In a fascinating picture-book biography, Emily Arnold McCully (Dare the Wind) introduces Etzel von Oeringen, born in World War I Germany to "champion police dogs."
Etzel's story will captivate readers. The couple that adopts him are American silent movie director Larry Trimble, who seeks a canine star for his next film, and his wife, Jane Murfin, a screenwriter. When they burst into the New York kennel grounds (where Etzel's been sent, postwar), eager to see if Etzel lives up to his reputation, the dog crashes through a window. But Larry, who's also an animal trainer, recognizes Etzel's potential. Jane still has doubts ("Before he can act in movies, he will have to learn to relax and have fun"), but Larry remains confident that Etzel can be taught. McCully's series of vignettes shows how Larry teaches his dog to play, through repetition and a new playmate (a kitten). He gains a stage name, Strongheart, and his film debut, The Silent Call, plays to sellout crowds and becomes front-page news nationwide. Etzel even sniffs out a thief posing as a journalist.
Children will most enjoy a double-page spread of Stongheart and his mate, Lady Jule, and their litter of adorable puppies--the first in a line of champion movie-star dogs. In McCully's endnote, she credits Strongheart with ushering in the popularity of German Shepherds in the U.S., and mentions his only film still available, The Return of Boston Blackie. Animal lovers drawn to the subject will also gain a snapshot of history and insight into the movie industry. --Jennifer M. Brown, children's editor, Shelf Awareness