Lenore Finds a Friend: A True Story from Bedlam Farm

by Jon Katz, Jon Katz (Photographer)

Overview

Poor Lenore! None of the other animals at Bedlam Farm welcome her. Even Rose the border collie is too busy to play. But Lenore refuses to give up, and when she licks a grumpy ram named Brutus—right on the nose!—an unexpected friendship begins.

Jon Katz's irresistible photographs chronicle this true story of a dog determined to make friends.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780805092202
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	09/04/2012
Series:	My Readers Series
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.10(w) x 10.20(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	AD460L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Jon Katz has written many bestselling books about his dogs. His first book for children, Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm, also features his photography. Mr. Katz lives in Upstate New York.

Hometown:

Montclair, New Jersey

Date of Birth:

August 8, 1947

Place of Birth:

Providence, Rhode Island

Education:

Attended George Washington University and The New School for Social Research

Editorial Reviews

…[a] genial true tale, told through lively animal photography and sweet, descriptive text…
—Pamela Paul

The New York Times Book Review

Bedlam Farm seems an idyllic spot with a natural appeal to children, who are likely to ask for more about Lenore.” —Kirkus

“This gorgeous, heartwarming book . . . stands out from the pack.” —School Library Journal, starred review on Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm

“This is the love letter people wish they could write to their own pets.” —Booklist on Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm

“Katz's photographs depicting the dogs' vastly different personalities are great fun for dog lovers and a fine lesson for dog fearers. Lenore, it turns out, makes sure everyone is happy.” —The New York Times Book Review on Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm

“A highly specific, not preachy, charmer.” —The Chicago Tribune on Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm

“A beautifully photographed and clever story.” —The Examiner.com on Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm

From the Publisher

Lenore was just a puppy when she arrived at Bedlam Farm. She was lonely because the other animals (the rooster, the donkey, and others) were not friendly towards her. Rose, the other dog at the farm, was too busy herding the sheep and did not have time for Lenore. One day, Lenore tries to befriend a ram named Brutus with a kiss on the nose. The next day, she returns to kiss him again. Meanwhile, Rose is not happy because she has to round up Brutus to keep him with the rest of the flock. Despite Rose's attempts to keep Lenore away from Brutus, Lenore does not give up and the friendship between Lenore and Brutus grows. The color photographs illustrate the story of Lenore as she tries to develop friendship with the animals. The snapshots of the animals have a charming appeal. Children who love animal stories will probably enjoy reading or listening to the story. The story may be the springboard for a discussion about how to initiate friendships. Readers may also be familiar with the author's earlier book, Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung

Children's Literature - Carrie Hane Hung

Lenore the black Lab befriends a cranky ram named Brutus in another entry in the popular streak of recent stories focusing on unlikely animal pals. Katz continues to chronicle life on his farm in upstate New York with his second book for children, following Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm (2011). When Lenore arrives at the farm as a boisterous puppy, she tries to engage Rose, the border collie who herds the sheep of Bedlam Farm. Rose ignores Lenore, so the puppy buddies up to Brutus the ram, giving him "kisses" on his nose and following him around the farm. At first, Rose tries to intervene, but eventually she accepts Lenore as part of the farm family. Though the story anthropomorphizes the dogs and ram a bit too much, the appealing photographs clearly convey Lenore's winning personality with some touching shots of sad puppy eyes and sweet interactions between the Lab and the ram. The intriguing subject matter, large type size and short sentence length make this suitable for beginning readers as well as younger children. Bedlam Farm seems an idyllic spot with a natural appeal to children, who are likely to ask for more about Lenore. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews