Meet the Mutts: A CritterKin Tale

By Jena Ball

Step into the world of the CritterKin mutts. There eight, mixed breed dogs explore challenges as diverse as aging, physical limitations, bullying and stereotyping.

Starting with Ernest, the youngest pup with a nose for trouble, each of the mutts tells a tale from his or her perspective. There is Doxie who can’t seem to stop himself from digging; Clue whose bossy attitude earns her more enemies than friends; and Mariah who is happy being unhappy. Likewise, Newton the senior dog of the pack struggles with the challenges of aging; Sprout copes with culture shock; and Ricky Bobby, the partially paralyzed puppy mill survivor, must learn to love and trust humans again. Finally Lance, the misunderstood pit bull must convince everyone that he is a lover not a fighter.

The CritterKin pack is cheerfully guided and supported by Ms. Jenaia, a slightly offbeat retired school teacher turned dog trainer. In the hilarious climax to the story, Ms. Jenaia rescues the mutts from a chaotic mix-up involving stolen marshmallows, overturned trash cans and tangled leashes.

Meet the Mutts is not only a fun-filled romp with delightful characters, but a chance for children to experience and learn that animals (critters) are family (kin).

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Oct 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781927854730