An Aussie in New York City
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Product Details
Publisher: La Dolce Far Niente Press
Release Date: September 17, 2024
Formats: Hardcover
ISBN: 979-8-9905898-0-3
Trim: 8.5 x 11
Page Count: 72
Mark Rosenthal, Harry Rosenthal
“A giddy, extravagant fairy tale to remind us that dogs make us better humans. Especially in the chaos of a big city. Animals connect us to the world—and to each other. Everyone needs a dog like Pablo!” —Patti Ragan, founder and executive director, Center for Great Apes
Here’s the city Daniel hides from in his fourth-floor Brooklyn apartment: Pigeon poop! Car horns! Winter wind tunnels! Summer sauna streets! Playground stampedes! Stinky garbage-day mountains! . . . And bullies. Bullies here, bullies there, bullies everywhere.
A kid like Daniel knows it’s easy to be ambushed on a crowded sidewalk or on the playground. Grown-ups are too busy and moving too fast to say anything. Isn’t anyone going to help? One day a mysterious Australian shepherd appears on his block. It almost seems to be looking for Daniel. The Aussie displays an almost supernatural skill to herd not sheep—but grown-ups! Soon Daniel is following the Aussie to crowded, iconic New York landmarks like Coney Island, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. The Aussie magically transforms what would have been frightening experiences into enchanting adventures, eventually giving Daniel his own skills to handle the bullies in his life. Blending slapstick and whimsy, with bold illustrations that breathe magic into Daniel’s expeditions, this charming tale offers insight into how kids process grief—and celebrates the healing power of love between a child and a dog.
About the Authors
Mark Rosenthal is an Emmy-nominated television and screenwriter whose many credits include the popular Disney films Flicka, Mighty Joe Young, and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice with Nicholas Cage, as well as Fox’s Eragon.
Harry Rosenthal is a screenwriter and app developer who also works in A.I. imaging.
Reviews
“A sweet, funny valentine to all those four-legged playful galumphs that seem to love life with a passion not often seen in this world.” —Estelle V., Amazon review
“Do you want to fall in love with a dog and reconnect to your inner child? … take this magic carpet ride. In a poetic painting of words, the author reminds me what it felt like when I was growing up. I reconnected with the little boy I was 70 years ago … the fun and the fears … the strange smells of a city … the loneliness of not knowing that all the other kids were also trying to find their way. I shared loss, I shared love, I shared wisdom with a little boy who grows up through his loss.” —Amazon review
“The heartfelt story in this beautiful and well-written book deserves to win awards. The story is narrated by a young boy who does not, at first, feel safe in his neighborhood. His relationship with an almost magical stray dog gives him the courage to deal with his challenges. The boy's relationship with his mother is moving and rich. Embedded in the story are realistic, and imaginative, descriptions that may assist children to experience and understand their complex feelings as they face the world we live in. I would especially recommend that parents share this book with their children. It is an uplifting and hopeful work of art.” —Amazon review
“Though I am way past the recommended reading age, I believe that all , no matter what age, will enjoy this magical story. . . . Pablo takes us on a heartwarming journey through New York City using his herding and people skills. Life lessons are learned. One can feel Pablo’s positive effect on Daniel and our lives too. This book is filled with beautiful, lifelike illustrations. I really enjoyed reading this book. I would love to welcome a Pablo to my life too. Enjoy!” —Judy M., Amazon review