My book recommendation for Say Hello Spot readers is a departure from my usual favorite dog training book or novel with a dog as a main character. Today’s book, I Remember: Hachiko Speaks, by Leslea Newman, is a book of beautifully written poems. The poems are written in the voice of Hachiko, the Akita whose renown story has come to symbolize a dog’s bond with his master. Hachiko speaks as an old dog looking back on his life.
As a puppy, Japan’s famous Akita, accompanied his master, Professor Eisaburo Ueno, to the train station each morning. Then, at the end of the day, Hachiko ran back to the station to meet his master’s 3:00 train. One day, his master did not return. Professor Ueno had died that day at work, never to come through the station doors again. Until his death, ten years later, the loyal Hachiko went to the station to meet his master’s 3:00 train in the hope that that day his master would come through the station doors.
I have read and reread the poems several times in an attempt to pick my very favorite – but each one has an emotion and tenderness all its own… You, too, will feel and hear the voice of Hachiko – and perhaps that of your own dog – as he says the words in each verse. You will sense the passing of time and feel the undying devotion the dog has for his master. You will love reading this book. You will read and reread each poem. And, hold them close to your heart.
I Remember: Hachiko Speaks can be ordered directly from Finishing Line Press. Leslea Newman is the author of more than 60 books for readers of all ages and is an avid dog lover.
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