A Dog Named Haku: A Holiday Story from Nepal

It was the Festival of Lights in Nepal - known more commonly as Deepawali or Diwali/Divali, this Hindu festival is also sometimes called Swanti or Tihar in Nepal - and brothers Alu and Bhalu were on the hunt for a stray dog. Each of the five days of the festival had a different focus, from thanking brothers and sisters, to decorating cows and/or cars, but this was the day for thanking dogs, something made all the more important by the recent earthquake in Nepal, and the role that canines had played in hunting for survivors. After searching all day, the brothers finally found a little lost puppy, whom they named 'Haku,' because she was black, and whom they brought home with them, making her a part of the family...

Although I have read a show more number of Divali stories with an Indian or Indian-American setting and cultural background, A Dog Named Haku: A Holiday Story from Nepal is the first I have read that hails from that Himalayan nation. I found the story, co-written by well-known Cuban-American children's author Margarita Engle, her daughter, and her Nepali son-in-law, quite engaging, and I thought the artwork from Indian-American illustrator Ruth Jeyaveeran was adorable. I'm a sucker for a good "homeless animal finds a loving home" story, and this fit the bill, while also introducing some fascinating cultural traditions previously unknown to me. I also appreciated the inclusion of a photograph of a real Nepali pet dog at the rear, belonging to Amish Karanjit's uncle in Kathmandu, which was quite cute. Recommended to young dog lovers, and to picture-book readers seeking Divali stories and/or tales set in Nepal. show less

AHHHH. I was not expecting this heartwarming story that mixes true life with holiday fables. In this special holiday brothers and sisters in Nepal give each other gifts, but also honor creatures great and small. Alu and Bhalu decide to honor a stray dog. After All the dogs never stopped searching for them after the earthquake that brought disaster to their city. And they are not going to stop searching until they find a dog that they can help. A wonderful story with bits thrown in about a holiday a world away. Lovely and memorable.

A charming title explores a Hindu tradition during the five-day festival of Deepawali. During this day in the festival they were celebrating courageous dogs, because they had helped during an earthquake save people who where trapped in rubble. Go on a journey as the two brothers look for a dog to celebrate. The illustration add to the story. In the back of the book is a glossary of Nepail words used in the story, some suggested activities, and additional recommended book resources. A fun way to introduce vocabulary about cultures to children. Recommend ages 6-9.

This is a wonderful story about one tradition of the five day holiday known as Deepawali in Nepal or Diwali in India. This is a heartwarming story about two young boys who are looking for a stray dog to honor. Dogs searched and rescued many people after a terrible earthquake and the boys will not give up searching for a dog until they find one. They finally find a lost and lonely puppy that they not only feed, but take home. Another tradition is for children to give each other gifts, so the puppy, named Haku, will be given to each other by the two brothers and one sister. A story to teach about thankfulness, family traditions, love and respect and culture. there is a list of additional resources and some activities to do to extend show more learning at the back of the book that can also be used. A great addition to a school library in their celebrations section. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. show less

This book is a great for young readers who are in 4th to 5th grade. It takes place in Nepal which is good for readers to see and learn about different culture. It allows the reader to get informed about other cultures and diversity around the world. The book is laid out in a story form and talks about a festival that they celebrate involving service dogs who helped during a war that occurred. Overall, this book is excellent for children to read about other cultures and learn about different interest.

"It's the Festival of Lights in Nepal, and today is the day to honor dogs! Brothers Alu and Bhalu wander the streets of Kathmandu, passing by twirling kites and bamboo swings, looking for a dog to feed. But as night falls, their task begins to feel hopeless, until they spot a small black dog who is in need of a friend. This sweet story presents an important Hindu holiday through the eyes of two young boys, making it relatable for both those familiar with the holiday and those reading about it for the first time." amazon.com

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