
Midwest Writers Room
Podcast from the Wisconsin Writers Association. We discuss all things writerly, with an emphasis on the unique flavor of works that originate in the Midwest.
Midwest Writers Room
Chapter Break with Kelly Nelson
BIO:
Kelly is a children’s book author from the Fox Valley of Wisconsin, who has had a keen interest in true animal stories from the time she was a little girl.
She credits her years working as a preschool director, then public library marketing coordinator, for helping her recognize the book themes and subject matter that most captivate young readers’ attention.
She lives with her family, which includes Pug dogs Mabel & ZuZu, and orange tabby cat Lenny. Brownie the War Dog: Veterans’ Best Friend is her first book.
SYNOPSIS:
During World War II, families volunteered their pet dogs to serve in the Dogs for Defense Program. This picture book tells the true story of a family and their beloved dog, Brownie, who served alongside the troops and returned home to become a companion to wounded vets.
Brownie's boy, Oren, isn’t sure he wants to send his boisterous best friend to war. But with the help of his parents, Oren decides that Brownie could do a lot of good. Brownie serves faithfully on the frontlines until an injury sends him home from the Pacific islands. His family welcomes him back with open arms. But Brownie is not content sitting around at home—he needs a job. He begins to accompany Oren's mother to the Veterans Home in King, Wisconsin, where she works. There, Brownie finds a way to serve his fellow veterans just as he served his fellow soldiers.