Its a story about a dog and a boy who do not own each other. Both of them go surfing and have a fun time at the beach. The illustrations are good.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

This is a wonderful tale about a young boy and a stray dog who foster a daily friendship as they surf the waves together.


The dog waits for the boy's return from school each day and is then scooped up, boarded on the boy's scooter and off they zoom to the beach to surf. Along their journey they pass toucans, squirrel monkeys and an ocelot giving the reader a clue that perhaps the setting is in a rain forested area, although it is never disclosed.

One day after they have surfed until the near setting of the sun they head back to the boy's home and are greeted by his mother who invites not only the boy but his trusty dog friend in for dinner. The boy responds, "But he's not our dog." Happily the two accept her gracious invitation and chow down their dinner on the front porch together ... both happy as clams.

Eric Walters has given us a lovely story of friendship in Surfer Dog. The flourishing greenery in the delightful illustrations of life in a tropical paradise set the stage for this heartwarming story of a boy and a dog. The love of surfing drew the characters together but at the heart is their friendship and easy acceptance of each other.

I read it with my grandchildren aged three to seven; finding it an easy text for young readers and short enough for preschoolers while it is also an interesting read for adults. All of this makes it a perfect book for families and schools. The seven-year-old wanted to give it more than 5 stars but then he also wanted a scooter, a surfboard and a dog to share riding them with too. I did too, and I am way to old to start surfing now. Surely Surfer Dog inspires us all to share our lives with a friend, two-legged or four-legged.

I like this story of a dog who is not owned by a boy, and a boy who is not owned by a dog. They are found friends with a common love of surfing. It's a simple story with a great message.

ARC COPY...beautiful illustrations and vistas and the tropical island life + scenery and the joy of surfing with friends. The narrative is understandable for children and emphasis the strong of bonds between friend + family whether it be human or dog...they are just friends in this little paradise of an island.

A big thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. First time reading this author. This is a children's book. It has great graphics and a super cute story. Short and sweet.

This is a beautifully illustrated and written story about the friendship and love between a boy and a dog. This is not just any dog, but one who loves to surf. Everyday, the dog waits for the boy to come home from school. Once he is changed, off they go on the scooter over bumpy roads and trails until they get to the beach. They go out together several times, the boy holding the dog on when necessary, then he goes by himself. They are just "boy" to each other, because they do not own one another, they are just friends. Once mother decides to feed the dog, the boy, Sammy, tells him his name and gives the dog a name. The illustrations are vibrant and lush. I almost felt like I was in the jungle with them. At now time are we told where the story takes place, but the dedication is to his daughter who brought him to Costa Rica, so that is my guess for the setting. This is a cute story about friendship. If you love dogs, then this is the book for you. This would also be a nice read aloud in a primary/early junior classroom.