Puppies, Dogs, and Blue Northers: Reflections on Being Raised by a Pack of Sled Dogs

By Gary Paulsen

Book Overview

An experienced Iditarod racer, Gary Paulsen celebrates his lead dog and longtime companion, Cookie, in this intimate essay. Paulsen takes readers inside the kennel as Cookie's last litter of pups grow and learn to pull sleds across the snowy frontier.

Includes an author's note.

This unforgettable true story is a tribute to the deep love between a musher and his lead dog.

A Lifesaving Bond: Get a firsthand look at the mystical connection between Iditarod racer Gary Paulsen and Cookie, the lead dog who saved his life more than once.Sled Dog School: Go inside the kennel where older dogs teach the new puppies everything--from how to stay warm in a blizzard to the proper way to sing.Puppy-Sized Chaos: Follow the heartwarming and hilarious adventures of Cookie's last litter of seven puppies as they learn the ropes and turn the house upside down.A Final Farewell: A touching and honest look at love and loss as Paulsen shares the story of Cookie's retirement and their final days together.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0152061037
• ISBN13: 9780152061036
• Release Date: August 2007
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 4.4" x 6.9"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Non-stop Action Reading

Puppies, Dogs and Blue Northers is a very good book. It's an adventure book and realistic fiction. The theme of this book is bravery and courage. It's set in Alaska during the races. The main problem is the leader is giving birth to puppies. First, it's about a dog-sled race and the leader who is a dog wasn't sure if she could go in the race or not because she had puppies. The owner was not sure either because he though that she should rest until she is able to go to the race. I liked this book because it's about bravery and adventure. I did not like that it first started boring. I would recommend this book to my friends.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

A dog is man's best friend, right? He is when it comes to Cookie, and Gary Paulsen reflects on the wonderful friendship they shared. Cookie is the lead dog on Gary's team of sled dogs and has been for a very long time. Gary and Cookie have traveled a lot of trails together. They have even competed in the Iditarod. Cookie has given birth to many puppies but always goes back to work. You might call Cookie a working mother. In PUPPIES, DOGS, AND BLUE NORTHERS, Gary Paulsen tells his own story of love and friendship with his canine friend. If the strength and endurance of sled dogs interests you, you will love this book. The road they have traveled is not always smooth sledding; there are plenty of bumps along the way. Children ages ten and up will love to learn more about these amazing dogs and the training that goes into being a successful musher. This is an action-packed adventure and love story of a man and his one very special dog. Climb aboard this dog sled -- you won't ever forget it! Reviewed by: Bri P.

Must read follow-up to Winterdance

This is a must read follow-up to Gary's book "Winterdance". You'll read more about his dog Cookie as well as a variety of other sled dog related adventures and observations. If you've ever bonded with a dog (dog musher or not) you will enjoy this little gem of a read. It is a book easily read in one sitting.

This is an Awesome Book!

I picked this book up in North Carolina, and I was skeptical on how it would be. I read the book and fell in love with it. Since then, I have read the book three more times. You'll fall in love with this book too. Some parts brought tears to my eyes, and others made me laugh. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and still do.