Book Review: Santa Paws (first in a series - pup does good deeds and finds a home)

Santa Paws, by Nicholas Edwards* (Scholastic, 1995, $4.50, 151 pp, ages 9-12)

First in a series of six young adult books by Nicholas Edwards (and continued by Kris Edwards) about one lucky but homeless pup, Santa Paws** reminds us of the Old West cowboy hero who "handles" the bad guy and then rides off alone, into the sunset.

Lucky and Homeless in the same sentence?

Our pup is cold and hungry and all alone. Where did his mom and littermates go***? Regardless, the young pup ventures out into the town of Oceanport to find food - and a home. Good people set out plates of leftovers but the humans also get into trouble and have to be bailed out by the young homeless pup who, then shy and fearful, runs away, still cold and hungry. 

Like Robin Hood or Forrest Gump, our pup does good deeds, even saves lives but a home and family and a boy to play with still elude him.

How many times must he be a hero before he finally finds his forever home?

This reviewer can't wait to read the rest of the series and believes it would make and excellent movie!

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Even adults will tear up at some of the situations our reluctant hero manages to turn around. 

*actually Ellen Emerson White

**not the Santa Buddies story nor the one by Laurien Berenson

***they were picked up by Animal Control and taken to the town animal shelter to await adoption in a warm safe place

The Return of Santa Paws

Santa Paws Comes Home

Santa Paws to the Rescue

Santa Paws, Our Hero

Santa Paws and the New Puppy