Buffy

Longer than most of Bob Graham's stories, and maybe not my favorite, but as I think about it I love it more and more. I love how the challenging life experiences influence the little mutt: Benny's feet beat out the rhythm of the train on the tracks and his harmonica howled like the desert wind...." The interactions with humans are glossed over too quickly, imo.. but then, it is Benny's story.

Oversize - just fyi because it didn't fit right in my library bag. :)"

Benny is a show dog. Not the type where the dogs prance around in circles waiting to be judged, but one that performs. He's a magician's assistant that soon gains more attention than the magician is comfortable with. The magician fires him and he has nowhere to go. He looks near and far for somewhere to fit in and eventually gives up on trying to be someone else's idea of perfect. It is when he's himself, that he finds his new family (well, they find him while he's performing) who happens to be just perfect for him.
I think that the moral of this story it a good teaching tool for any and everyone. In being yourself you will find people who like/love you for you.

Benny did all sorts of tricks that other dogs couldn’t do. He worked aside Brillo the Magician until Brillo threw him out, due to jealousy, because Benny had stolen the stage. Benny went off searching for a new home. He looked everywhere it seemed, crossing rivers, deserts, and climbing mountains, but no one wanted him. After many days of searching, Benny came to a halt, disappointed and ready to give up.
Then suddenly, he had an inspiration to just be himself and decided to let someone find him. He danced and played his harmonica until little Mary Kelly came up to him. They instantly fell in love with one another so the Kelly’s took Benny back to their house that night. Finally, Benny had his forever home.
Graham’s heartfelt story show more of a dog’s journey in finding a home is wonderful for young readers who adore animals. It also sends an encouraging message to be yourself. show less

This has to be one of my favorite books I've read this semester. This story is about a magicians dog who out-performs him and is kicked to the curb. With no home to go to, Benny sets out on a journey to find somewhere that will appreciate his tricks. After a long journey and nowhere to find home, he ends up dancing and playing music for money on the street. He then meets Mary Kelly who takes him home with her and Benny finally has found the family hes always wanted.

This story would work great for a K-3 classroom. I think students would find this story very heartwarming and it also gives a strong sense of just how important family is and having a place to call home.

Benny was a talented dog who knew many tricks and was a magician's helper well at least until the day he got put out. Benny did not know where he belonged and found himself all alone. Benny searched high and low for a family until one day his family found him. Benny loved his new family and lived out the rest of his life upon a house on a hill. Again, Bob Graham used his personal experiences to create this sweet story. This book is based on Graham's dog who he rescued from a shelter so the adventures of Benny is all true according to Bob Graham! Again, Bob Graham captures are hearts with this sweet tale.

Benny, the show dog to a magician shines brighter than his boss. He is fired and must find work but does not fit in anymore. Later on after resorting to his old tricks on the street a little girl finds him. Benny then becomes a part of her family and figures out that he does belong somewhere. Readers can sympathize with Benny's story.