Ace of Hearts

For Ages 4–9, Readability Grade 2

• 32 pages, 8 1/2 inches x 11 inches

• Features the plight of abandoned dogs in the United States. The book describes what dangers lurk in the woods for a vulnerable young dog. The puppy encounters bears, birds, coyotes, and a large mountain dog who introduces the puppy to other dangers like cars and poison.

Ace of Hearts: This book was written to educate children and their parents about the importance of pet adoption and the problems that stray animals incur. Inside you will find an adorable puppy with no name. He finds himself in a place that is frightening and dangerous. By a stroke of luck he meets a mountain dog who is strong and understands the way of the forest for survival. The large dog teaches the puppy the ways to overcome the disadvantages of living outdoors. With the big dog, the puppy has adventures and learns valuable lessons like how to avoid poisonous foods and staying away from roads and cars. With each turn of the page, your children's eyes will light up with the colorful illustrations, as the puppy's quest to survive teaches readers about the plight of unwanted pets.

Your child will learn about some of the animals that live in the woods and the way they survive. The personalities of predators come out when the puppy faces the dangers. He moves through the forest, avoiding dangers in his quest to finding his forever home.

• There are 22 colorful original illustrations that show the puppy's unique journey.

• Characters in the book: The mother dog, the mean farmer, the puppy's brother, a mother bear and her cub, Cane the mountain dog, the two coyotes, a biker at a mountain fair, the couple who adopt the puppy, and the two female dogs who help the puppy adjust to his new life as a wanted, loved and named pet.