Reviews

The Stray and the Strangers by Steven Heighton

theshaggyshepherd's review

4.0

The Stray and the Strangers // by Steven Heighton // illustrated by Melissa Iwai

For me as an adult, this was a very quick read but I think it would be a great book for a younger reader that's ready to branch out on their own or even read aloud by a parent. Seeing a refugee story from the eyes of a stray dog is interesting and invites your child to a conversation you might otherwise not know how to approach. This books is simple but well done, and I really enjoyed reading it. The illustrations by Iwai are adorable and accompany the story well.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

kta's review

3.0

Heighton gives an interesting take on the refugee story, all told from the perspective of the dog Kanella. I think for an elementary reader it makes the sadness and difficulty of the refugees plight more approachable. However, I think the point of the story is easily lost if the young reader doesn't read the afterword or receive additional information from a parent/teacher. Young readers will enjoy Kanella's story and her imagined happy ending. All in all, I think it is worth a read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.