A Dog Called Leka

Enchanting and remarkable, A Dog Called Leka, left me with a warm feeling inside. This is just a wonderful book detailing a very special dog with an equally special owner. Despite an uneasy introduction, Ben Edgeworth finds he can't get this mangy mutt out of his mind or his way. When he tries to shoo this pup away, he goes nowhere. Yet, this story went everywhere and all over my heart. After losing his parents to an accident, Ben is actually in need of warmth and companionship. Entering his life is a dog that is also in need of the same. The journey they take together will leave the reader waiting breathlessly for the next page. I kept hoping the story wouldn't ever end. I recommend A Dog Called Leka to any and all who love stories with great endings. I also would love to see this book turned into an animated movie or even a television series. It's been a long time since we have been able to view a story as heartwarming as Lassie. Who knows maybe A Dog Called Leka will change that. I will be waiting with bated breath. Armchair Interviews says: Lovers of good stories with great endings, consider this book.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/06) Ben Edgeworth is an eighteen year old American who sets sail on a journey with his dog Leka. They travel across the Greek islands on a catamaran that Ben built. Initially, Ben was preparing to do this journey on his own. He had no intention of complicating the trip by bringing a dog with him. However, when he met Leka, he fell in love and was unable to talk himself into leaving him behind. Leka is an incredibly special, intelligent dog. He seems to have a soul. To help fund his trip, Ben paints pictures of Leka that capture his true essence. Ben tried to paint pictures of people and places, but he just didn't have the talent for it like he did with painting Leka. As they travel among the islands, they encounter many adventures. Leka continues to prove his loyalty to Ben. Some of their adventures involve dangerous people, weather, and animals. I enjoyed this story because of the interaction between Leka and Ben. Leka seems more like a guardian angel than a dog. He doesn't have super powers, he is just a super dog. I also liked traveling around the islands with them and learning about other places. The author, Willard Manus, spent some time living on the island, so I think that he is able to realistically portray this area in his writing. "A Dog Called Leka" is written for a younger audience and I would highly recommend it to them, especially if you have a child that you are encouraging to read more and that loves dogs. I would also recommend it to teachers of adults who are just learning to read English as a second language. The grammar and vocabulary are not too complex, and the story is one that is enjoyable for all ages. As an adult that is interested in other areas and loves animals, I really enjoyed the story.

Ben is a teenager who lives on the island of Rhodes in the Aegean Ocean who just lost his parents a few months ago. Ben has been building a catamaran. He wants to be a sailor like his parents. One day a stray dog comes along and Ben does not like him. Ben does not want to become attached to the dog and have to leave him behind. But it is hard to say no to a hungry dog so Ben starts to feed the dog and gives him the name Leka. When Ben finishes the catamaran he starts sailing it. Ben has a job to take a family on a boat trip and he has to pick them up from across the ocean. Ben decides to take Leka with him. Will Ben make it with Leka to pick up the family? Read the book and find out about Ben and Leka's exciting journey. **** This book is very exciting! When you read this book you will not be able to put it down. A very good page turner. This book is also very interesting! **** Reviewed by Brandon Stabler, age 14, for Huntress Reviews.