Showing results by author "Caryn Rivadeneira" in All Categories

From sheepdogs to wombats to coyotes to jellyfish, animals serve important biological roles in the world. But those who love animals know there's more. We know our connection to other creatures is more than fur, scale, or feather deep. In Saints of Feather and Fang, writer and lifelong animal lover Caryn Rivadeneira looks at the ways that animals—from the pets who share our homes to the mysterious creatures of the deep—serve as spiritual guides for our hearts, minds, and souls. In them we discover and connect with the God who beckons, rescues, and shelters us.

Ajani loves having a dad from Denmark and a mom from Jamaica. Ajani speaks three languages and gets to spend summers with his grandparents in the coolest places. But when a classmate overhears dark-skinned Ajani speaking Danish, the boy makes a hurtful, racist comment. Ajani is crushed. Until a chance encounter with Louis the Helper Hound helps Ajani feel proud of his heritage and helps him and his classmates fight racism.

Miryam’s body doesn’t fight off germs like it should. While doctors figure out how to make her better, Miryam needs to stay home for online classes. The trouble is: Miryam struggles to focus on her teacher and schoolwork when learning online. She likes in-person learning at school much better! Plus, she misses her friends! When Miryam’s dad hears about the Helper Hounds, everything changes. Brisket the Helper Hound knows all about learning to focus and about staying in touch with friends, even from a distance.

Danny is scared to tell the truth. After he saw someone steal some bikes, now he has to see that person in court and tell what he did. To help calm Danny's fears on the big day, his parents call the Helper Hounds - and there's no better pup for the job than Spooky. Spooky was involved in a crime herself - she lost her leg after being shot by a police officer who thought she was dangerous. Will Spooky's best calming tricks give Danny the courage to tell the truth in court?

Mary's new in town. She’s worried about starting classes at her new school. That's why her mom calls the Helper Hounds - and why Sparkplug, the wildly handsome, wickedly smart, card-carrying, world-famous Helper Hound is on the scene. Sparky knows a thing or two about moving. He moved four times as a puppy, and learned to make new friends along the way.

After losing her first two forever homes, Noodle the goldendoodle knows all about the sadness of goodbyes. But in her new home with Andrea and as an official Helper Hound, Noodle helps Gabriel deal with the loss of his grandfather, and to discover that our loved ones can be found in the little things all around us even when they're gone.

Max and his sister Lily are staying with relatives, while their mom is away getting her own emotional help. Max and Lily are being teased and bullied at school. Their Aunt Eileen calls the Helper Hounds, and soon, Robot, an endearing Rottweiler who knows all about bullies, comes to give support. A lot of people think Rottweilers are bullies, but that's because they don't really know how cuddly they can be. Robot and his handler Samuel help the kids at Max and Lily's school deal with bullies, while Max and Lily gain new friends.

Portia has overcome a lot in life. Born with Down syndrome, Portia has been through many surgeries, lots of doctor's appointments, and strange looks from people who want to limit what she can do. Inside herself, Portia knows she can do anything - including getting over her fear of dogs. But when Penny shows up at Portia's house, she isn't so sure

Ming often gets teased for being "weird". His curious mind and wild imagination make him extra nervous for his school's upcoming lockdown drill after a deadly dance hall shooting. His teacher calls the Helper Hounds to help calm his nerves, and King Tut comes to the rescue! King Tut knows all about being weird - she's been in some scary situations herself after being abandoned under a bridge as a puppy. King Tut helps Ming and his classmates through the lockdown drill. Discover how King Tut helps Ming and his friends see the beauty in being "weird".

Fred's emotions have gone to the dogs! Fred's teacher and Luisa might be excited about their research trip to the library, but Fred is not. In fact, the whole project—and his continued failures at it—are making him angry! That is, until he realizes he has the perfect solution to his problem: Simply write one of his "What If" poems, tap into the power of pretend, turn into Frankinschool, and voila! Project, cancelled.

Fred is working diligently on his writing assignment when a mist fills the room, and the words on his page literally come to life. Suddenly Fred—now Frankinschool—and Luisa—now Princess Luisa—need to save the school from the mysterious potion and devious ghost living in the school attic.

Fred and Luisa find themselves in trouble once again when the new student mixes up recipes at their class's bakery field trip, leading to snakes running amok. While the students scramble out of the school in fear, Fred and Luisa suspect their old friend Frank is behind the Great Cupsnake Escape. Once again they put their creativity, their cooperation, and their courage to the test—but will it be enough to save the school from the snakes?