3.5 stars

In the 1930s, Farley Mowat and his parents moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. They wanted a dog. His father wanted a hunting dog, but since that was too expensive, his mother just bought a dog a little boy was selling for cheap door-to-door. They called him Mutt. This book includes stories that mostly focus on Mutt.

Actually my favourite chapter was the one with the two owls (Mowat used those owls in his fictional kids’ story, “Owls in the Family”). The book was more like short stories, but that’s ok. Mutt was a character. A lot of people seem to consider this a children’s book, but I didn’t think it read that way. A boy and his dog, sure. I suppose that would appeal, but it didn’t seem particularly written for kids. I’m rating it good. ( )

Not a kid's book; beautifully-written look at a child's life in a semi-rural world (Ontario > Canadian Prairie) esp. but not exclusively devoted to Mutt the dog but also Wols and Weeps the owls, assorted skunks, gophers, and cats... Teddy Roosevelt without the money, Mowat's fascination with the natural world began early and led to a life and writings for which we are all grateful. ( )

As a dog lover, I enjoyed being transported to a different time and place where Mutt could have all of the adventures that he did. It made me lament the relatively boring life that my dogs have.

I particularly liked the entertaining chapters about the great horned owls.

Mowat's writing style is pleasing to read.

This is marketed as a children's book, but the reading level is way above that. There were several words I had to look up (pretty rare for me), and there was at least one or two words on each page that I needed to define for my nine-year-old. Not a bad thing at all, just a little more brain-intensive than I was expecting after reading "Owls in the Family."

That being said, all three of us LOVED this book. Mowat's descriptions are hilarious and stunningly beautiful. These borderline tall-tales about Mutt's adventures with the Mowat family consistently had us laugh-out-loud. There were a couple passages that certainly made me cry a little too, as Mowat deals matter-of-factly with death in nature, including the beloved pets.

Love love love this one. ( )

This is a children's story that will engage all readers. Farley Mowat writes this light hearted story about his childhood dog and other various animals that resided with his family in his youth. Mutt was purchased by his mother for 4 cents and he was well worth it. A smart dog who learned to walk the fences, climb ladders, retrieve birds but would not come when called. He had a mind of his own and his antics entertained his family, the various communities they live in and readers for years. Also thrown in are a smattering of stories about the antics of his father as well. A great story for anyone who loves dogs, but be ready for the ending as in many books about animals. ( )