The Dog, Ray

Description

A girl, a dog, a boy, a journey 'When my death came, it was swift. Swift as a racing horse.' Twelve-year-old Daisy has just died in a car crash. But in a twist of fate, and through a heavenly bureaucratic mistake Daisy ends up, not where she is supposed to be - but in the body of a dog. Daisy may now be inhabiting a dog's body, but inside she is still very much Daisy, and is as bouncy, loyal, positive, energetic as she ever was. Daisy's only thought is to somehow be reunited with her parents, who she knows will be missing her. And this is how she meets Pip, a boy who is homeless and on his own journey, and a lasting, tender and very moving friendship between boy and dog/girl is formed.

Linda Coggin taught horse riding in the West Indies before studying mime in Paris and Czechoslovakia. Forming a small theatre company they played the fringe theatres and the alternative cabaret circuits of Europe. She appeared in Ken Russell's film GOTHIC as the mechanical doll. She worked as an actor and for several years and presented The Home Show for Thames Television.Linda writes and performs her own poetry; her poetry collection titled DOG DAYS has been published as has her highly commended debut novel THE BOY WITH THE TIGER'S HEART. She lives in Wiltshire with her family and numerous animals. Follow Linda at www.lindacogsblog.blogspot.co.uk

Coggin's subtle narrative transitions her protagonist from dog-inhabited-by-the-soul-of-a-girl to solely-dog with exquisite grace, leading to a wholly original homecoming theme. A powerful story brought to heart-beating life by its cogent craftsmanship * Kirkus Reviews * Daisy's sassy, wry voice keeps the story this side of sentimental, and it actually moves into some unique territory as she begins to lose her memories of her previous existence, ultimately forgetting her parents and remaining in her new life with the boy. A satisfying blend of pathos and humor, this is sure to appeal to fans of dog stories, especially those who want just a gentle nudge of melodrama * Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books * Linda Coggin has created a unique tale about how we grow and change with experiences and how we love one another...While this story is different it is well told. The voices are genuine and the pace is quick. Readers who love a good "boy and his dog" story will enjoy this book-a good choice for libraries needing a different kind of fantasy story * School Library Connection * A beautiful and lyrical story about grief and healing...A tender and heartfelt tale that is sure to delight dog-loving readers or anyone who likes their happy endings to be hard-earned * School Library Journal * Readers will be invested in Daisy/Ray's evolution as she finds purpose in her new life. Warm and thought-provoking * Booklist * ...the voice is lighthearted and Daisy's story has a satisfying ending * Bookpage * Although this is an easy to read book with a happy ending I also found it very emotional -- Elizabeth Baskeyfield * The School Librarian *