Truckload of Trouble

Tails of Blueberry Street Book 3

Children - Grade K-3rd
80 Pages
Reviewed on 06/25/2022
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Debbie Burton began writing for children after she retired from teaching. She was inspired to write "Truckload of Trouble" based upon her experiences with her special needs beagle. Her first book, "Buddy the Beagle on Blueberry Street" was released by Elk Lake Publishing in 2019, followed by "Return to Blueberry Street" in 2020. An award-winning poet, Debbie’s work has appeared in issues of Time of Singing Literary Journal and Refresh Bible Study Magazine.
Debbie is a member of Word Weavers International and SCBWI. She lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband, Herb and their beagle, Buddy.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Melinda Facal for Readers' Favorite

Truckload of Trouble: Tails of Blueberry Street, Book Three is a delightful children’s book by Debbie Burton. Jen and Henry rescued Buddy the beagle and provide a loving and safe home for him. Buddy enjoys walks and treats and a birthday party that is celebrated in his honor. One day a stray Blue Heeler appears on the family’s doorstep and Buddy is concerned that his beloved owners will prefer this new dog, whom they call Jack, to him. While waiting for a suitable home to be found for him, Jack becomes restless. An adventure ensues as he invites Buddy to follow his lead, which gets the two into trouble. This charming story is often told from the dog’s perspective which is heartwarming as well as enlightening. Some fun facts and discussion questions are included at the end of the book to further engage and educate children about dogs and the responsibility of caring for them.

Debbie Burton’s Truckload of Trouble highlights the friendship, companionship, and unconditional love that exist between dogs and their owners. Burton’s love and concern for animals shines through in this heartfelt story. Readers of all ages will enjoy learning what the dogs are thinking about, as it is often amusing and sometimes touching. The importance of a dog being able to follow its natural inclinations is demonstrated and respected throughout this book. That approach, along with the discussion questions offered, is sure to spark conversations about the different natures and needs of dogs and the responsibility of caring for them in the best way possible. This is an insightful, entertaining, and highly recommended read.

Philip Van Heusen

Buddy is a special little beagle with two humans watching over him—Henry and Jen. In a Truckload of Trouble, Debbie Burton tells the story of one of Buddy’s adventures. Buddy celebrates his seventh birthday with his dog pals and their humans. Buddy is a calm and polite dog. Into his peaceful life comes a stray, an Australian Cattle Dog, that Buddy’s humans take in and name Jack. Jack is rambunctious. He needs to be active with space to run. These two dogs, different as they are, turn out to be good friends. What makes this story even more engaging is it is told from the viewpoint of the dogs. The book is a window into what dogs think. Buddy wants to get rid of Jack because he sees Jack as an interloper. Jack needs space and activity. How will the two ever come to peace with each other? Reading this book will help you teach your children how to get along with those who are not like them.

Buddy the beagle has a comfortable life with his loving humans. Their love is seen by the time they spend with him and the things they do for him. Throughout Truckload of Trouble, the reader will see dog thoughts. Debbie Burton gives the reader the superpower to understand what dogs are saying and thinking. Buddy has several dog friends, and the dogs’ humans are friends with Buddy’s humans. The dogs know that each one is different but accept the differences. Read this book with your children and discuss how to get along with those who are different. Teach them acceptance and how important it is to follow the rules. Help them understand that they need to develop their particular skills and become what they are designed to be. Let them know that they should never feel forced into a mold that does not fit. A stray dog helps Buddy learn these life lessons.

Jennie More

Truckload of Trouble by Debbie Burton is about a small, adorable Beagle named Buddy who lives with his human parents, Henry and Jen, who love him dearly. Little Buddy means the world to his parents, who take great care of him. Buddy lives in a crate in the house, and sometimes he sleeps in their room. Jen brushes his teeth, Henry regularly takes him for walks, and Jen baked a special cake for his birthday party. After his accident when he hurt his hind legs, he can’t run or jump and wears red boots to help him move easily. Buddy has many friends in Blueberry Street and is the team leader. However, when the stray dog Jack is found on their porch, Buddy’s life is destined to change, with changes he may not like. Truckload of Trouble is a sweet adventure story about two beautiful breeds: a Beagle and an Australian Cattle Dog.

Truckload of Trouble by Debbie Burton is a delightful and heartwarming children’s book that teaches the importance of finding the right home for different breeds. As much as Henry and Jen were kind and cared for Jack, they could not provide him with the right home where his type of breed could thrive. Buddy is the most adorable dog; I enjoyed his friendly and playful commentary, which endeared me to the story. Fear of losing the affection or interest of his master, Henry, is a relatable emotion that dog owners have all identified in their pets at one point or another. Truckload of Trouble is a feel-good, beautifully written book that was a pleasure to read.

Jay

These types of books are currently among my favorites. Reading to the grandchildren is ritual, passed down over generations. This is the type of literature that we share with them. Thank you, Melinda.