Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart (picture book)

Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart is an adorable picture book based on a true story. The author did a great job of making the story and illustrations pleasing to young children. There is also a book for older children called Finding Gobi: Young Reader's Edition. Dion Leonard is running a 177 mile race of the Gobi Desert. He meets this little dog partway through the race and realizes that he is running with him. He names him Gobi after the desert. They complete the journey together with some trials and tribulations. When the race ends, Dion adopts Gobi and takes him home to Scotland to be part of the family with his wife and cat. I loved the illustrations in this book. They are large, colourful and fun. They will certainly hold the young child's attention. This book shows the plight of abandoned animals in a positive way. Everyone cannot adopt an abandoned animal from somewhere else in the world, but they can do it in their own communities from their local shelters. The book also stresses perseverance and fulfilling your promises. A great story for a family library, primary classroom, schools or public libraries.

I don’t think I’ve ever read a dog story without either crying or grinning through it. GOBI: A LITTLE DOG WITH A BIG HEART was no different. Based on a true story, this sweet picture book is about how a scraggly little pup in the middle of the Gobi desert finds her forever friend in Dion Leonard. Dion is all set to win a long and arduous race across the desert when he finds the puppy running alongside him one day, whom he promptly names after the place they’ve met in. And that’s where she stays throughout the journey—right beside him, braving the most difficult conditions. At one point, the strength of their bond is tested when Dion has to choose between his friend and winning the race.
The story is simply told and achingly heart-warming, and will make for great classroom reading as well as something kids can snuggle up to before bed. I wasn’t overly fond of the art and the way the text has been laid out. I feel like there could have better text-image integration, but of course, this is a largely subjective view. The only other thing that didn’t work for me in the book is the beginning, which feels a bit rushed. I would have liked to know a little more about Gobi before she meets Dion. And though there’s an author’s note at the back telling us what happened to Gobi after the end of the story, I feel a bit of it could have been incorporated in the main narrative. But that could also just be me displaying Greedy Reader Syndrome!

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I love Gobi, the true story of a little dog who runs alongside a marathoner in a Gobi Desert race. So begins a beautiful friendship, as author Dion Leonard loses the race to help his new friend. Deeply saturated color illustrations and a sweet story, which finds Dion adopting Gobi and taking her back to Scotland, make this darling children’s picture book a winner! 5/5

Thanks to the author, Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN'S and NetGalley for the review copy, in exchange for my true opinions.

This is an adorable picture book with a heartwarming story. It tells the tale of how the author found a stray dog while running a race through the Gobi Desert, and the friendship that developed between them. The illustrations are detailed and colorful, telling the story of the brief text.

This is a very positive story of adoption and finding a forever home.

That was absolutely adorable! I loved the story so much and the fact that it's based on true events made love it even more. I am so glad this cute little puppy found her new home and best friend and she's no longer alone. Moreover, she lives in Edinburgh which is my favourite city in the world <3

Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart by Dion Leonard is a sweet picture book. This is the children's book but there is also an adult version available. The author tells the true story that he himself experienced, running a tough race in the desert and meeting Gobi there. This sweet dog becomes his companion for the entire race and he later becomes the family pet. This is a sweet story that children will love. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

What a precious true story of friendship found in one of the unlikeliest of places! Gobi's story really touched my heart and I would recommend this book to anyone of any age!

Heartwarming nonfiction story. Perfect for a classroom! Any person who loves a good dog story would enjoy.

I read this one to my 2 month old son and we both loved it. It was a very nice story with quite adorable illustrations. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a nice picture book with a great story.

This book is a great choice for children (and adults). It is very heartwarming and Gobi is drawn adorably.

I felt my heart increasing by several sizes and hope Gobi is still living her best life. Kudos to Dion Leonard for rescuing Gobi and giving her a home.

Gobi sees people running across the desert and thinks that he will run with them. He meets Dion and they begin to run together. Soon, they are eating and sleeping together, too. Will that mean that they will stay together when problems arise? Dion can’t leave Gobi and they cross the finish line together.

This is a wonderful picture book for children. The story is simple yet sweet. Gobi and Dion quickly become friends and begin to count on the company of one another. When Dion goes back to the shore to get Gobi even though it could cost him the race, children will learn that sometimes you have to set aside what you want for your friends in need.

The illustrations are lovely. They are realistic and colorful. Children will be enthralled with the deep blues, bright greens and sunny yellows.

I highly recommend this book for toddlers and young children alike.


I received an ARC from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That is no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.

In this true story, it’s hard not to fall in love with Gobi, a stray dog found in the Gobi Desert. How this little dog was able to survive on his own is amazing in itself, but imagine finding your best friend out in the middle of nowhere! The illustrations were on point. This is just a wonderful, heartwarming story for all animal lovers.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for this e-copy in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
This book will be featured on my blog January 4, 2019.
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