Scout, the Christmas Dog: A Hunter's Gift Book

This is a perfect example of an interesting and informative nonfiction book. Where were books like this when I was a kid? This book explains how guardian dogs are being used in the US due to protective laws for endangered, but predatory, species. Now that ranchers and farmers cannot poison wolves and coyotes and the like, they use these dogs, originally from European countries, to protect their flocks and herds.

The narrative is short, but still explains a lot about the different animals, and the author's note at the end offers more details on the particular breeds. And the photography is amazing, telling much of the story without words. We really enjoyed reading this book together and I am so thrilled that our girls have access to wonderful nonfiction books like this at our local libraries.

After recently reading the book Runt by Marion Dane Bauer, we discussed the practice of using poison to detract predators from attacking cattle and sheep. This book shows us how that cruel method can be avoided.