RUNNING THE DOGS

In this predictable but earnest and gentle story set in fictitious Oil Camp, La., ten-year-old Talmidge Cotton wants nothing more for Christmas than the chance to run his three beagles in the woods at night all by himself. For Tal, this represents acknowledgement from his father that he is grown-up and responsible. Tal’s noncommittal father promises to consider it and give his son a decision when he returns from working on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. But when a freak winter storm dumps six inches of snow and thick ice, it looks as though Tal’s dad will not make it home for the holiday. Tal has more to worry about when he lets the dogs out to feed them and they disappear into the woods. All ends well when Tal’s father and the dogs return home for Christmas, and Tal gets to take the dogs out on his own to hunt rabbits. Cochran’s thoughtful, coming-of-age novel has few surprises, but it makes for pleasant reading. (Fiction. 8-11)