Books by Ruth G. Zavitsanos: Reviews

About the book: 

Nestled away amongst the olive groves of the Tuscan hillside stands a welcoming villa where a dedicated dog finds his way into the hearts of vacationing families. Sole has one purpose, to make visitors happy. He is kind and sensitive. Sole takes his job as THE VILLA DOG seriously. His bravery and loyalty are often rewarded. He keeps the children out of harm's way, and eventually the others become aware of his special ability to bring happiness. But it's not always easy being The Villa Dog. A young girl, Issy, makes it tough. She's so sad. Can Sole find out why? Or, will he fail his purpose for staying at the villa and disappoint his master? Being the Villa Dog can be hard work, but he's on a mission, and he'll stop at nothing to see Issy smile.

About the book:  High atop a hillside on the Greek island of Corfu overlooking the Ionian sea sits the Old Fortress, an ancient ruin built to keep out invaders. Leonidas, a highly protective and dedicated dog, guides tourists through the graveled pathways with a keen alertness for their safety. Like the Greek soldier he is named for, Leonidas thinks of others as he guards them from danger.

Leonidas' bravery and loyalty have earned him the reputation of being The Old Fortress Dog. Much like a sentry, he takes his job as protector of the Old Fortress and all who enter with wholehearted devotion. He is kind and giving in his efforts to please. When his master's grandson, Nikos, comes from America to visit, Leo senses the boy's sadness. Determined to bring a smile to the boy's face and laughter to his voice, Leo doesn't leave his side, even though once, it meant disobeying his master.

Being the Old Fortress Dog can be perilous at times, but Leonidas is alert and strong for the task. With Leo by his side, Nikos soon discovers his connection to the Old Fortress. Like a good soldier, Leonidas perseveres in his quest...to hear the boy's laughter.

Will Leonidas discover why Nikos is sad. Can he use his instincts and kind heart to gain Nikos' trust and understanding?

About the book:  Akela, THE KONA DOG, brings a smile to everyone she meets. She is sweet and caring to all those working and visiting the coffee plantation and pineapple grove.

To please her master, Akela makes her rounds on the plantation, assuring safety and offering encouragement with her gentle ways. When the plantation is threatened with closure by the banker man, Akela and her master's older son, Keoki, join forces to enlist the banker's daughter, Penny. Akela knows something makes the girl sad. If they get her to laugh and smile, perhaps they can save the plantation. But Penny isn't talking, and the plight of Akela's home doesn't look good either.

Faced with defeat and the loss of her home, Akela must use all of her bravery and instinctive abilities to bring everyone together. Can she soften their hearts in time to stop the banker man?

Series Review:  My boys and I love dogs!  My boys and I love to read!  So when you merge the two things together it is a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone!  Zavitsanos takes us on an adventure in a variety of amazing settings with dogs that are equally remarkable!  Who doesn't love going on an adventure thought the eyes of a lovable dog?  My kids and I thought these books were quite enjoyable and interesting.  There is a little bit of something for everyone, so your attention is head throughout!   There is information on the locations featured, which are amazing settings, there are great characters and adventures galore.  My kids and I looked up the locations of the books so they could see if what they pictures matched up with what they read.  What a great series to bridge the connection between reading and the world we live in.  4 stars 

Buy the books here!!!