Linda Chamberlain

Wonderful illustrations with an important, well-crafted, and delightfully delivered message.

Howling with Huskies by author, scientist, and Alaskan Linda Chamberlain simply and directly passes along ways that children (and adults, too!) can more easily manage stress and other feelings. The book is wonderfully illustrated with charming pictures and fabulous colors. The Northern Lights are gorgeous.

The children are depicted participating in chores and play, and there's even a discreet mention of the daily work that goes into caring for their dogs. Aside from the book's big message, this may segue into an easy discussion about the responsibilities of pet ownership with children who have been asking their parents to bring a new one into the family. New terms are introduced, specific to dog sledding, that will interest children and adults alike. The author uses the names of dogs she has personally known for her canine characters, and there is a fun mix of proper names, both common and those more familiar to residents in the far north.

However, the book's purpose is to offer coping strategies, and the advice coming from dogs may make a child more likely to give them a shot than those suggestions coming from a parent, teacher, doctor, or other adults. My boys would have loved this book when they were kids, especially since our family dog was a Siberian Husky named Ivan.

From its fun and alliterative title to its wonderful illustrations and important, well-crafted, and delivered message, I recommend HOWLING WITH HUSKIES to families for reading aloud and sharing with young elementary school-age readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.… (more)

First, let me say I appreciate how at the start of the book the author has terms for handling a dog sled team along with a warning for kids to not approach dogs they are unfamiliar with without permission from the adults responsible for the dogs. Not that that's out of the way, let's talk about the adorable illustrations. They really brought the story to life, and are so cute and vibrant. The story itself is well-written, easy to understand, and not only teaches kids about huskies and dog sleds, but about how something as simple as howling can be a great way to express emotion. Don't worry parents, this book covers how to howl loudly and quietly. Overall, an excellent kids book that's both educational and fun.… (more)