A Different Little Doggy - Tapa dura

A Different Little Doggy teaches children the importance of diversity, acceptance and friendship through the story of Taz, an adorable Miniature Pinscher who is different than other dogs.Colorful, lively illustrations and a rhyming story line set the stage for the true, inspirational story of a disabled dog whose life started out like most others, but she was soon faced with health challenges, and one after another, she faced them again and again throughout her life. Being different in life doesn't have to be an obstacle, and in A Different Little Doggy, the main character, Taz, teaches children being different is a good thing that actually makes life fun. A tiny little dog, Taz sees benefits to being small and is comfortable with who she is. As the story starts, Taz encounters a problem with her knees and has to go to the doggy doctor because she's in a lot of pain. The illustrations creatively depict Taz on crutches with pins being used to fix her knees. All fixed up now, the story continues with Taz at a birthday party and playing ball at the park pointing out other ways she is different from her friends; differences that do not matter to any of them. Without warning, as it did in real life, Taz then goes blind, and her life goes on, just in a bit different way. In the final pages of the story, Taz teaches us to be accepting of others who may be different. “Next time you meet someone different than you, walk right up and say 'How do you do?' I like to dance, skip, jump, and run. Would you like to play? It's sure to be fun!” Taz was different than other dogs in many ways, but the same in many others. Her story teaches children (and adults) it's OK to be themselves.

Heather Whittaker is a Wisconsin based business & motivational speaker and author of several books that incorporate stories from the lives of her dogs together to motivate others. This book is her favorite, teaching children the importance of embracing their own differences and accepting the differences of others. Being bullied as a child, she understands the importance of self-esteem and has conveyed that message within her children's book. Connect with Heather and learn more about her canine friends at www.heatherwhittaker.com.