This clever version of legend put a spell on my heart, and will surely enchant my students! I loved this book and highly recommend it!

The Wizard's Dog by Eric Kahn Gale is a children's fantasy that gives a fresh twist to Arthurian legends. Nosewise is spunky, curious, and just so happens to be a dog. He cannot understand why his pack mates Merlin and Morgana spend all day practicing magic tricks. If it’s a trick they want, he’s the dog to ask! He can already Sit!, Stay!, and Roll Over! But there’s no way Nosewise is Stay!ing when his master and best friend, Merlin, is kidnapped. There’s nothing Nosewise won’t do to get Merlin back, even if it means facing the strange Fae people and their magic-eating worms, or tangling with the mysterious Sword in the Stone. But it may take more than sniffing out a spell to do it! Nosewise’s hilarious escapades and steadfast loyalty get him and his companions through King Arthur’s Dark Ages.

The Wizard's Dog is a grand magical adventure featuring some of my favorite classic characters, all from a dog's point of view. I loved Nosewise's character, and the illustrations and cover image of him just made him even more endearing. The danger, deception, and magic are well written, and engaging without being so dire that more sensitive readers will be turned off the book. I think the character development of Morgana and Arthur was very well done. The only thing that could have made it better was more depth for Merlin, but since he is such a iconic character I can let that go.

I have always been a fan of Arthurian legends, and The Wizard's Dog gives my favorite story a fun new twist. I absolutely loved the canine point of view and will be adding this to my school library's collect as soon as possible. I only wish I had opened this digital galley and read it much earlier! I hope to find the time to go back and read the author's other two books to see if they entertain me as much.

So fun! I am sure 3rd graders on up will enjoy this fun and magical tale! Love the talking dog!

A middle grade book? Really, Kristin? YES!!! Why?

Do you NOT see that awesome cover? It's got Merlin and his adorable dog on it!

Who isn't completely enthralled by the story of Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, Avalon, and Excalibur (aka the Sword in the Stone)? Every version, almost every story, I can soak them all up and still never get enough. Yes, even the Magic Tree House series counts :) As soon as I saw the cover of this simply titled book, The Wizard's Dog, I knew I had to break out of my comfort zone and read this. Oh, I am so giddy that I did.

The story starts out with Merlin and Morgana training in the study of Merlin's home. Nosewise, Merlin's faithful (and turns out Merlin's first) dog sits outside the study, cursing the invention of doors that keep him separated from his pack mates.

Told entirely in Nosewise's point of view, we learn that there might of been some key characters and details missing from the tale we all know and love about when Arthur pulled the sword from the stone. Oh, the Lady of Lake is still there, along with some other wonderful surprise appearances from canon characters.

Being a huge fan of the Fae, I LOVED this take on the famous tale. And Mr. Gale kept the world (and plot, for that matter) simple and basic enough for a middle grade reader to grasp quickly. NO subversive messages or anything like that. It's all there, out in the open. But the story isn't too simple. There are good guys, there are bad guys. There is betrayal, love, and the meaning of family all woven into this story... yep, told by a dog.

And I only picked it up for the cover. Ha!

As a reader of fantasy, I could appreciate Mr. Gale's interpretation of magic. He used a "school" for the magic that I had never read before. That's not to say that it's never been used before. I just haven't run across it before. It was brilliant in my opinion. And nope, I won't spoil it here, either. Sorry..... not really.

This is a short book that I believe to be an excellent recommendation for the most reluctant reader. The almost non-stop action should keep anyone hooked for hours. Like I was... sorry, Hubs! Dogs rule, husbands drool.

A really fun look at the Arthurian legend. I'm definitely looking forward to giving it to fans of "The Familiars."

THE WIZARD’S DOG is a fun fantasy romp full of magic and adventure. It’s narrated by Nosewise the dog, who has an excellent nose and a talent for magic. When I was younger, I loved books written from the perspectives of animals, and Nosewise rekindled that love.

Nosewise is curious as to why Merlin and Morgana spend all day in the study. He picked up his tricks quickly enough, why do they need so much more practice? When Nosewise learns some magic of his own, he’s the only one capable of rescuing Merlin after the wizard is kidnapped. So he sets off on the adventure of a lifetime, aided by his capable nose and brain.

THE WIZARD’S DOG is, as I said above, a fun book. Nosewise’s observations about humans are amusing, his travels are quite the adventure and learning experience, and he gets in and out of trouble like, well, a dog. I liked that the author kept Nosewise a dog — sure, he’s smart, but he can’t see all colors and he thinks poo is great. He’s loyal to the humans that deserve it; there’s even a little about animal abuse mentioned.

I do wish the Nosewise on the cover looked less silly, because my younger self might have passed this book up because of his comical appearance. Yeah, he’s funny, but he and this story are more than that.

THE WIZARD’S DOG is an enjoyable, unique take on Merlin, Arthur, and the Sword in the Stone, starring one very special dog. I know this is a standalone, but I gotta say, I’d like to see more of Nosewise!

This story told from the perspective of Nosewise, Wizard Merlin's dog, is a twist on the tale The Stone in the Sword. When wearing a special stone, Nosewise has special powers including the ability to talk. When Merlin and his apprentice Morganda are kidnapped, Nosewise goes in search for them. His adventure takes him to a castle where he meets Arthur, into the depths of the Otherworld, and finally to Avalon where a battle to rescue the wizard takes place. This is an adventurous story with some humor and lots of magic and wizardry. Nosewise is a loyal and brave dog and his main role in the story will be appreciated by dog lovers.

Nosewise is quite a talented pup. Caring, astute, and a gifted wizard! Nosewise was rescued from his "bad master" by Merlin (of Arthurian fame) and is living with Merlin and young student Morgana when things go a bit wrong. Morgana is taken in by the promises of a powerful Fae, Merlin is captured, and it's up to Nosewise to save the day. On his quest to save Merlin, Nosewise meets a young stable boy named Arthur. Together, Nosewise and Arthur will have to figure out a way to loose a sword from a stone, trick the fae, defeat their monsters, and reunite their family.

"The Wizard's Dog" is a quirky twist on the familiar Arthurian story, and Nosewise is a heartwarming and comedic addition. Nosewise is written with care, demonstrating the best characteristics in both people and pups. His aversion to doors, scent-driven magic, and undying loyalty make the perfect protagonist for the good vs. evil narrative. This quick and adventurous read is a perfect recommendation for young fans of fantasy, adventure, and of course dogs. While "The Wizard's Dog" probably won't be on an awards list this year, it doesn't need to be! Fun, light, and fantastic.