Elmer and the Talent Show

ELMER AND THE TALENT SHOW by Danny Robertson & Ron Danta is the first in their children's book series inspired by real life rescue dogs. Here we meet Elmer, a ten year old dachshund who was severely mistreated and neglected by his former owners. Multiple surgeries later, Elmer doesn't look like other dogs, his tongue sticks out the side of his mouth, he needs special food, and he is anxious in new situations. However, Elmer loves to play and hopes to one day find his forever home. When the Cruz family moves to town, Elmer becomes a new member of their family.

What I Loved:
This is such a sweet story. I loved how it was told from Elmer's perspective. It gives the reader a new look on what we as humans do on a daily basis. Elmer's anxiety in new situations is relatable to kids who may also feel anxiety around strangers or when their routine is disrupted. It shows how he copes with it and how he adjusts to his new family. Seeing Elmer's actions through his eyes and understanding the reason behind those actions will help readers develop empathy towards their own animals and friends.

I also loved that the writers are rescue owners and that this story is based on a dog from their rescue. What they do is not easy, however how it is shown in the story will encourage young readers to learn more. Benny's initial reluctance at his parents bringing Elmer home when he was expecting a puppy is true to life. Yet how Benny bonds with the older dog is special.

Final Thoughts: ELMER AND THE TALENT SHOW is a heartwarming story about an old dog learning new tricks and finding his fur-ever family in the process.

Benny’s father is a writer, and his mother is in the military, so they move frequently. Benny has had a hard time fitting in with his classmates, and his parents think it would help if he had a dog. They go to Danny and Ron’s rescue, and Benny has his heart set on a German Shepherd puppy, although Elmer, a ten year old dachshund who was badly neglected and whose tongue sticks out because of a broken jaw, has his heart set on this family to adopt him. When the parents come back to get the puppy, they see Elmer and are moved enough by his story that they bring him home. Benny is a bit reluctant, but bonds with the dog. The parents enrol the two in a dog agility class so that Benny can meet other children, and he gets along well with the outgoing and enthusiastic Kitts, whose dog, Coda, helps Elmer with some of the tasks in class. Unfortunately, the boys at school whom Benny would like to befriend make fun of Kitts, and Benny stands by and doesn’t stick up for her. The two manage to make up, and work with Elmer to help him participate in an agility competition.