“A superb read-aloud for readers of all ages, especially those who love animals!"

"This wonderful book centers on a lost dog's search for a real home, and it is based on a true story. Details of this journey are beautifully written, and readers will easily relate to the themes of fear, friendship, kindness, courage, and trust. I also loved the emphasis on an awareness of the dangers present in nature, but also of natural protections and the concept that we are all part of nature! Young readers beginning to read chapter books will enjoy this book, but it will also serve as a superb read-aloud for readers of all ages, especially those who love animals!" —Ruth A. Oswald, PhD, Professor Emerita, Literacy Education Department of Curricular & Instructional Studies, The University of Akron

“This tale is remarkable for its ability to reach readers on many levels”

“After writing the memoir, River Love, about her experience creating a forever home for a lost dog, Sheldon, Tricia Frey imagines what a dog might feel when looking for its family. Aimed for a younger audience, Sheldon’s Journey sheds light on what we all feel when lost, afraid, lonely, mourning those we can no longer see, and even hopelessness. Sheldon is greeted by many creatures in nature on his journey and learns of his own inner strengths as well as the value of new friends whom he bravely asks for help. Once he finds his new ‘one true home', he chooses to make room for both his old and new helpers in his new life. This tale is remarkable for its ability to reach readers on many levels and offers lessons on dealing with loss and recovery from it.” —Mary Fairgrieve, Clinical Social Worker

“A beautiful story which is sure to touch readers' hearts”

“Sheldon’s Journey brings together elements which young readers love -- a lost dog, a journey, friends, magic, and home – into a beautiful story which is sure to touch readers' hearts.” —Alice B. McGinty, award-winning author of 50 children's books, including Mushroom House Man: The Story of Earl A. Young and his Cottages of Stone and A Story for Small Bear

“Trusting in nature and friends, and that our journey will take us to where we are supposed to be”

Sheldon’s Journey: The story of a sweet-natured dog in search of his true home

By Tricia Frey

Reviewed by CHRISTINE STAPLETON in Freshwater Reporter

I was excited to read this new book about a dog I already knew and loved. I met Sheldon in Tricia Frey’s first book, “River Love: The True Story of a Wayward Sheltie, a Woman, and a Magical Place called Rivershire,” (Mission Point Press, 2020). That story took place in our own Traverse City, along the banks of the Boardman River. Going through some of my own struggles and questions at the time, I related to the story and hugged my dogs even closer.

Recently, my life has seen a big change in that my nieces and nephews are now having children. Enjoying this next generation of the family as a grand aunt has led me to dust off the books we loved and read when their parents were children. As an older and maybe wiser grey-haired aunt, I loved the message carried throughout Frey’s new story for children, “Sheldon’s Journey: The story of a sweet-natured dog in search of his true home,” (Mission Point Press, 2022). That idea of being on a journey and not knowing what will happen along the way, and meeting new friends and, most of all, trusting. Trusting in nature and friends, and that our journey will take us to where we are supposed to be.

As adults, we have trouble asking for help, and we ask ourselves, “Why are we here?” and “What is our purpose?” And we worry about things that haven’t happened yet and may not happen at all, instead of trusting and being okay with not having all the answers. This book is a great reminder to us adults that the children we are reading to are watching us and learning how to act and respond to many things in life, good or scary. It is also a good reminder of how important it is that our children (and pets) always feel loved and wanted, and that they know they are right where they are supposed to be. These are some things that many of us adults long for.

Both kids and adults will enjoy the beautiful illustrations by Delaney Cavanaugh who brings Sheldon and his friends to life on the pages. I share the author’s love for animals and nature, as I live in my own magical place atop a hill with three rambunctious border collies, one barn cat and many sheep and chickens. I’m an aunt to 13 and grand aunt to 7 … and counting!

You can meet author Tricia Frey and purchase her new book at the Portage Lake Association’s Christmas in Onekama craft show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Nov. 19, inside the gymnasium at Onekama Consolidated Schools, 5016 Main St. Her books can also be ordered through your local bookstore or online at www.triciafrey.com or www.missionpointpress.com

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About the reviewer:

A successful area real estate broker, Christine Stapleton enjoys life on her Benzie County farm, family get togethers and playing outdoors in all seasons.