MIRI AND THE HONEYBEE

A tiny Yorkshire Terrier who has survived 11 years in a Virginia puppy mill learns about human kindness and love in Lujan’s middle-grade novel.

Small Dog, as she is called by her special friend Queenie (a honeybee), lies in her cage in the wretched Kennel Eight (“Those curious enough to peek in, would find kenneled dogs suffering from years of neglect”). It is the only home she has ever known. She is tending to her new litter, one male and one undersized female. They are the smallest, and will be the last, of the more than 60 puppies she has given birth to in her lifetime. Frail and undernourished, with missing teeth and a rotting jaw, Small Dog is filled with abundant love for her puppies. However, Wayne Wyatt, the owner of the puppy mill, needs cash, and Small Dog’s little boy is taken from her to be sold. Even worse, now that she is no longer useful for breeding, Wayne says it is time to dispose of her. He takes her away from her female pup and drives her to the side of a road where he ties her to a tree, leaving her there to die, starving and trembling. Fortunately, Angie Tucker, a nurse driving by, sees what is happening. She rescues the little abused Yorkie and brings her to a nearby veterinarian. Georgia Grace, who runs a Senior Dog Rescue organization, is notified and immediately adopts her, naming her Miri (for “Miracle”). But Miri has a mission to fulfill: She must escape and rescue her daughter. Lujan’s wistful fantasy is the story of Miri’s courageous and determined efforts to save her last puppy from the painful suffering and abuse that have marked her own life. The novel is both heart-rending and hopeful, with a despicable villain, more than a bit of mystical magic, numerous cute and tender inter-canine conversations, and an endearing collection of human protagonists. Reminiscent of classic Disney properties in its prose and content (with a touch of saccharine Lifetime-television drama in the mix), the narrative is sure to provoke a healthy mix of tears and cheers, and will likely engage middle-grade readers.

Poignantly compelling and ultimately upbeat; keep tissues handy.