The Dogs of Winter

About this book

Based on a true story!

When Ivan's mother disappears, he's abandoned on the streets of Moscow, with little chance to make it through the harsh winter. But help comes in an unexpected form: Ivan is adopted by a pack of dogs, and the dogs quickly become more than just his street companions: They become his family. Soon Ivan, who used to love reading fairytales, is practically living in one, as he and his pack roam the city and countryside, using their wits to find food and shelter, dodging danger, begging for coins. But Ivan can't stay hidden from the world of people forever. When help is finally offered to him, will he be able to accept it? Will he even want to?

A heart-pounding tale of survival and a moving look at what makes us human.

Reviews

Praise for THE DOGS OF WINTER

A KIRKUS REVIEWS Best Children's Book of 2012

*"Compelling and highly original fiction... An absorbing account." -- BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS, starred review

*"Terrifying, life-affirming and memorable." -- KIRKUS REVIEWS, starred review

*"Absorbing... The many vivid details of street life and the convincing portrayals of even minor characters help bring the story to life. A source bibliography is appended. Written with compassion as well as grim, sometimes brutal realism, this novel offers a riveting story as well as material for reflection and discussion." -- BOOKLIST, starred review

"Well-crafted sentences, lively dialogue, and a remarkable story line combine for an absorbing adventure tale that young readers will find irresistible." -- HORN BOOK

"Pyron delivers a reflective, hard-hitting story about the bond between child and dog.... The book's emotional impact is immense." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY