Are you looking for a gift for that seven to eleven year old in your life?

A book will live inside your child’s memories long after those over-hyped toys lie forgotten at the bottom of the toy box. A book can transport them to the jungles of Africa, the deepest reaches of space, or as is the case of today’s novel, they can share the life of a boy and his dog. What toy could compete with that?

One-Eyed Jack (Blooming Tree Press), by Paula Miller, is the finest children’s book I’ve reviewed all year. I was impressed with every aspect, from its lovely illustrations (by Chris Forrest) to the lovable characters and their delightful tale with just the right mix of adventure, giggles and nail-biting tension.

One-Eyed Jack is set in the untamed wilderness of 1880’s Montana, where Nate lives on a cattle ranch with his brother Billy, sister Mabel Sue, Ma, Pa and his wise, old Grandpa Albert.

Then one day Nate finds an injured puppy and wants to nurse it back to health. But for some mysterious reason, Pa’s dead set against it. “...It’s better to put him out of his misery right now. He’ll grow up to be nothing but trouble, anyhow.” (Pa said)

Can Nate change Pa’s mind? Or is Pa right and the puppy will cause all kinds of mischief? You’ll have to buy the book to find out; I wouldn’t dare spoil the fun.

Get a copy for every kid on your Christmas list. They are going to love you for it.

Pick up a copy at Amazon



Paula Miller is the author of children's book, One-Eyed Jack, the first in The Faces of History Series and several short stories included in The Best Sister in the World, All My Bad Habits I Learned From Grandpa, Mistletoe Madness and more. She has published numerous articles and is a regular columnist in the popular Home School Enrichment magazine.

Paula frequently teaches writing workshops and speaks at local homeschool groups, libraries, and elementary and middle schools around southcentral Minnesota where she lives with her husband Travis and four sons.

Visit Paula’s Website