3 Time Award Winner!
2020 Moonbeam Silver Award in Children's Books - Pets/Animals Fiction category, CIPA EVVY 3rd place for Middle Grade Fiction and CIPA EVVY 3rd place for Pets/Animals/Nature category!
What people are saying...
...a powerful, but gentle story written with the passion of Lassie and so many other heartwarming dog stories.
-Reader’s Choice 5 Star Review
The dramatic plot will keep young readers rooting for Kaya...
~Kirkus Review
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.
~Blue Ink Review
As a biologist that works with coyotes and dogs, I appreciate the creative way Sunny distinguishes the two animals in such an engaging story. Highly recommended for young readers interested in dogs, coyotes, and the world through their eyes.
~Stanley D. Gehrt, Professor of Wildlife Ecology, Extension Wildlife Specialist, School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University
What a beautiful, heartwarming book! I love how author Sunny Weber incorporated the stories of abused and neglected farmed animals to bring attention to their plight.
~Chrissy Dinardo, Development Director, Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary Erie, CO 80516
Now Available:
"Do not lose courage in your search,” my coyote mother licked my cheek, rose, and quietly slipped back into the night.
Is that what I was doing? Searching for myself?
Eight-week-old Australian Shepherd Kaya is kidnapped by a nasty coyote to be food for his mate and puppies. Instead, the loving mother raises Kaya with her own pups. But as hard as she tries, Kaya can’t completely fit in—she can’t kill prey or stay awake for night hunts. Why can’t she make herself a true coyote?
Constantly criticized by her coyote father, Kaya finds support in her new mother and siblings. She also figures out how to contribute through teamwork with her brother and sister.
Trapped by a dog rescue, Kaya re-enters the human world and learns the differences between how dogs and coyotes live. When freed to roam again, does she return to her forest freedom—or remain with her farm family?
Can Kaya forever straddle between the Wild and the Mild?
Not Just Another Dog Book - It's Also A Learning Opportunity
How To Use The Discussion Guide:
- Parents who are looking for a bonding experience through reading with their child and discussing the growing-up process regarding decision-making.
- Teachers who need a tool to teach classic story-telling (using the Hero’s Journey model).
- Counselors who want to reach children who have experienced trauma, loss, illness, bullying, rejection, and/or cruelty.
- Humane Educators at shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries; to provide a story-telling education of how animals see their world and their people.
Recent Posts
Protecting the Vulnerable
| Animal Advocacy, Animal Behavior, Animal News, Dogs, Editorial, Fearful Dogs, From Wild to Mild Book, News, Tips and Advice, Wildlife
Teaching Children to Think Independently & Humanely
| Cats, Children & Pets, Dogs, Editorial, From Wild to Mild Book, News, Pups & Purrs Series, Sunny Weber Author, Tips and Advice
Humane Education Through Storytelling: The Pups & Purrs Children’s Book Series–Part Three
| Children & Pets, Dog At The Gate, Dog At The Gate Book, Dogs, Editorial, From Wild to Mild Book, Hurricane Dog Book, News, Pups & Purrs Series, Sunny Weber Author, Tips and Advice
Virtual Book Tours–An Exciting New Approach to Book Promotion and Exposure
| Animal Behavior, Dogs, From Wild to Mild Book, Press Release, Pups & Purrs Series, Sunny Weber Author
Why I Wrote the Pups & Purrs Children’s Humane Education Book Series
| Animal Behavior, Dog At The Gate, Dog At The Gate Book, Dogs, From Wild to Mild Book, Hurricane Dog Book, News, Puppy Mills, Pups & Purrs Series, Sunny Weber Author
Why I Wrote “From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds”
| Animal Behavior, Dogs, From Wild to Mild Book, Pups & Purrs Series, Sunny Weber Author
ABOUT SUNNY
Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a humane educator, animal behaviorist, and trainer. She believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she works with and teaches about.
Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild creatures. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.
Authors of Sunny’s own childhood books influenced her future work as an advocate and writer. Consequently Sunny seeks to provide rich, multi-layered stories featuring complicated characters with whom children can identify. Her characters and their unique worlds will not only bring more understanding for pets, but also motivate children to read.
Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs, cats and parakeets. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.
Her first book is the multiple award winner Beyond Flight or Fight. Learn more about all of her books below:
Fiction Pups & Purrs Children's Series
Nonfiction Practical Guides
