First published 2010
Snook the rat terrier lives with Abba Jacob, a monk on a remote island. The small dog spends his days as a constant companion, following the monk through morning prayers, garden work, and repairs around their simple hermitage. When a violent storm strikes the island, it tears Snook away from the only life he has known. Now the little dog faces the wilderness alone. He must learn to hunt for food, find shelter, and navigate dangers he never encountered while living safely with his beloved master. The natural world around him holds both threats and unexpected beauty. As days pass, Snook clings to memories of Abba Jacob's gentle voice and caring hands. The dog's survival depends on developing new instincts while holding onto hope that somehow, against the odds, he might find his way back to the monk who raised him. This story explores the bond between human and animal, the resilience required to endure separation, and the faith that sustains creatures through their darkest moments.
Genres: fiction, animals, adventure, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, resilience
Setting: Island
48 pages · Hardcover · Candlewick Press