A moving tale of a dog rescued from neglect and abuse to a new home with a loving family.
This Spanish-language edition of The Gryphon Press’s popular, award-winning title Buddy Unchained brings Buddy’s experience to a new audience. With more than 37 million speakers, Spanish is by far the most spoken non-English language in the United States today. It is also one of the fastest growing. This edition offers parents, teachers, librarians, and humane educators a way to reach new audiences in the United States and abroad, to promote empathy and understanding, and to interest young people in taking action when they see an animal in need.
Teachers around the country use Buddy Unchained for character and critical-thinking skill development and can now do the same with Rufo liberado. Visit the Buddy Unchained page.
Awards & Recognition
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Winner of the ASPCA Henry Bergh Award for Best Children’s Picture Book, Fiction, Companion Animals |
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Honor Book, The Humane Society of the US Youth KIND Award, children’s picture books |
Editorial Reviews
School Library Journal
This Spanish language tale is the story of a sweet dog who, after being neglected and left out in the cold, is brought to an animal shelter, where he is adopted by a loving family. The story is told from the pup’s point of view, and readers see the dirty water that he has to drink, feel his hunger when his owners forget to feed him, and experience his confusion when children throw rocks at him. Rufo talks about his life in a very open way that will help readers realize that animals do not understand why they are in their situations and that many of them accept them even though their owners should be taking better care of them. Rufo finally finds happiness with a family who gives him food and water every day, takes him on walks, plays with him, and loves him. This book is perfect to read independently or aloud during a storytime, and would be great as a unit on pet care. The Spanish text flows smoothly and is well done. The sentences have a steady pace, and the word choices will help young children understand the proper way to treat pets. By sharing this title with children, we can start them on the path to responsible pet ownership. VERDICT: Recommended for all libraries.
—Selena Paz, Helen Hall Library, League City, TX
