A very charming and heartwarming biography of Cookie, one of the author's longtime companions in his sled dog team. The companionship of Paulsen's sled dogs, especially his lead (Cookie), is an evocative paean to the partnership between team and driver.

Admittedly a story of adventure, then grief and loss, the narrative is not maudlin or over-emotionally written. Although published as a children's story, it is an ageless memoir for those who enjoy northern stories of life in the bush. ( )

I love the hardback version with the illustrations by Ruth Paulsen. I love her paintings and the story is pretty top-notch too.

Paulsen made me cry in several chapters! His experience with this dog is touching. As a biography, this is a short snippet in Paulsen's life, but is almost a complete biography of the lead dog Cookie. Great book for kids who like dogs.

A super quick read, 81 pages. Although a children's book (Scholastic), the content at times leaned more for teen and adult. Nothing was over-the-top, only mature/complex.

The story held my attention from beginning to end; absolutely wonderful and I learned much about sled dogs and their drivers. Paulsen writes with great wit, which I fined an outstanding talent. ( )

Reviewed by Bri P. for TeensReadToo.com

A dog is man's best friend, right? He is when it comes to Cookie, and Gary Paulsen reflects on the wonderful friendship they shared.

Cookie is the lead dog on Gary's team of sled dogs and has been for a very long time. Gary and Cookie have traveled a lot of trails together. They have even competed in the Iditarod. Cookie has given birth to many puppies but always goes back to work. You might call Cookie a working mother.

In PUPPIES, DOGS, AND BLUE NORTHERS, Gary Paulsen tells his own story of love and friendship with his canine friend. If the strength and endurance of sled dogs interests you, you will love this book. The road they have traveled is not always smooth sledding; there are plenty of bumps along the way. Children ages ten and up will love to learn more about these amazing dogs and the training that goes into being a successful musher. This is an action-packed adventure and love story of a man and his one very special dog.

Climb aboard this dog sled -- you won't ever forget it! ( )