Frankie the Walk 'N' Roll Dog

My Review

Told from the point of view of Frankie, a spunky Dachsund with a big heart, Frankie, the Walk 'n' Roll Dog is an uplifting story of a brave little pooch facing adversities we humans can easily identify with: disabilities. Frankie is an active and playful dog until an accident takes away her ability to walk. Her back legs paralyzed, she must undergo surgery and physical therapy. Still, she cannot use her back legs, so her owners discover a new way for her to get around - a cart! They have one specially designed for Frankie and soon, she finds herself actively pursuing her life as she did before the accident.

When I first became aware of this book, I was interested in it because I am raising a daughter with disabilities and though hers are more of an emotional and behavioral nature, they still present many challenges when dealing with every day issues - such as the perception of others regarding her problems. Frankie eloquently addressed these issues in her story, making me forget, for a moment, that I was reading about a dog and not another girl. I think this story will have that affect on everyone who reads it, including children with disabilities. This story shows that, despite our differences, despite our issues or disabilities, we still have a lot to contribute to society and our lives and experiences could make a difference to others. I would recommend this book to people of all ages. It serves as a good reminder that we are only limited by our own ideas of what we can and cannot do. This book is a treasure.

In Frankie's Own Words:



Thank you for reading about Barbara Techel and Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog. To learn more, and to order a copy of this multi-award winning picture book, please visit http://www.joyfulpaws.com/ Other Sites to Check Out: Barbara's Blog: http://joyfulpaws.typepad.com/ Frankie's Blog: http://frankiethewalknrolldog.blogspot.com/ To See the Tour Schedule: http://virtualblogtour.blogspot.com/2009/05/frankie-walk-n-roll-dog-virtual-book.html There will be a SPECIAL OFFER FOR VISITORS TO THE VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR. Each guest who comments on a post in Barbara and Frankie's tour will be entered in a drawing for some fun, unique gifts that will especially appeal to Frankie fans and other dog lovers. We will give away several items from Frankie's store -- http://www.cafepress.com/Joyfulpaws. These include two Frankie t-shirts and two Frankie tote bags.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT YOU MAY USE:

About Barbara Techel

Barbara is a writer and animal lover. Her column, "For the Love of Animals" has appeared in the Depot Dispatch. Frankie the Walk 'n Roll dog, her first children's book, was awarded the 2008 National Best Book Award (children’s picture book soft cover) by USA Book News, the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award by Dog Writer’s Association of America, and the Editor’s Choice Award by Allbooks Review. It was also a finalist in the 2008 Indie Excellence Awards. Frankie herself was inducted into the 2009 Wisconsin Pet Hall of Fame.

About Frankie the Walk 'n Roll Dog

Frankie is a dachshund, and this story is told from her point of view. She survives the normal challenges of puppyhood, including a struggle with house training, after Barbara and John adopt her. After a spinal injury, her human family nurtures her through a long period of rehabilitation and buys her a custom-fitted wheelchair. It takes a while to adapt to her new wheels, but soon she is joyfully rolling and playing.

Barbara wrote this book to offer hope and inspiration to people who face challenges. A lifelong animal lover, she realized Frankie's paralysis was an opportunity to spread a positive message.

Thank you, Barbara and Frankie, for sharing your story with us. You are truly an inspiration. ~ Margay