Saving Maya
Janetta Harvey
Paperback
(Troubador Publishing, Sept. 28, 2016)
This delightful new children's book, Saving Maya, is perfect for readers aged 8 and above. It tells the story of two dogs who are destined to become sisters. An uplifting tale, based on a true-life story, not only introduces young readers to pet rescue and adoption, but also educates children about the cruel reality of today's puppy trade, where dogs are confined in farms to produce puppies. Readers first meet Willow, a much-loved family pet living a happy normal life with Patsy. One day, Patsy decides to get Willow a sister but, she soon finds out that something is not right; she discovers that many of the puppies she admires come from awful places: puppy farms! Maya is one of those dogs. She's stuck in a filthy, dark barn and has been there her whole life. When readers first meet Maya, she's in a terrible state and fears her life is nearly over. However, rescue comes and readers follow Maya's journey to a place of safety, where for the first time in her life, she experiences kindness and eventually finds herself living with Willow and Patsy. This tale of courage and survival will appeal to children who enjoy tales about animals. Saving Maya can also be used in the classroom to educate children on the ethics of animal cruelty.