppy, who is named Exodus. But, then when the pup runs loose, everything breaks loose behind heaven's pearly gates. Poor Exodus is banished from the Celestial City, and Michael then is determined to leave as well.

My Buddy
This book was written by Audrey Osofsky, illustrated by Ted Rand, and published in 1992 by Henry Holt and Company It tells about a very special but unusual friendship. Buddy is a canine companion who functions as both arms and legs for a disabled youngster with muscular dystrophy. "Buddy is my best friend. He never gets mad at me. He never runs off to play with another boy. He always listens when I need someone to talk to. Buddy is my golden retriever. He looks like the sun is always shining on him. When he sees me, his big brown eyes are sweet as a smile."

Riptide
This book was written by Frances Ward Weller, illustrated by Robert J. Blake, and in 1990 published by The Putnam & Grosset Group. It tells the true story of a sea-loving dog and his incredible adventures on the Cape Cod shore. He was a special lifeguard who did his job with pride.

A Guide Dog Puppy Grows Up
This book was written by Caroline Arnold in 1991 and published by Harcourt Brace & Company. Ever see dogs in special harnesses leading blind people and wondered how they learned to do these things? Well, this book tells you how. Meet Honey, a Golden Retriever puppy, and follow her through two years of training with the Guide Dogs for the Blind program. Come see her grow up with her 4-H family, and then work with her Guide Dog trainer, and later with her future blind partner. And, see Honey graduate and finally earn the title of certified Guide Dog.

Boomer Goes to School
This book was written by Constance W. McGeorge, illustrated by Mary Whyte, and in 1996 published by Chronicle Books. Follow Boomer's fun school adventure. See why Boomer thinks the 3R's stand for "running, retrieving & recess!"

Boomer's Big Day
This book was written by Constance W. McGeorge, illustrated by Mary Whyte, and in 1994 published by Chronicle Books. In this story, Boomer is ready for his morning walk. He has his leash, and he's standing at the door. But, try as he might, he can't get anyone to pay attention to him. Boomer's family doesn't rush out the door after breakfast as it usually does. And, strangers arrive to pack all the things in Boomer's house into boxes. Check out this tale that shows Boomer's confusion, anxiety, and ultimate delight on this day familiar to all. Moving Day!

Mischievous Molly
This book was written by Dorothy D. Moore and illustrated by Sheila Morrell, was published in 1995 by Windswept House Publishers. Molly, who is a very mischievous Golden Retriever, wags her tail from one scrape to the next. It is a pleasure for the child listener who will really delight in Molly's escapades, as well as the adult reader who will surely smile knowingly at such an endearing retriever's world.

Gas Station Charlie
Imagine filling up your tank at the local gas station when, Surprise! A beautiful, friendly dog comes to collect your money. Cash? Credit? Charlie took care of it all, with a wagging tail and eager smile that brightened everyone's day. The entrepreneurial golden retriever lived in Saline, Michigan and helped Rick and Harry Parsons at the Marathon station on Michigan Avenue until he died in 1999. Charlie's son, Benjamin, is now following in his father's paw prints.

A Day in the Life of a Puppy
This book was written by Peter Barrett and Susan Barrett and was published in July 1997 by Troll Associates. The book brings back memories of puppyhood. It is a must for children who love and play with their Goldens! 

Maxi, The Star
This book was written by Debra Barracca and Sal Barracca, and was illustrated by Alan Ayers. It was published in July 1999 by Puffin.   It's westward ho for Maxi and Jim when a hip L.A. producer invites Maxi to try out for the new Doggie Bites commercial. And what a road trip it turns out to be. From cornfields to campgrounds, Kansas to California, each stop holds surprises. Still, nothing compares to Hollywood, land of glitter, glamour, golden opportunity...and maybe even fame!

Maxi, The Hero
This book was written by Debra Barracca and Sal Barracca, and was illustrated by Mark Buehner. It was published in February 1995 by Pearson Learning. Maxi the taxi dog returns for another rousing poetic romp through New York City. This is a day for rescues as he and Jim get a chef overburdened with spaghetti to a wedding and Maxi stops a purse snatcher to become Maxi, the Hero. This is a robust read-aloud with a wealth of visual appeal--don't expect it to sit on the shelf for long.

A Taxi Dog Christmas
This book was written by Debra Barracca and Sal Barracca, and was illustrated by Alan Ayers. It was published in October 1994 by Dial Books for Young Readers. Maxi, the ebullient canine star of The Adventures of Taxi Dog and Maxi, the Hero, bounds through this holiday title with characteristic cheer. He and his kind master Jim rescue a litter of abandoned kittens and, in the ultimate spirit of Christmas, give a lift to the jolly fat man himself when Santa's sleigh breaks down. 

The Adventures of Taxi Dog
This book was written by Debra Barracca and Sal Barracca, and was illustrated by Mark Buehner. It was published in May 1990 by Dial Books for Young Readers. A stray dog's outlook takes a quick turn for the better when Jim, a New York City taxi driver, offers him a name, friendship, and a place in the front seat. Maxi describes with infectious doggy delight the satisfactions of life on wheels: the unusual fares, the pleasure of both helping and entertaining people in a hurry, and of wearily dropping the cab off at the garage after a long day.

Dog Breath!: The Horrible Trouble With Hally Tosis
This book was written by Dav Pilkey and was published in October 1994 by Blue Sky Press. Corny jokes, plays on words, and garishly colored illustrations are Pilkey's stock-in-trade. This outrageous book continues the tradition. Hally is a fine, loving dog with horrible breath. Even skunks avoid her. When Mr. and Mrs. Tosis decide to give her away, their children try to cure the problem, but nothing works. Her days as the family pet are numbered? until she licks the faces of two burglars. They pass out cold on the living-room floor, and Hally becomes a heroine.  

Can I Be Good
This book was written by Livingston Taylor, illustrated by Ted Rand, and published by Gulliver Books in 1993. Here, a young Golden Retriever tried his best to be a good dog, but it's just so hard! He just keeps doing things that get him into trouble, like chewing on Dad's new shoe or splattering his family and the kitchen when he shakes dry his rain- and mud-sodden fur.

Bub or the Very Best Thing
This book was written by Natalie Babbitt and published by Harper Collins in 1994. Here, the King and Queen want what's best for the Prince, but don't know just what that is. The best part of the book is the Golden Retriever, topped with a joker's cap and bells, who tags along in a clowning appealing way.

Oliver All Alone
This book was written by Christine Harris, illustrated by Catherine Walters, and published by E. P. Dutton in 1994. This sweet story follows an appealing Golden Retriever puppy on a household hunt on Christmas Eve to find the source of a strange new noise.

Bow-Wow Birthday
This book was written by Lee Wardlaw, illustrated by Arden Johnson Petrov, and published by Boyds Mills Press in 1998. Here, when Maris discovers that her dog Rambler is 100 dog-years old, she knows the only way to celebrate is by throwing a birthday bash. This delightful story of a good dog and the child who loves him will bring a smile to any dog lover's face.

Sunny Goes to School
This book was written by Detta Juusola, illustrated by Lavona Keskey, and published by Woofspun Publishing in 1996. This story shows how dog obedience school can turn a ruffian into canine good citizen. Children need to go to school, listen to their teachers, do their homework, and practice their lessons to learn the tasks expected of them. Sunny, a silly mischievous Golden Retriever puppy, really needs school, too! See how Marla takes him to a beginning dog obedience course and learns what training is all about.

The Two Best Friends
This book was written by Elizabeth Koda-Callan and published by Workman Publishing Company in 1994. This fetching story involves a lost Golden dog and a lonely little girl who longs for a best friend. She has just moved to a new neighborhood but her life changes when she finds a Golden Retriever. She then strikes up a friendship with the girl next door, in spite of a case of chicken pox, and now her wish comes true. Also the author of The Magic Locket, there is a tiny gold puppy necklace charm on a gold chain that comes with the book!

Too Many Puppies
This book was written by Patience Brewster and published by Cartwheel Books in 1997. Here, a little girl is delighted when her dog Milly has seven Golden puppies. And, she wants to keep them all. Sadly, she soon realizes that so many puppies require much more work than she can handle. 

How to Talk to Your Dog
This book was written by Jean Craighead George and illustrated by Sue Truesdell and Susan G. Truesdell (Illustrator). It was published in Mrch 2000 by Harpercollins Juvenile Books. Dog talk is not merely whimpers, growls, sniffs, barks, and howls. According to the author, it's in the tail ("the flag of feelings") and ear twists, too. In this picture book, you'll learn how to speak to your dog in his or her own language. Sniff his nose to say hello, for example. (You don't have to lick back, even though it would please him.) The only reservation about this book is the fact that it encourages youngsters to place their faces near that of a dog. This is fine for a dog you are very familiar with, but not a strange one. This must be made very clear to any child that reads this book!

Get The Ball Slim
This book was written by Maria Leonard, with photography by Dorothy Handelman, and published by Millbrook Press in 1998. Here, Tim and Jim love to play ball with their Golden Retriever Slim. But, one day when Jim hits the ball really hard, you just better LOOK OUT at what happens!

Christmas at Long Pond
This book was written by William George, illustrated by Lindsay Barrett George and published by Mulberry Books in 1996. This book is about a father and son who observe the beautiful land around them as they set out to find a Christmas tree. And, there is a Golden Retriever member in the family who also shares many pages in this story.

Trouble Dolls
This book was written by Jimmy & Savannah Jane Buffett, illustrated by Lanbert Davis, and published by Harcourt Brace in 1991. (The Buffett's have a Golden Retriever family member named Cheeseburger!) This story is about Lizzie Rhinehart's father who becomes lost in the Florida Everglades. She calls on her Golden Retriever, her tiny Guatemalan "trouble dolls," and a magic macaw to help save him before a terrible storm begins.

Twins Cumble and Custard (2001)
Written by Jenny Dale. Crumble and Custard love food, which is just as well because their owner is a chef! But when they go with him to a bog party, a mix-up lands the puppy twins in trouble.

Trick or Treat (2001)
Written by Jenny Dale. It's Halloween and King Street Kennels seems to be haunted! Dogs switch mysteriously from pen to pen and even vanish into thin air!

Snowflake and Sparkle (2003)
Written by Jenny Dale for ages 4-8. Sparkle the kitten (who acts like a dog) growls at the mailman and loves to play fetch. Snowflake the puppy (who acts like a cat) would rather curl up for a long nap than run around outside. But when Sparkle sneaks out of the house one snowy night, can Snowflake come to the rescue?

With a Dog Like That, a Kid Like Me
This book was written by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Ted Rand, and published by Dial Books for Young Readers in May 2000. When is a dog not just a dog? Is it when he's a growling lion standing guard at the gate? Or a slippery seal slick with soap from his bath? Or maybe it's when he's a crouching crocodile stalking the dinner table crumbs -- or a Billy goat chewing the mail once again (oh no!). Michael J. Rosen and artist Ted Rand have created an affectionate tribute to dogs, kids, and the magical combination they form together.

Walter the Farting Dog 
This book was written by Eilliam Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray. It is based on a true story. The book tells of Walter, a dog adopted from the pound who has a problem with flatulence. After various cures are tried, including low-gas doggie biscuits, the family's father declares that Walter has to go back to the pound the next morning. How does Walter escape his fate? Read the book to see.

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