Sandra Eccles
Horace The Hound is the first publication in a series of six children’s books. It is based on the wonderful bond of friendship between a young boy and his dog, Horace. They are as inseparable as is their love for each other.
Children love animals and can relate to this affection for pets and their loveable antics that bring so much joy and fulfillment into their lives.
This book series is most appropriate for preschool age and elementary age children. Horace The Hound series is wonderful for group reading or read alouds by teacher or fellow student.
Educationally, it teaches number sequence. Repeated phrases and hidden objects create an atmosphere for group involvement also. Usage of bright primary colors with bold line illustrations create and hold a young child’s interest.
This series could enhance a unit on animals and the responsibility for raising and caring for a pet. Discussions could follow on shared experiences with their own pets.
The first publication of Horace The Hound focuses on Horace’s First Job, which is the subtitle. Horace helps his best friend Tommy deliver papers on his paper route. Each book in this series focuses on an event in a child’s life that they can relate to or can surely think about.
Hopefully, this book about loveable, devoted Horace can be enjoyed and shared with family and friends and in classrooms everywhere.
The author was born and raised in rural Iowa where farm animals were abundant. So her love of animals started at an early age.
Throughout her life animals have fulfilled and influenced her in many ways which is evidenced in some of her writings, especially the Horace The Hound series. This publication is the first of a collection of six which the author intends to expand even further in the future. The wonderful, loveable antics of her personal four legged friend, Rusty, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, comes through in Horace The Hound.
The author graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa with a B.A. in Elementary Education and an Emphasis in Language Arts.
Her writings take on many forms. Poetry, a short novel and six children’s books are among her works so far. Other hobbies include acrylic painting, crafts, singing and traveling.
Because of her many years of teaching experience with young children she designs her children’s books for educational purposes, as well as for pure enjoyment!
The author has resided in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the past thirty years. She and her husband, Mark, raised their daughter, Heather, there.
The author dedication goes to her husband Mark, for his love and support and to all those people who love animals for the wondrous fulfillment they give us. Animals relate so well, without the power of words to express themselves. Their unconditional love is the wonderment of it all. The lessons we could all learn from them. Lastly, but not least, gratitude goes to those who protect the lives and rights of animals everywhere. May your dedication continue.
My name is Horace. The name Horace is a different name but I do not care. Tommy gave me this name so that’s just fine with me.
Everyone I know likes dogs. We are cuddly and loveable and will always be your best friend, no matter what. I happen to be just one of those furry friends and I like it that way.
