Trouble Dog

By Carol A. Foote, Larry Day (Illustrator)

Part of the Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series

A playful shelter dog finds purpose tracking wildlife threats. Can he save the day?

4.7/5 Goodreads · 162 ratings

48 pages

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Tucker, a lively shelter dog, seems too energetic for a home until Laura sees his potential. She trains him to become a conservation dog, tracking endangered species and invasive threats. His first mission takes him to Hawaii, where he must sniff out hidden dangers. Will Tucker's boundless energy lead to success or chaos? Join Tucker on his journey from shelter to savior, as he learns to use his talents to protect wildlife across the globe. Discover the heartwarming tale of a dog who finds his true calling.

From the publisher

A rambunctious shelter dog finds the perfect job and a loving home in this heartwarming story based on the real heroes of Working Dogs for Conservation. Tucker the dog never means to be trouble: he just loves to play. But at the animal shelter, every visitor says he’s too much trouble–until Laura.Laura thinks Tucker might be just right for a very special job. Could all his energy make him an amazing conservation dog? Laura trains Tucker to track down Gila monsters, endangered flowers, even grizzly bear poop. His first assignment is in Hawaii, searching for invasive rosy wolf snails hidden under leaves. Where will his nose lead him next? With colorful, endearing art from illustrator Larry Day and dashes of humor, Carol A. Foote’s debut picture book Trouble Dog invites children to join scientists–and their canine colleagues–in their work to save wildlife around the world.Readers will cheer for Tucker’s inspiring journey from shelter dog to eager trainee to confident globetrotter. The story concludes with photos and further information about the real dogs and trainers of Working Dogs for Conservation, the world’s largest and oldest conservation dog organization.Junior Library Guild Selection (2025)

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