Two brothers search the streets of Nepal for a stray dog to feed during the festival of Kukur Tihar, a special day honoring dogs. The festival is also a remembrance of the search and rescue dogs that saved lives after the devastating 2015 earthquake. Award-winning author Margarita Engle, her daughter, Nicole Karanjit and son-in-law Amish Karanjit, come together with illustrator Ruth Jeyaveeran to create a touching story of empathy, memory, and celebration. It's a glimpse into Nepali culture, enhanced by a glossary, further reading, and activities, and a story that emphasizes empathy and love for all creatures, great and small. Ruth Jeyaveeran's illustrations further this study in culture, with brown-skinned people wearing Nepali clothing and animals wearing vermilion paste, a sign of holiness and blessing, on their foreheads during the celebrations.

A Dog Named Haku is a book that takes place in Nepal during the festival of Deepwali. Alu and Bhalu are participating in the special day to honor stray dogs, or kukurs that roam their village. They have a hard time finding a dog at first, until they find a beautiful black dog they name Haku, which means black. The rest of the book shows their family celebrating together. There are many strengths in A Dog Named Haku. The illustrations show a still ravaged city, after the devastating earthquakes in 2015. The illustrations show a loving family, and the inclusion of Nepali words with a glossary in the back is a great resource for teachers and parents. The one flaw I can see is the holiday is not named anywhere in the book except in an authors note on the title page. I spent the book wondering what holiday was taking place, and would have liked to have it more clearly stated. However, this flaw does not detract from a nicely illustrated story that will teach many kids about something new.

The story is nice, and I enjoyed it, but the art isn't compelling so I don't see myself buying this for my library. I do not think it would circulate well.

I thought this book was just beautiful.  The illustrations are gorgeous!  My favorite thing about this book is that it shows kids looking for a dog to help that is in need.  This is something that needs to happen more.  Kids need to grow up learning to help others including our animal friends.

In this well written and illustrated story, readers learn about a Hindu holiday, a part of which is to honor and celebrate courageous dogs. After an earthquake, search and rescue dogs helped rescuers find people buried under the rubble. Now, two brothers look for a stray dog to honor with food and gratitude. When they find a black puppy, they return home to join the family celebration. A lovely story about caring and gratitude. Interesting back matter includes a glossary, author’s note, and map showing where Nepal, the setting, is located.

This is a wonderful story about one tradition of the five day holiday known as Deepawali in Nepal or Diwali in India. This is a heartwarming story about two young boys who are looking for a stray dog to honor. Dogs searched and rescued many people after a terrible earthquake and the boys will not give up searching for a dog until they find one. They finally find a lost and lonely puppy that they not only feed, but take home. Another tradition is for children to give each other gifts, so the puppy, named Haku, will be given to each other by the two brothers and one sister. A story to teach about thankfulness, family traditions, love and respect and culture. there is a list of additional resources and some activities to do to extend learning at the back of the book that can also be used. A great addition to a school library in their celebrations section.

AHHHH. I was not expecting this heartwarming story that mixes true life with holiday fables. In this special holiday brothers and sisters in Nepal give each other gifts, but also honor creatures great and small. Alu and Bhalu decide to honor a stray dog. After All the dogs never stopped searching for them after the earthquake that brought disaster to their city. And they are not going to stop searching until they find a dog that they can help. A wonderful story with bits thrown in about a holiday a world away. Lovely and memorable.

This is a great story about the country of Nepal and how they honor dogs. It would be great to use as a way to introduce other cultures to children. The suggested activities in the back of the book are great extensions to the story. The illustrations are colorful and add to the story very well.