Book Review: 'A Dachshund's Wish'

"A Dachshund's Wish" captivated my heart the moment I started reading it. A charming and delightful short novelette which chronicles the adventures of a young Dachshund puppy named Paws shortly after being adopted by a loving family. This children's book offers young readers a lot to think about.

Beautifully written by Joe Tavano, with enchanting illustrations by Ji Yu, the story weaves fantasy and magic and carries its powerful message of self acceptance. While targeted for children ages 8 and up, the clever story will capture the hearts of adults as well. It is a wonderfully crafted story for parents to read aloud to their children with many openings for meaningful conversation.

The book begins at an animal shelter in Livingston, New Jersey. A red Dachshund puppy named Paws, whose brothers have already been adopted, longs for companionship. A family visits the shelter with their young son, Jimmy who is immediately drawn to the puppy. It is love at first sight for dog and boy, and the lonely little puppy instantly finds a new forever loving home.

Jimmy and Paws are inseparable, spending all their time together. But shortly after Jimmy teaches the puppy to chase balls and to retrieve them, Paws starts wishing to be more than "just a dog" and yearns to become a real boy. He wants to run faster than his four short little legs can manage so he can keep up with his best friend. He becomes desperate to have his wish granted.

With the help of his animal friends Horatio the Hedgehog and Sir Jonathan J. Squirrel and others he meets in the family's back yard, Paws sets out on a quest to get his wish to become human granted. But the only way he can make his wish come true is to meet the Great Mae whose shape has not yet been revealed to him and is the only one that holds the power of transformation.

Along the way, Paws encounters many challenges and dangerous obstacles which he must overcome to keep focused on his goal. His courage, his determination and commitment are severely tested, but he manages to conquer them, spurred on by his hunger to realize his dream.

And when Paws becomes discouraged, he remembers his friend Jonathan's words, "Remember, Paws, there is always a way to solve a problem! Sometimes the answer lies in what seems to be beyond your means. But there is always an answer. You just need to find it." This encourages Paws to continue on his difficult but exciting journey.

But when Paws finally gets to meet the Great Mae, who has brilliantly assumed the form of a scrawny and flea bitten orange cat, the book suddenly takes an unexpected turn which offers Paws a powerful opportunity for self-reflection. This magical moment underscores the book's central theme. This whimsical tale is both a gem of fantasy and inspiration. It offers parents a delightful opportunity to discuss the importance of self acceptance, tolerance for the differences in others, and the value of friendship and family with their children.

Published by Traitor Dachshund, the 70 page paperback's retail price is $25.99 and is available online at Amazon.com.

Visit http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m2TW6K86H7I92U to watch a delightful video about the book.