Molly’s Miracle: A Chosen Dog, Not a Broken Dog, by w.b. Murph/Illustrated by Luca Mendieta, (Nov. 2023, Wonderbeagmurph Press), $18.99, ISBN: 979-8988246213
Ages 4-7
In honor of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, I’m grateful to former veterinarian nurse W.B. Murph for sharing a copy of Molly’s Miracle with me. The story of a sweet beagle who escapes her abusive family is one of those stories that rips my heart out because it’s based on a true story, but it also makes me feel better to know that people like Murph are out there taking care of these pets. In Molly’s Miracle, Molly endures the insults and the physical abuse from her family until she sees her chance to get away; she’s injured in the process, but she’s out. The only problem is, she has nowhere to go and no one to turn to. Living on the street with an injury that won’t heal, she’s discovered by a kind lady who takes Molly to a shelter where she works. Sadly, Molly’s leg can’t be saved, but Molly is – she is adopted by a blind woman who tells Molly that ““My hands tell me all I need I know.” Cartoon artwork is kid-friendly. Back matter includes some questions for thought and a reminder that having a pet is a big responsibility. A cute additional purchase where pet books are popular. Consider reading and displaying with Belly Rubbins for Bubbins by Jason Kraus and Emma Jackson’s A Home for Dixie for a shelter pet display.
Mom Read It 