The Christmas Poodle (release date November 2002) is a significant departure from Robert Humphrey’s normal writing contributions. His first published novel, The Mendelian Threshold (Tattersall Publishing – August 2000), received rave reviews and was a ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Finalist for 2000. He has also published magazine and news articles and a compilation of experiences for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, which became a part of the training materials for the chapter in which he was involved. In The Christmas Poodle, Humphrey draws upon three decades of experience in working with youth at risk and dealing with families in turmoil. In his story the death of their mother pits two homeless children against the world just as the Christmas Season gets into full swing for everyone else. Sent to a foster home, young Jamie Kimball soon learns his little sister is missing after a fiery car crash. But magic is in the air and seems to revolve aound a Christmas story he made up for her the year before. The appearance of a large, white Poodle adds to the mystery of her survival as the children find new hope in the season of miracles.
Professional Reviews
Beyond Words........
Reviewer: Terrance Detweiler from Albany, NY
This little book was a gift to me in more ways than one. My aunt gave it to me because I am a professional dog handler and I specialize in showing Poodles in AKC. I delayed reading it because of the Juvenile Fiction moniker, but carried it with me on several trips out of respect for the giver. Finally, with nothing else to do on a particularly long flight, I pulled it from my briefcase and gave it a read. This is an amazing little story and the author must be an amazing human being, else I would not be writing my first review ever. The Christmas Poodle stirred every emotion I have and constantly pummeled me with the plight of two homeless children. It made me realize just how fortunate I am and how unfortunate so many people are. This is a story for all seasons, a story that will most certainly bring anyone out of their shell into the realization that magical things happen during the month of December...things that have been happening for centuries. Obviously, I fell in love with Maximus, the "great Poodle". As a handler, I immediately recognized the attributes of this magnificent beast and recalled fondly so many Poodles I have had the pleasure of showing in the ring. The author captures so much of the breed in so few sentences that he must certainly know the breed well. There is no way I can express the emotions that I went through as Jamie and Tessie endured hardships and victories in this very short book. I have to recommend it for any age group as it reads very well.
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Reviews for "The Christmas Poodle"
Reviewed by Joan Thompson
6/12/2003
A must-have addition to the Christmas library
The story of Max, the Christmas Poodle, is a "feel good" book expressing the love and hope that is the heart of the Christmas message. Mr. Humphrey deserves our gratitude for sharing this lovely book with us. It will definitely be a book our family reads every year to reinforce the true meaning of Christmas.
Reviewed by Wendel
12/5/2002
Beautiful story! Every copy should come with it's own box of tissues because you are going to need them. I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Humphrey's Christmas offering. It certainly is a departure from his first novel, but this sweet story deserves to be read over and over again. I agree that it has the potential to be a future holiday classic.
Reviewed by Mel
11/30/2002
I received an advance copy of this little book and wondered why anyone would write yet another Christmas story. I was hooked midway through the first chapter. Humphrey captured my heart with his characters and by the end of this too short story, I was filled with every possible emotion. Masterfully told, The Christmas Poodle should be a feature film. It is destined to be a holiday classic for future generations. Thank you, Robert, for allowing me to be one of the first to meet the incomparable Maximus!
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