The Poet's Dog

Written by Patricia MacLachlan

A dog guides two children through a storm, revealing secrets of love and loss.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 3,630 ratings

112 pages· 7,327 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

$5.99Save 7%

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Bookroo's summary

Teddy, a remarkable dog, once lived with poet Sylvan, who taught him that only poets and children can hear him speak. When Teddy finds Nickel and Flora lost in a snowstorm, they understand his promise to lead them to safety. As they shelter in Sylvan's old cabin, Teddy's memories of his owner resurface. Can this unlikely trio help each other heal and find what they've lost in the storm's aftermath?

From the publisher

From Newbery Medal winner Patricia MacLachlan comes a poignant story about two children, a poet, and a dog and how they help one another survive loss and recapture love.3 starred reviews. Just what I needed, raves Brightly. It’s a heart-warming story of loss and love that filled me with hope for a better future and renewed my belief in good.Teddy is a gifted dog. Raised in a cabin by a poet named Sylvan, he grew up listening to sonnets read aloud and the comforting clicking of a keyboard. Although Teddy understands words, Sylvan always told him there are only two kinds of people in the world who can hear Teddy speak: poets and children.Then one day Teddy learns that Sylvan was right. When Teddy finds Nickel and Flora trapped in a snowstorm, he tells them that he will bring them home–and they understand him. The children are afraid of the howling wind, but not of Teddy’s words. They follow him to a cabin in the woods, where the dog used to live with Sylvan . . . only now his owner is gone.As they hole up in the cabin for shelter, Teddy is flooded with memories of Sylvan. What will Teddy do when his new friends go home? Can they help one another find what they have lost? –Lynda Mullaly Hunt, New York Times Bestselling author of Fish in a Tree

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