PRE-PUB PARTY: The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're throwing a pre-pub party for a magical Children's Fiction title set to hit bookstore shelves just 24 short hours from now (or at least from when I wrote this post). Having read the book though...I can honestly say those hours can't pass fast enough!  You'd agree with me too, promise...and if you're skeptical about my assumption, just keep reading because I'll change your mind in a few moments.  ^-^  Ladies and gents, knights, wizards, and future kings alike, please join me as we set our sights on today's book of choice...

The Wizard's Dog

by

Eric Kahn Gale

9780553537369

Crown Books for Young Readers

About the book...

Meet Nosewise. He’s spunky. He’s curious. And he’s a dog who can’t understand why his pack mates Merlin and Morgana spend all day practicing magic tricks. If it’s a trick they want, he’s the dog to ask! He can already Sit!, Stay!, and Roll Over!

But there’s no way Nosewise is Stay!ing when his master and best friend, Merlin, is kidnapped. There’s nothing Nosewise won’t do to get Merlin back, even if it means facing the strange Fae people and their magic-eating worms, or tangling with the mysterious Sword in the Stone. But it may take more than sniffing out a spell to do it!

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This book is steeped in Arthurian legend, brimming with magical mishaps, and filled to the stopper with home, family, and heart.  The author takes a seemingly simple character, good old Nosewise (such a good doggy!), and shows just how far a bit of determination, inability to accept a defeat, and a deer cake (don't ask...or at least, don't sniff) load of good intent can really take a person...or dog.

Right from the start, I was in love with Nosewise.  He's such a good dog, or at least tries to be, and all he wants is to be near his master (Merlin) and pack mate (Morganna)...at least, until he hears all the AMAZING magical mumblings and utterings they are throwing about.  Then all he wants is to be near them AND be able to perform some tricks of his own, outside of sit, stay, and speak.  Can you really blame him?  Sounds like fun...a fact Nosewise himself shares when he inadvertently gains the ability to speak...like, actual human words. 

Yeah.  Can you imagine?  He couldn't either and yet he's doing it, at least while he's in possession of an Asteria stone (more on that once you're in the story, but suffice it to say, all the best wizards have one).  But what's a pup to do with magical knowledge yet no opposable thumbs?  Still beg for the door to be opened, that's what....stupid doors...but when trouble comes knocking (or rather bursting in because really, when DOES trouble ACTUALLY knock?), he's got a bit more on his side than simply a desire to save his family...good thing too because he's going to need every ounce of doggy intuition and know-how if he's gonna stand a chance against these odds.

Nosewise's journey takes him far from home and along the way he manages to untangle the web of lies spun to ensnare the innocent and spirit both his master and pack mate away.  He makes friends with the Poop Boy (who would be king!), learns all about illusion magic (including on to perform it himself!), befriends the Lady of the Lake (his master's, Master!), and witnesses the power of the Sword in the Stone, but will he make it home in time for dinner...considering his ACTUAL home is now burnt remains on the ground?  Good question, but if anyone can do it, man or beast, I'll place my bet in favor of Nosewise every time.

In short, it's a magical romp through legends of old, giving us a glimpse of King Arthur's humble beginnings , Merlin's talents, and Morganna's desire for roots, like you've never seen before.  Readers will learn a thing or two along the way, while being greatly entertained.  There's excitement, danger, magic, and the unknown around every corner, but we're in good hands...err, paws...and with Nosewise to guide us, I for one can't wait to see where he leads next.  Recommended for kiddos through adults...

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About the author...

Eric Kahn Gale started The Wizard’s Dog as a joke for his fiancée. He would tease that their dog, Bowser, was fascinated by the magic doors in their apartment that let him outside or delivered him food. It was a short leap from a silly impersonation to the spunky voice of Nosewise. Eric is also the author of The Bully Book and The Zoo at the Edge of the World. He lives in Chicago with his fiancée and their nonmagical but entirely lovable dog, Bowser.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

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Special thanks to Jade for clueing me in on this fabulous release as well as the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release TOMORROW (01/17/17) via Crown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children's Books, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  For an extra dose of fun, be sure to check out the book trailer!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!