Max and the Snowy Mountain
A picture book for dog-loving families, by Maya Brookwood (Pippinbrook Books). For ages 3–7.
Paperback coming soon to Amazon. We’ll add the link here as soon as the listing is live.
The story
Mia and her puppy Max can’t wait to explore the snowy mountain with Dad. But when a bright red fox darts across the trail, Max dashes after it, and soon Mia can’t see Dad or Max anymore.
Then Mia remembers Dad’s safety rule: stop, stay by one safe tree, and blow the whistle. Will Max hear her call?
A warm, gentle adventure about courage, loyal friendship and a simple safety rule every child can learn. It reads aloud in a few minutes, which makes it an easy bedtime story.
A look inside
For parents: the safety rule in the story
Mia’s rule is based on the advice search-and-rescue teams give children (often called “Hug-a-Tree”): if you get lost outdoors, stay where you are, stay by a tree or a landmark, keep warm, and make noise. A whistle carries much farther than a voice, and children who stay put are found faster.
A few easy ways to practise it:
- Clip a small whistle to your child’s coat zipper before hikes and winter walks.
- Agree on the plan before you set off: “If you can’t see me, stop and hug the nearest tree.”
- Practise once on a familiar walk, and make it a game rather than something scary.
If your family has (or wants) a puppy
The book’s Max is a German Shepherd puppy. If a real one is joining your family, these guides help: