Book One:
The Dog at the Gate
How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special
“Sunny Weber’s novel, From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds, is a powerful, but gentle story written with the passion of Lassie and so many other heartwarming dog stories. Written in the first-person narrative, from Kaya’s point of view, the plot develops with a mixture of excitement, fear, warmth, compassion, sibling affection, and coming of age drama. The dog and coyote characters are well developed. Dialogue is used effectively to show the playful affection between Kaya and her coyote siblings, as well as to demonstrate the harshness of Kaya’s coyote father. So many parallels can be addressed as Kaya struggles to straddle two completely different worlds: wild and tame. Young readers who have been transplanted from different countries, struggling to adjust to a new culture, will certainly relate to Kaya in her attempts to adjust to a different life. A touching story that I couldn’t put down. Wow!”
“Weber’s writing is clear and poignant, and includes an engaging plot and compelling narrative.”
“This touching narrative, with its colorful characters and humane messaging. . .conveys a resonant message of empathy for mistreated and abandoned animals.”
“Author Sunny Weber writes with a clean, uncomplicated style. Every chapter has a charming illustration. . . an addictive and emotional adventure. . . I highly recommend it. . .”
“The Dog At The Gate is a beautiful story for adults and children. This story will speak to your soul and stay with you. I highly recommend for everyone.”
“The Dog at the Gate kept me turning the pages. The author gives the reader insights through the dogs eyes about how to treat a dog. I recommend the Pups & Purrs series to all parents for a great read for family time. This series or any of the individual books would be great presents for a teacher or a library.”
“This is another delightful tale by Sunny Weber. Touching, yet inspirational,readers will find this story captivating, intriguing and emotional. The adventures never cease. There are interesting ‘twists.’ The characters are very realistically portrayed and the scenes easily visualized. I highly recommend this book and series for all children and adults. It is a great book club reading.”
“It touched me in so many ways and I’m thrilled to be able to recommend it to readers of all ages.”
“Max’s story can relate to human experiences as well, making good discussion topics. As with her other awesome books in the series, Sunny Weber has effectively captured her reader's undivided interest. This is a series which I highly recommend to all elementary, middle grade and teenaged students. I suggest to parents/educators to make this a part of family/group reading.”
“A story that is a must read for any dog lover. I enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!”-
“This book is emotionally moving as Max faces various situations that leave him confused, hurt, and finally loved. This book has lessons that need to be learned and makes the reader aware of Max’s needs as seen through his eyes."
Book Two:
Hurricane Dog
A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change
“My heart was transfixed in the story as I followed Gator’s narrative of his life. Sunny Weber punches incredible power into Hurricane Dog by using the dog as the narrator. The perspective is so relatable yet so distinct. The joy and contentment expressed by Gator in his happy life with Gavin, his parents, and Magnolia are palpable. The hurricane and subsequent events are heart- breaking. The journey of Gator’s and Magnolia’s rescue and rehabilitation brought tears to my eyes. I was strongly rooting for a happy reunion. Gator’s expression of a range of emotions is highly insightful. The tremendous effect of a hurricane through Gator’s perspective is eye- opening. The empathy and compassion evoked by the story are unparalleled. I highly recommend it to everyone.”
“Inventively told novel for young readers, the story features a well-balanced mix of action and drama, with emotional scenes as well as humor. It offers keen insight into a dog’s emotions and intelligence, while delivering an important lesson in forgiveness. The novel’s unique characters, thrilling story, and easy language make it a compelling read for young readers and animal lovers alike.”
“An engaging mix of adventure, anguish, and renewed hope for animal lovers.”
Another great story of lovable canines by Sunny Weber. It gives a great lesson for all – young and old. Everyone – human or dog – deserves a second chance. It shows that one should never lose hope.”
“Quite often people who abandon pets for one reason or another are often portrayed as evil. In this story though, what if at the time you had no choice but to do what you did? Hurricane Dog by Sunny Weber dares to examine those questions through Gator’s story. I understand a whole lot better now.”-
“There was quite a pile of used tissues sitting next to me when I reached the end of this story. I cried tears of loss and tears of joy. What an incredible journey this was. And it gives me so much pleasure to be able to recommend it to story lovers of all ages.”
“I couldn't help but love Hurricane Dog. Sunny Weber pens a lovely story about love and redemption. It is a great read for children and for families. I would suggest it to a teacher as a group study.”
“Like the other books in this series, the author doesn't sugarcoat the problems of the world--and readers should expect an emotional journey to the end. The author writes this novel for children--but adults and older siblings will find a lot to love in this book too. A strong story with characters readers will love (and hate). Hurricane Dog is the perfect book club or family read. A story with strong messages presented in a unique voice.”-
“This is a great book for middle school aged children as it helps them to understand what animals can go through.”
The Mom: “This is a touching inspiring story about love, loss, hope, perseverance and redemption. Well written and thoughtful, it is ideal for middle grade readers, and I highly recommend for individuals and classroom libraries.”
The Son: “Hurricane Dog was an amazing read, just outstanding for middle school or elementary school and since I'm a boy in between those two it made this book even better. I'm excited to read the whole trilogy because these books are really good reads!”-
Book Three:
From Wild to Mild
A Dog in Two Worlds
“Inventively told, delightful, unique coming-of-age novel for young readers, the story features a well-balanced mix of action and drama, with emotional scenes as well as humor. It offers keen insight into a dog’s emotions and intelligence, while delivering an important lesson in forgiveness. The novel’s unique characters, thrilling story, and easy language make it a compelling read. . .An accomplished narrative written in elegant prose.”
"The dramatic plot will keep young readers rooting for Kaya. . .”
…a powerful, but gentle story written with the passion of Lassie and so many other heartwarming dog stories…A touching story that I couldn’t put down. Wow!"
“This is an outstanding book, of acceptance, rejection, love, hate, adjustments, discovering self worth and place in life. Easy analogies can be made between the human and animal species. This book will surely inspire discussion. Elementary aged children, young adults and adults alike, will find the Pups & Purrs series very entertaining. This is an ideal series for "Family-Time" reading, Summer Reading Programs, or just for personal enjoyment.”
There are so many human-child life lessons and real-world discussion starters that present educational opportunities in unique ways. While written toward children--parents, grandparents and older siblings will find a lot to love in this book too. Understanding acceptance and realizing that everyone struggles to fit in and adapt --this book presents a lot of relatable entertainment for children while offer more grown-up points to ponder for young adults and adults. I love Weber's writing style and her ability to share such a story from a dog's "voice."
“This beautifully illustrated novel is well written, well-plotted, with fully developed human as well as canine personalities. The story is engaging from the beginning, fast-paced, with a very satisfying conclusion sure to elicit a few tears with happy smiles. Short and very sweet, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a literary animal adventure.”-
“I became so wrapped up in Kaya’s story that I often forgot the characters involved were animals. I could easily relate to Kaya’s confusion, fears and determination as she tries to find out where she belongs. From Wild to Wild was an emotional and uplifting read. And, as with the other books in the series, I’m happy to be able to recommend this to readers of all ages."
“Sunny Weber does it again with From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds. I enjoyed the story and thought it had some great lessons that so many readers can learn. It is a perfect addition for all dog loving readers – young and old.”
“I have read the author’s previous two novels, and I have to say that this book instantly became a favorite of mine. It's definitely emotional, sad, but at the same time there is hope. I will give this book to my son when he becomes older so he can continue developing empathy for our animal companions.”
“An amazing book that most likely will have even the adult reader wiping a few tears. This is an emotional story. But a great read! Adults and children will both swept away while turning the pages anxiously to the end. As with the other books in the The Pups and Purrs series, author Sunny Weber does a great job of telling a story that feels real. I have enjoyed each of the books in this series and can recommend them to parents, teachers and librarians.”
The Mother: “Sunny Weber weaves lessons into every story. We all began somewhere. The place where you grow up and the people who raise you become home--a basic part of who you are. You might move far away and meet new people, but home goes with you. The trick is finding a balance between past and present, so you can become who you are meant to be in the big wild world or at home.”
The Son: “From Wild to Mild is a great book, just like the other books in the series/trilogy. I recommend this book for anyone.”
“This story has lessons to be learned that will be effectively shown to young readers.
- Accepting who you are is important to all living creatures.
- Trying to be someone you aren’t leaves it’s mark.
- Strength is found in being who you were meant to be.
- One mustn’t let others decide who we are.
Besides those and many other little life lessons, any age reader will love the story of the animals, their friendship and wisdom, their innate desire to please, to do a good job. The other animals add such fun to the story too between the sheep, the horses, and the family cat. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this one along with the other books by Sunny Weber.”
"…a powerful, but gentle story written with the passion of Lassie and so many other heartwarming dog stories…A touching story that I couldn’t put down. Wow!"