A boy, his father and their trusted dog Swift are off on a hunting trip with Swift in the lead. His nose will take them to the animals they seek. Until a bear suddenly appears and father is badly wounded. It will be up to Swift and the boy to get help and they leave father lying on the forest floor with the knowledge that the bear may return to finish the job and father will be unable to defend himself. Determined and full of fight the tired boy and dog face the bear, face icy cold water and face exhaustion and pain. But trusting his fate to his dog, Swift, is the best choice the boy can make and Swift does not fail. "Keep your wits about you, " and remember that "Swift is a knowledgeable dog" are the best pieces of advice the boy ever hears. This is a gripping, gritty winter journey in which the pair face great odds but the wonder of the dog shines through and the knowledge that our canine companions have greater gifts than we can truly fathom shines brightly here. Ages 5-9 48 pages
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
