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George Knows
An egotistical magical basset hound named George believes it's his duty to train and protect his 12-year-old Girlpup, a greenwitch named Karly. He and his Girlpup, must solve a murder as well as save their park from being developed. George is the perfectly designed familiar for the job.
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183 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2013
3 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Mymudes
5 books125 followersMindy Mymudes runs with the Muddy Paws Pack in Milwaukee, WI. She insists she is alpha, even as the dogs walk all over her. She hunts, cleans the den and keeps them entertained. When she can escape the pack, she enjoys digging in dirt, listening to audiobooks, and weaving the antics of the pack into stories. The alpha male, Tall Dude, just shakes his head and stays out of the way.
Find Mindy on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...) and George at Basset Bones. (http://bassetbones.wordpress.com)
Find Mindy on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author...) and George at Basset Bones. (http://bassetbones.wordpress.com)
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 30, 2013
Two-haiku review:
Basset's point of view
Familiar to young greenwitch
Must solve mysteries
This author knows dogs
Brilliant look into dog's mind
Awesome children's book
Basset's point of view
Familiar to young greenwitch
Must solve mysteries
This author knows dogs
Brilliant look into dog's mind
Awesome children's book
October 28, 2014
George Knows is a hilarious story told from the perspective of a self-centered, egotistical basset hound who is an absolute riot. George is Karly’s “familiar” or an animal that has a special connection to a human. In this story, that would be Karly (aka, “Girlpup” from George’s perspective), a 12 year old girl who also happens to be a greenwitch-in-training. A mystery begins to brew when Karly and George discover some human remains in the forest, along with a menacing presence, which they discover, with the help of their Aunt Heather, is a mythical Hodag.
What is a Hodag, you ask? Apparently, the Hodag is based on folklore emerging from Wisconsin (according to Wikipedia, anyways) and it is described as having “the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end” (see Wikipedia for original sources). The Hodag is said to appear only when the forest is in need of its protection, so it is up to George and his “Pack” to save the forest and allow the Hodag to return to its resting place.
It is not very often that I literally laugh out loud at passages in a book, but this book has some absolutely gut-splitting inner dialogue. George thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread and that all of the “Peeps” are grossly inferior to him. For example, in George’s mind, his leash is to keep his Girlpup in line, not the other way around. Here is an example of George’s train of thoughts:
While I found this book to be thoroughly amusing I do have one comment about the underlying mystery. I thought the book had a great start with the discovery of the human bones, but as George and the Pack work to solve the mystery, I felt that the book took a turn and became about the Hodag. The mystery of the bones was resolved abruptly and seemingly out of the blue. Further, I would have liked to see George and Karly be the ones solving the mystery instead of Aunt Heather. While I think Karly was an interesting character, I believe she could have grown more throughout the story. But, perhaps, that is the intention in further books. We have to start somewhere!
My Bottom Line:
George Knows takes the reader on an uproarious journey into the mind of an egotistical and magical basset hound as he works with his Girlpup (a 12 year old witch-in-training, Karly) and her Aunt Heather, in solving a mystery when he digs up human remains. This story will definitely tickle your funny bone and dog-lovers in particular will be able to relate to some of George’s passing thoughts as he looks down upon his Packmates. I recommend this fun story to children (and dog lovers) 8 years and older.
What is a Hodag, you ask? Apparently, the Hodag is based on folklore emerging from Wisconsin (according to Wikipedia, anyways) and it is described as having “the head of a frog, the grinning face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears at the end” (see Wikipedia for original sources). The Hodag is said to appear only when the forest is in need of its protection, so it is up to George and his “Pack” to save the forest and allow the Hodag to return to its resting place.
It is not very often that I literally laugh out loud at passages in a book, but this book has some absolutely gut-splitting inner dialogue. George thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread and that all of the “Peeps” are grossly inferior to him. For example, in George’s mind, his leash is to keep his Girlpup in line, not the other way around. Here is an example of George’s train of thoughts:
"I look at my Packmates. Why don’t they smelltaste its grossness? Peeps. Said it before, and I’ll say it again: Peeps, no common senses.
Maybe there are chips in one of bags? I try to pull closer. Karly pulls me back. I need to put a collar on her. See if she likes having her neck yanked around. It’s not my fault I can’t hold onto her leash. She doesn’t need to jerk me around. It’s like the leash is for me or something."
While I found this book to be thoroughly amusing I do have one comment about the underlying mystery. I thought the book had a great start with the discovery of the human bones, but as George and the Pack work to solve the mystery, I felt that the book took a turn and became about the Hodag. The mystery of the bones was resolved abruptly and seemingly out of the blue. Further, I would have liked to see George and Karly be the ones solving the mystery instead of Aunt Heather. While I think Karly was an interesting character, I believe she could have grown more throughout the story. But, perhaps, that is the intention in further books. We have to start somewhere!
My Bottom Line:
George Knows takes the reader on an uproarious journey into the mind of an egotistical and magical basset hound as he works with his Girlpup (a 12 year old witch-in-training, Karly) and her Aunt Heather, in solving a mystery when he digs up human remains. This story will definitely tickle your funny bone and dog-lovers in particular will be able to relate to some of George’s passing thoughts as he looks down upon his Packmates. I recommend this fun story to children (and dog lovers) 8 years and older.
February 2, 2014
Very Well Written
George Knows by Mindy Mymudes is hilarious at time while being lightly melodramatic in some sense of the word. It all begins with George describing Girlpup somewhat. My interested really perked the moment I read “mind-link” magical words for me to pay attention and keep on reading.
There is a scene, at the beginning, where George finds questionable bones and Karly wants to have Aunt Heather’s look at them. All sorts of little episodes start to happen. It seemed that images of Karly’s emotions show down their link. (You'll have to read it to find out what that means) George gets to see what she actually sees that makes her react.
The fun of having Aunt Heather around is awesome. The way she replaced crystals and gems by Jasper and Quartz brewing up those bass vibrations and growing strong – "feeltaste and smelltaste" – what have we here? Does George have ghost friends? I like the parts George is always hungry… when was the last time I ate? The lines attributed to this character (George) are beyond all of my expectations, so unique, so cleverly written enough to captivate the readers.
This storyline is very delightful and magical. So very much so, that, I can already picture it on the big screen. I do recommend it and please do read it to your children or have an older child read it to her/his younger sibling(s) or both. I gave it a 5 Stars.
Adriana LG
George Knows by Mindy Mymudes is hilarious at time while being lightly melodramatic in some sense of the word. It all begins with George describing Girlpup somewhat. My interested really perked the moment I read “mind-link” magical words for me to pay attention and keep on reading.
There is a scene, at the beginning, where George finds questionable bones and Karly wants to have Aunt Heather’s look at them. All sorts of little episodes start to happen. It seemed that images of Karly’s emotions show down their link. (You'll have to read it to find out what that means) George gets to see what she actually sees that makes her react.
The fun of having Aunt Heather around is awesome. The way she replaced crystals and gems by Jasper and Quartz brewing up those bass vibrations and growing strong – "feeltaste and smelltaste" – what have we here? Does George have ghost friends? I like the parts George is always hungry… when was the last time I ate? The lines attributed to this character (George) are beyond all of my expectations, so unique, so cleverly written enough to captivate the readers.
This storyline is very delightful and magical. So very much so, that, I can already picture it on the big screen. I do recommend it and please do read it to your children or have an older child read it to her/his younger sibling(s) or both. I gave it a 5 Stars.
Adriana LG
February 4, 2018
5 big Aroooo's ( Beagle howls ) for this funny and adorable children's book !
George the magical beagle is trained to be a witch's "familiar" and he is the star of this little adventure. He's smart, he's greedy, he's cocky, he's got SKILLS, and he has the most entertaining manner of dropping a lot of comically condescending musings about everybody. The relationship between George and his "Girlpup" Karly is seen through George's eyes; in fact the entire novel is told from George's point of view and it's the best part of the story. I love how the author lets the reader see into George's quirky little brain and into all of his muddled up thoughts about how silly humans can be, since they're not as fortunate as he is to be a dog. That made me laugh so hard because I figure my dog Harold probably shares George's views. There is a cute little adventure that develops when George and Karly find some human bones and they take it to Aunt Heather, who uses her witch skills to help solve the mystery. There's also a Hodag creature that takes up a large part of the story. This book made me laugh and took me back to the little kid I used to be as I got lost in the beautiful, happy world of George and his tuna brownies ! This is a book that kids are sure to love, especially kids who are fond of dogs. I enjoyed this so much that I might actually read the second one in the series, because I am not ready to say goodbye to this funny, vain little beagle.
George the magical beagle is trained to be a witch's "familiar" and he is the star of this little adventure. He's smart, he's greedy, he's cocky, he's got SKILLS, and he has the most entertaining manner of dropping a lot of comically condescending musings about everybody. The relationship between George and his "Girlpup" Karly is seen through George's eyes; in fact the entire novel is told from George's point of view and it's the best part of the story. I love how the author lets the reader see into George's quirky little brain and into all of his muddled up thoughts about how silly humans can be, since they're not as fortunate as he is to be a dog. That made me laugh so hard because I figure my dog Harold probably shares George's views. There is a cute little adventure that develops when George and Karly find some human bones and they take it to Aunt Heather, who uses her witch skills to help solve the mystery. There's also a Hodag creature that takes up a large part of the story. This book made me laugh and took me back to the little kid I used to be as I got lost in the beautiful, happy world of George and his tuna brownies ! This is a book that kids are sure to love, especially kids who are fond of dogs. I enjoyed this so much that I might actually read the second one in the series, because I am not ready to say goodbye to this funny, vain little beagle.
January 9, 2018
A wonderfully fun para-mystery for readers of most any age!
GEORGE KNOWS is delightful mystery told from the perspective of, George, an extremely egotistical basset hound. Each line from George left me smiling. I have a feeling most of our pets think the way he does. From the first couple of pages, we learn George is a familiar to Karly, a young pre-teen witch in training.
The mystery begins when George and Karly discover human bones. Whose are they, how old are they, and what happened, are questions that need to be answered. There were many clues for us readers to follow as well as some twists and turns along the way, all leading to a surprise conclusion.
The ideal reading age for GEORGE KNOWS is Fourth to Sixth grades. I truly feel some younger, and certainly much older readers will enjoy this unique mystery.
GEORGE KNOWS is delightful mystery told from the perspective of, George, an extremely egotistical basset hound. Each line from George left me smiling. I have a feeling most of our pets think the way he does. From the first couple of pages, we learn George is a familiar to Karly, a young pre-teen witch in training.
The mystery begins when George and Karly discover human bones. Whose are they, how old are they, and what happened, are questions that need to be answered. There were many clues for us readers to follow as well as some twists and turns along the way, all leading to a surprise conclusion.
The ideal reading age for GEORGE KNOWS is Fourth to Sixth grades. I truly feel some younger, and certainly much older readers will enjoy this unique mystery.
April 24, 2014
George Knows is a very well written book, that is fun for all age! I truly enjoyed reading a story told from a lovable, magical dog's pov.
I loved George's inner dialog about his Girlpup, Karly. How he and Karly see "the creep" aka boypup Joey.
Auntie Heather is a unique, funny, and very like-able secondary character. Karly is learning her magic from her, and how to use her connection with her familiar George.
Travel along with George and his 'pack' as they investigate the happenings going on in the park.
Take a fun, mystical, laugh out loud joyride your whole family is sure to love!
I hope there's going to be a follow-up book, I can't wait to see what else George has to say!
Highly recommend!
I loved George's inner dialog about his Girlpup, Karly. How he and Karly see "the creep" aka boypup Joey.
Auntie Heather is a unique, funny, and very like-able secondary character. Karly is learning her magic from her, and how to use her connection with her familiar George.
Travel along with George and his 'pack' as they investigate the happenings going on in the park.
Take a fun, mystical, laugh out loud joyride your whole family is sure to love!
I hope there's going to be a follow-up book, I can't wait to see what else George has to say!
Highly recommend!
January 30, 2014
George Knows, by Mindy Mymudes, is a treat for children that adults can enjoy as well. This is not always the case with children's books, but Mymudes has managed to get it right. Her self-confessed love of Basset Hounds makes her observations of the animals behavior a good guide for a story told from the perspective of a Basset Hound, in this case George.
George is a familiar for a family whose twelve year old daughter is a witch in training. It is Georges job to train her. His efforts are hampered by local events that take him and his family all on an adventure that will test Georges high opinion of himself, and help his "girlpup" Karly learn more of what it is to be a witch.
Mymudes creates a fun story with creative use of words for her protagonist/narrator George. "Girlpup", "packmom", "packdad", and the use of "peeps" to describe people, is sure to delight children and get a chuckle out of mom and dad. Yet she does it in a way that does not clog up the story with words that are too unfamiliar and cause the reader to have to pause leaving the rhythm of the tale.
The human characters are well written and the explanations for usual dog behavior, seen through a dogs eyes, is imaginative. Take this scene, "I drink more of the sweet water and carry the last mouthful to Auntie Heather. I drop it on her feet to thank her for her thoughtfulness.
“You’re welcome, George.” She shakes her feet, one at a time.
The proper way to dry off."
Or when he decides to pass gas and describes it like this, "The scent breezes around me. It’s delicate and earthy. I have graced them with one of my better ones." Perhaps to a dog his gas is "delicate and earthy."
We all like to ascribe motivations to our pets and Mymudes' use of typical dog behavior makes the willing suspension of disbelief easy in this case, with Georges descriptions of his actions. Telling a tale from an animal's perspective is a good way to get, and hold, a reader's attention, especially children.
The actions of the children in the tale are also believable and familiar to anyone who has been around kids. Kids themselves will probably agree with the children's characters reasoning wholeheartedly, making it easy for them to invest themselves in the characters and the story.
Having spent several years as a tutor and volunteer at an elementary school, I can attest that the quality of George Knows holds up. I recommend this to children, their parents, and school teachers looking for reading material in their classes.
George is a familiar for a family whose twelve year old daughter is a witch in training. It is Georges job to train her. His efforts are hampered by local events that take him and his family all on an adventure that will test Georges high opinion of himself, and help his "girlpup" Karly learn more of what it is to be a witch.
Mymudes creates a fun story with creative use of words for her protagonist/narrator George. "Girlpup", "packmom", "packdad", and the use of "peeps" to describe people, is sure to delight children and get a chuckle out of mom and dad. Yet she does it in a way that does not clog up the story with words that are too unfamiliar and cause the reader to have to pause leaving the rhythm of the tale.
The human characters are well written and the explanations for usual dog behavior, seen through a dogs eyes, is imaginative. Take this scene, "I drink more of the sweet water and carry the last mouthful to Auntie Heather. I drop it on her feet to thank her for her thoughtfulness.
“You’re welcome, George.” She shakes her feet, one at a time.
The proper way to dry off."
Or when he decides to pass gas and describes it like this, "The scent breezes around me. It’s delicate and earthy. I have graced them with one of my better ones." Perhaps to a dog his gas is "delicate and earthy."
We all like to ascribe motivations to our pets and Mymudes' use of typical dog behavior makes the willing suspension of disbelief easy in this case, with Georges descriptions of his actions. Telling a tale from an animal's perspective is a good way to get, and hold, a reader's attention, especially children.
The actions of the children in the tale are also believable and familiar to anyone who has been around kids. Kids themselves will probably agree with the children's characters reasoning wholeheartedly, making it easy for them to invest themselves in the characters and the story.
Having spent several years as a tutor and volunteer at an elementary school, I can attest that the quality of George Knows holds up. I recommend this to children, their parents, and school teachers looking for reading material in their classes.
January 2, 2014
Fabulous book!
Highly Recommended!
Highly Recommended!
November 10, 2014
Fun read
January 29, 2014
George Knows, by Mindy Mymudes, is a fun, fun book for children that adults will enjoy as well.
George, is a funny, self absorbed, always hungry, slightly attention deficit disorder affected Basset Hound who just happens to be an animal familiar of a budding teenage witch names Karly. As with all budding relationships, things do not always go smoothly, often with laugh out loud results.
As a long time dog owner, I was really pleased to see how the author told this charming story from the dog's perspective. Although the story starts off a little slowly, it really picks up in the third chapter and delivers a rich story with a satisfying ending. In addition to the main plot lines there are lots of lovely tidbits for teaching children about responsible dog ownership carefully crafted into the story.
This is a great bedtime story for parents to read to their children. The chapters are well placed so that the story can be broken down for a good week of bed time reading.
George, is a funny, self absorbed, always hungry, slightly attention deficit disorder affected Basset Hound who just happens to be an animal familiar of a budding teenage witch names Karly. As with all budding relationships, things do not always go smoothly, often with laugh out loud results.
As a long time dog owner, I was really pleased to see how the author told this charming story from the dog's perspective. Although the story starts off a little slowly, it really picks up in the third chapter and delivers a rich story with a satisfying ending. In addition to the main plot lines there are lots of lovely tidbits for teaching children about responsible dog ownership carefully crafted into the story.
This is a great bedtime story for parents to read to their children. The chapters are well placed so that the story can be broken down for a good week of bed time reading.
February 15, 2014
A delight, not only for kids, but for older "kids at heart". When George speaks, it's like hearing inside my dogs head. Love it, and can't wait for George's next adventure! Definitely 5 Stars!!!!
January 4, 2014
Laughter...there are so many opportunities to laugh as this story GEORGE KNOWS makes you laugh until your sides are splitting, BUT our cunning author starts the laughs rolling with her name...Mindy Mymudes...unless I'm five sheets short of a full sail the last name is a euphemism for My Moods! Am I right?
Moving on...GEORGE KNOWS is a story written for a target area of the young...Since in my earlier incarnation...okay it was THIS one, but back before the car accident took my career from me...I was a teacher...so I feel amply qualified to read a book written with the young in mind since I'm looking at it from the point of view of a teacher trying to decide if this would make a good story to add to a required number of books for yearly lesson planning...and also from memories of my own years growing up it stirs into nostalgic life.
George is an exceptional dog who thinks very highly of himself, dismissing his humans (he calls them "peeps") lack of appreciation for him removing bad smells, as far as his well trained nose is concerned, with the "natural" aroma of his...well his "tooting."
The world revolves around George...or it SHOULD. Anything that deprives George of strutting his Basset Hound elegance for all to oooh and ahhh over must be eliminated.
Since George is the familiar of developing teen witch Karly...the little witch thinks of him as...horrors upon horrors...as a "dog!" When will she learn?
This book took me back in time to my own younger days. I grew up in the Country...our founding father putting a mandate in the town's bylaws about no one building on their land unless they had over two acres of land and the maples planted on both sides of our one street that made this amazing canopy arc when they were in full leaf, could never be cut down...that's a NICE bylaw.
Karly's Auntie Heather may be the reincarnation of Elija Kirk, Wycmobe's founding father...so determined is she to train Karly and George, while also keeping the nasty builders from turning the forestry surrounding them into modern eyesores for the uneducated peeps.
Will George be able to concentrate on something other than the food he just inhaled even though he can't remember it as he stares rather unhappily at his empty bowl, long enough to help Auntie Heather teach Karly, AND save the day?
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading this story. My only regret is I had to read it in fits and starts because I'm recovering from spinal cord surgery. (I'm sending it to my Archives on my e-reader so I can call it up when I am no longer squirming and wincing with pain so I can reread it in one sitting.)
GEORGE KNOWS...yep...GEORGE KNOWS thanks to Mindy Mymudes how to grab the reader makes us shake our heads with indulgence, laugh outrageously, and be very sorry to see it has reached the end.
Ms. Mymudes, will George be back along with his NEW passion?
FIVE STARS and a cheerful request...
MORE, MORE, MORE!
Moving on...GEORGE KNOWS is a story written for a target area of the young...Since in my earlier incarnation...okay it was THIS one, but back before the car accident took my career from me...I was a teacher...so I feel amply qualified to read a book written with the young in mind since I'm looking at it from the point of view of a teacher trying to decide if this would make a good story to add to a required number of books for yearly lesson planning...and also from memories of my own years growing up it stirs into nostalgic life.
George is an exceptional dog who thinks very highly of himself, dismissing his humans (he calls them "peeps") lack of appreciation for him removing bad smells, as far as his well trained nose is concerned, with the "natural" aroma of his...well his "tooting."
The world revolves around George...or it SHOULD. Anything that deprives George of strutting his Basset Hound elegance for all to oooh and ahhh over must be eliminated.
Since George is the familiar of developing teen witch Karly...the little witch thinks of him as...horrors upon horrors...as a "dog!" When will she learn?
This book took me back in time to my own younger days. I grew up in the Country...our founding father putting a mandate in the town's bylaws about no one building on their land unless they had over two acres of land and the maples planted on both sides of our one street that made this amazing canopy arc when they were in full leaf, could never be cut down...that's a NICE bylaw.
Karly's Auntie Heather may be the reincarnation of Elija Kirk, Wycmobe's founding father...so determined is she to train Karly and George, while also keeping the nasty builders from turning the forestry surrounding them into modern eyesores for the uneducated peeps.
Will George be able to concentrate on something other than the food he just inhaled even though he can't remember it as he stares rather unhappily at his empty bowl, long enough to help Auntie Heather teach Karly, AND save the day?
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading this story. My only regret is I had to read it in fits and starts because I'm recovering from spinal cord surgery. (I'm sending it to my Archives on my e-reader so I can call it up when I am no longer squirming and wincing with pain so I can reread it in one sitting.)
GEORGE KNOWS...yep...GEORGE KNOWS thanks to Mindy Mymudes how to grab the reader makes us shake our heads with indulgence, laugh outrageously, and be very sorry to see it has reached the end.
Ms. Mymudes, will George be back along with his NEW passion?
FIVE STARS and a cheerful request...
MORE, MORE, MORE!
June 16, 2014
“George Knows” is a sweet, funny read. A lovable basset hound tries to teach his “Girlpup”, Karly, how to be partners with him as a witch/familiar duo. She has not yet learned to accept and share their mind link, and she tends to see him as a bit of a nuisance. George often becomes exasperated with her while patiently waiting for her to realize that she can make things much easier for both of them if she just opens her mind and listens to him.
The story seems to be about family and coming together to solve a mystery, while throughout showing Karly’s growth in her powers and her acceptance of her link with George. When Karly and George are wandering the woods in search of plants for her witch aunt to use, they stumble across a partial human skeleton. George digs them up, and they take them back to Karly’s Auntie Heather, starting a whole series of events that leads to even bigger mysteries and discoveries in the woods bordering their local park.
To compound this problem and make matters worse, their investigation is interrupted and made more complicated by the construction crew waiting to clear the forest so that they can build condos. It becomes a race against time to prove that this crew has no right to the land, to figure out the circumstances surrounding the human remains, and to discover what is causing the strange markings and is hoarding items in the forest, including the human remains that were found.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The part of George was written perfectly, with just the right amounts of intelligent familiar and ADD/food-obsessed dog personalities mixed in. I laughed at George’s thoughts and opinions of his Pack people, especially of Joey, Karly’s little brother – aka “The Creep” or “Boypup”.
I’m actually planning to purchase another copy of this book to give to my younger brother, who is a pretty avid reader. I think it is right up his alley, and he will love it. (He will also probably be begging our mom for a dog again when he’s done! Haha…)
The story seems to be about family and coming together to solve a mystery, while throughout showing Karly’s growth in her powers and her acceptance of her link with George. When Karly and George are wandering the woods in search of plants for her witch aunt to use, they stumble across a partial human skeleton. George digs them up, and they take them back to Karly’s Auntie Heather, starting a whole series of events that leads to even bigger mysteries and discoveries in the woods bordering their local park.
To compound this problem and make matters worse, their investigation is interrupted and made more complicated by the construction crew waiting to clear the forest so that they can build condos. It becomes a race against time to prove that this crew has no right to the land, to figure out the circumstances surrounding the human remains, and to discover what is causing the strange markings and is hoarding items in the forest, including the human remains that were found.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. The part of George was written perfectly, with just the right amounts of intelligent familiar and ADD/food-obsessed dog personalities mixed in. I laughed at George’s thoughts and opinions of his Pack people, especially of Joey, Karly’s little brother – aka “The Creep” or “Boypup”.
I’m actually planning to purchase another copy of this book to give to my younger brother, who is a pretty avid reader. I think it is right up his alley, and he will love it. (He will also probably be begging our mom for a dog again when he’s done! Haha…)
January 29, 2014
This book is written through the eyes of George, the basset hound, and the book holds a wonderful charm because of it.
Mindy takes us into the mind of our beloved pets, and shows their interpretation of our actions. From the leash being a means of controlling his 'peep' rather than the other way round, to his ravenous appetite, and inability to keep his mind off of food for very long.
There was many a time when I recognised my own two dogs in George's actions.
George works more with his nose than anything else, and he 'smelltastes' and 'smellfeels' throughout the book, in order to help his 'peeps' in their investigation. I was not fond of the amalgamation of words throughout the book, but I understand why this technique was used. However, it halted my reading when I had to decipher what the individual words, and therefore smells, were. I think the story would have worked just as well, if not better, if these words had been separated for ease of reading.
I did enjoy the mystery of what they were looking for, made all the more mysterious, as George only knew so much as what his 'peeps' said whilst he was within earshot. The twist was unexpected, and it wove in nicely with the background that had been laid at the beginning.
Overall, this is a very easygoing, enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to any dog lover out there who wants an insight into the mind of their pet.
Mindy takes us into the mind of our beloved pets, and shows their interpretation of our actions. From the leash being a means of controlling his 'peep' rather than the other way round, to his ravenous appetite, and inability to keep his mind off of food for very long.
There was many a time when I recognised my own two dogs in George's actions.
George works more with his nose than anything else, and he 'smelltastes' and 'smellfeels' throughout the book, in order to help his 'peeps' in their investigation. I was not fond of the amalgamation of words throughout the book, but I understand why this technique was used. However, it halted my reading when I had to decipher what the individual words, and therefore smells, were. I think the story would have worked just as well, if not better, if these words had been separated for ease of reading.
I did enjoy the mystery of what they were looking for, made all the more mysterious, as George only knew so much as what his 'peeps' said whilst he was within earshot. The twist was unexpected, and it wove in nicely with the background that had been laid at the beginning.
Overall, this is a very easygoing, enjoyable read, and I would recommend it to any dog lover out there who wants an insight into the mind of their pet.
March 5, 2014
*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy for review from the author and VBT cafe and all opinions are my own.*
George Knows is a super fun story that not only kids will enjoy, but many adults will as well.
This is a unique story that is told from George's point of view - a smart, clever Bassett Hound. Seeing the story through his eyes made for an enjoyable read. It was quite comical at times, and I found myself cracking up quite a bit throughout the book. There is quite a mix of mystery, magic and fantasy throughout the book, but it all flows so well in the story. I loved seeing George and his 'familiar', Karly grow together and learn from one another throughout the book.
My only complaint with this story is the over abundance use of words that George uses. Words like 'smelltaste', 'feeltaste', 'gassulfurdrysnakecatstink' and more just became too annoying for me. But to be fair, when I read parts of this story to my son, he got a kick out of those words. So I have to say that I'm sure the intended audience would enjoy these quirky sayings coming from George.
Overall, this is a super fun book that I would recommend for kids of all ages.
George Knows is a super fun story that not only kids will enjoy, but many adults will as well.
This is a unique story that is told from George's point of view - a smart, clever Bassett Hound. Seeing the story through his eyes made for an enjoyable read. It was quite comical at times, and I found myself cracking up quite a bit throughout the book. There is quite a mix of mystery, magic and fantasy throughout the book, but it all flows so well in the story. I loved seeing George and his 'familiar', Karly grow together and learn from one another throughout the book.
My only complaint with this story is the over abundance use of words that George uses. Words like 'smelltaste', 'feeltaste', 'gassulfurdrysnakecatstink' and more just became too annoying for me. But to be fair, when I read parts of this story to my son, he got a kick out of those words. So I have to say that I'm sure the intended audience would enjoy these quirky sayings coming from George.
Overall, this is a super fun book that I would recommend for kids of all ages.
January 26, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of tween/teen books out there that make really enjoyable fun reads for adults and this is one those. George is a Bassett Hound and a familiar trying to help train a young witch. She doesn't want to listen to him, so she makes it hard for him to help her. George is a great character that has problems thinking of things other than his stomach because he's ALWAYS hungry. At first it was a little hard getting used to how George "talks" but after a few pages it seems natural and lots of fun. Great book for all ages.
December 30, 2013
A fun romp of a read through a world of magic & mystery led by a personality- plus Basset Hound named George. Normally I am not a reader of fantasies but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although the book is geared to the pre-teen or teen market it is a fast & enjoyable read for most ages. George is a "character" and I hope that this is the first of his adventures!
January 29, 2014
Outstanding story, outstanding storytelling, and a frankly magnificent main character whose very drool has magical properties.
Extra points for not being heavy-handed and clubbing us with "An Important Message!!!" while resolving the plot, and for putting one of America's under-utilized local folklore monsters.
Filing this one under 'read again, many times'. Woof, baby.
Extra points for not being heavy-handed and clubbing us with "An Important Message!!!" while resolving the plot, and for putting one of America's under-utilized local folklore monsters.
Filing this one under 'read again, many times'. Woof, baby.
August 31, 2014
This is a really good book! It combines my favorite genres of literature. When I was growing up it was mystery with that of paranormal which is I enjoy as an adult. Geared to a middle school reader it actually appeals to all. I can't wait to gift the middle school, I work in with both the ebook and paperback versions. Hope there will be a sequel, please, please, please!
January 29, 2014
Great little read for children of ALL ages! It reminded me of the old Nancy Drew novels, except that the hero is a magical basset hound! I'm looking forward to more humorous adventures and mysteries to be solved by George!
December 30, 2013
Engaging story and lovable characters. Mymudes has the attitude of the hound down to an art!
February 12, 2014
I like George. He's smart and funny and I'm sure you'll like him too!
August 13, 2016
When a magical basset hound, George, meets 12 year old greenwitch Karly, he takes it upon himself to protect and train her. The two soon get caught up in a murder investigation though, which they then have to solve. And how does saving the park fit into all of this?
I love stories involving magic and witches. One of my favorite thing about kids' books is how there's a lot of room to play around with fantasy elements like magic and guardian basset hounds. I also love how there's also plenty of room to create magical worlds within our own mundane world.
George Knows is written from the point of view of a basset hound named George. In my opinion, this makes the story fun in a lot of different ways. George sort of sees himself as Karly's teacher yet he cannot always easily communicate with her which makes training her at times both frustrating for George and funny for the reader.
George Knows is a fun kid's story filled with magic, adventure and mystery. It is also a very well written and engaging story. Even as an adult I found the story to be gripping and engaging. The characters are well developed and consistent, and the plot is interesting and attention holding throughout the entire book. I would recommend this book for grade school kids. I know I would have loved when I was younger!
Strawberry Cow Book Cafe Review
I love stories involving magic and witches. One of my favorite thing about kids' books is how there's a lot of room to play around with fantasy elements like magic and guardian basset hounds. I also love how there's also plenty of room to create magical worlds within our own mundane world.
George Knows is written from the point of view of a basset hound named George. In my opinion, this makes the story fun in a lot of different ways. George sort of sees himself as Karly's teacher yet he cannot always easily communicate with her which makes training her at times both frustrating for George and funny for the reader.
George Knows is a fun kid's story filled with magic, adventure and mystery. It is also a very well written and engaging story. Even as an adult I found the story to be gripping and engaging. The characters are well developed and consistent, and the plot is interesting and attention holding throughout the entire book. I would recommend this book for grade school kids. I know I would have loved when I was younger!
Strawberry Cow Book Cafe Review
May 7, 2015
What do you get when you mix magic, murder, witches, and Familiars, with an egotistical Basset hound? A great story!
Karly is just finding out that she's a witch and how to use her powers when her and her Familiar, a Basset named George stumble upon human remains. This leads them on a journey that has magic seeping through like a fog. Her aunt Heather is a well established witch who is helping Karly to understand her magic, along with George, and aides her on her quest.
Heather is dealing with her own issue of trying to save the forest from developers. Which causes her, Karly, and George to fall into a magical mess that they have to figure out. Together not only do they discover where the human remains came from, but also learn that just because something seems like a story doesn't mean there's not truth hiding behind the words.
If you love animals and fantasy as much as I do, then you definitely must read this book!
Karly is just finding out that she's a witch and how to use her powers when her and her Familiar, a Basset named George stumble upon human remains. This leads them on a journey that has magic seeping through like a fog. Her aunt Heather is a well established witch who is helping Karly to understand her magic, along with George, and aides her on her quest.
Heather is dealing with her own issue of trying to save the forest from developers. Which causes her, Karly, and George to fall into a magical mess that they have to figure out. Together not only do they discover where the human remains came from, but also learn that just because something seems like a story doesn't mean there's not truth hiding behind the words.
If you love animals and fantasy as much as I do, then you definitely must read this book!
April 13, 2015
Great story! This book is meant for kids, but as a forty-five year old, I found it enormously entertaining! This would make a great cartoon!
The book is told from a dog's point-of-view. The author has pegged it. But, this isn't just any dog; this is a some-what magical dog, who is forging a mind-link with his young girl-witch, Karly. Under the tutelage of Aunt Heather, George and Karly are learning how to combine their energies to heal each other, as well as others. In the meantime, there are strange things happening in the woods adjacent to a nearby park, which is about to be bulldozed by a developer. Can this team solve the mystery and save the woods? Read the book to find out!
I also liked the subtle lessons in the story about caring for pets and nature and doing homework before playing.
The book is told from a dog's point-of-view. The author has pegged it. But, this isn't just any dog; this is a some-what magical dog, who is forging a mind-link with his young girl-witch, Karly. Under the tutelage of Aunt Heather, George and Karly are learning how to combine their energies to heal each other, as well as others. In the meantime, there are strange things happening in the woods adjacent to a nearby park, which is about to be bulldozed by a developer. Can this team solve the mystery and save the woods? Read the book to find out!
I also liked the subtle lessons in the story about caring for pets and nature and doing homework before playing.
January 28, 2014
Who knew what a basset hound would sound like? George most definitely is his own dog. Endlessly hungry, just like my springer, he is most probably a good match for the Captain Underpants graduates. He is all dog, with a magical twist. Told in his own voice, a most definite penchant for bodily functions, that boys find funny, like farting, the story is part mystery, part magic with a big part of ecological education. Put your sleuth into the mix and magic will appear. I wonder what the audible book will sound like, as George is quite the character.
April 15, 2015
I'm a cat person and still loved this book. A dog familiar told from the standpoint of the dog. Inventive, funny, and just an enjoyable read. Happy to hear the drool continues in Book 2. I would recommend this book for MG, YA, and adults.
August 17, 2014
A really enjoyable read.
Hope there are more books feature George and his girlpup
Hope there are more books feature George and his girlpup
March 18, 2015
I don't know why this gets all the raves - overly twee and slow.
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