WIND-WILD DOG

An Alaskan sled dog with a yen to run wild finds her true calling in this northern tale of man and dog. Puppy Ziva is born with one brown eye, one blue eye and her nose to the wind. Superstitious sled-dog owners shy away from Ziva, believing two-color eyes equal wildness. But one Man takes a shine to Ziva, wooing her with patience and kindness and training her with steadiness and praise. On nights when the wolf’s cry carries on the wind, the Man knows Ziva longs to be free. At the winter solstice, the Man tests Ziva by hitching her with his team of dogs and racing them across the frozen landscape. That night, as the wind howls and the wolf calls, he unchains Ziva and she races into the night to find the wolf. Will Ziva run with the wolves or return to the Man? Realistic oil illustrations in winter blues, tans, whites and greens showcase the growing bond between man and dog. A heartwarming call of the wild for the small set. (author’s notes) (Picture book. 4-8)