White Fur Flying

White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan was a quick read – perfect for young readers just starting to read chapter books.  This story hit home for me because my aunt rescued a Great Pyrenees/Golden Retriever mix and the story surrounding these loving giants was exactly how her dog, Madison, is every time I visit.

The story is about a family whose father is a veterinarian and whose mother rescues Great Pyrenees dogs.  For perspective, these dogs can weigh well over 100 pounds and look like fluffy polar bears, but they are also very gentle and loving animals as well.  They were also bred to herd animals, and will often herd their own family if necessary.

The two young girls in the story are “spying” on the new neighbors and are delighted to see a young boy their own age move in next door.  They soon find out that he has moved in temporarily with his aunt while his parents “work through some things” leaving the young boy mute.

The dogs in the story work their magic as only animals can and help the little boy come to terms with what is happening in his family.  This is a great story that deals with issues that many kids deal with each day and although the boy’s reaction to his parents’ problems is a little more unusual, this would make a great story to use as a means to begin a discussion with kids.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Newbery Award wining author, Patricia MacLachlan.

Title: White Fur Flying
Author: Patricia MacLachlan
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Publication Date: 2013
Page Number: 112 pgs.