About this item
Highlights
- The true story of Ellie, a formerly abandoned puppy, and her new owner as they hike the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail and ford rivers, scale rugged cliffs, and survive howling storms.
- 5-8 Years
- 9.8" x 8.0" Paperback
- 32 Pages
- Juvenile Nonfiction, Biography & Autobiography
Description
About the Book
When Pam met Ellie she was sure she had found a new friend. But Pam wanted more than just a friend; she wanted a companion to hike the world-famous Appalachian Trail. In this adventure-packed true story, they ford rivers, survive storms, and scramble up rugged cliffs.Book Synopsis
The true story of Ellie, a formerly abandoned puppy, and her new owner as they hike the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail and ford rivers, scale rugged cliffs, and survive howling storms. It is a charming story of friendship and teamwork that teaches lessons about courage, determination, trust, and love.
When Pam met Ellie, she was sure she had found a new friend. But Pam wanted more than just a friend; she wanted a companion to hike the world-famous Appalachian Trail. Does Ellie have what it takes to make this journey? Find out how these two friends keep each other going and if Ellie really is ready for the Appalachian Trail.
From the Back Cover
When Pam met Ellie she ws sure she had found a new friend. But Pam wanted more than just a friend; she wanted a companion to hike the world-famous Appalachian Trail. Does Ellie have what it takes to make this journey? In "Ellie's Long Walk, "Pam and Ellie set out to hike the more than 2,000 mile long Trail. In this adventure-packed true story, they ford rivers, survive storms, and scamble up rugged cliffs. Find out how these two friends keep each other going and if Ellie really is ready for the Appalachian Trail.
Review Quotes
"Ellie's Long Walk vividly describes the courage and determination of this amazing author/explorer and her dog, Ellie, and will win the reader's hearts."
"Ellie's Long Walk: The True Story of Two Friends on the Appalachian Trail is the story of a 2000 mile hike down the Appalachian Trail, taken by the author, Pan, and her faithful black Labrador, Ellie. Beginning in March of 2008, in Maine, Ellie and Pam hike together for 6 months, ending up at Amicalola Falls National park, Georgia. . . . explains many unexpected dangers and trail obstacles met by the pair of travelers, including a thunderstorm with many downed trees, a tricky cliff climbing path to find, and an icy stream leading to a waterfalls, which Ellie falls into and narrowly escapes. Through discouragement, hardship, cold, injury, and discomfort, Ellie provides unfailing support and cheer to Pam, and the two keep going together until they make it to the end of the Appalachian Trail. Sensitive paintings of beautiful scenes, as well as frightening events, help document the epic journey. The only in-print children's book about the Appalachian Trail, it has been nominated for the 2012 Chickadee Award (children's choice award for the state of Maine), the 2012 Red Clover Award (the children's choice award for Vermont), and also potentially the 2012 Children's choice award in Michigan and New Hampshire. Ellie's Long Walk belongs in every child's nature education library."
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Ellies Long Walk is the true story of two friends, how their relationship began and the close trust and bond that developed over the course of their long walk on the Appalachian Trail in 2008. One of them is Pam Flowers, an intrepid hiker who lives in Alaska. The other is her dog, Ellie, aka Eleanor Roosevelt, a puppy she adopted and trained to partner her on this 2,000-mile journey. The story describes the pair's enthusiasm to explore new places and their commitment to undertake the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine through to Georgia. They trained together, taking ever longer walks with heavy backpacks on their backs and shoulders. And initially, when they set off for the journey, things went well. In good weather Pam and Ellie were hiking twenty miles a day. In bad weather their pace slowed, but through it all their spirits were high.
With beautiful, watercolor-like illustrations, Bill Farnsworth's diagrams take us inside the tent they shared and to mountain precipices where they stood in silence, awed at the view. They helped and supported each other, and nowhere was this more crucial than after Pam took a fall, injuring her back and robbing her of strength. With Ellie's encouragement and patience, she was able to continue. But the situation worsened when Ellie headed out across an icy lake that cracked beneath her weight. With a stiff and sore back, standing on the shore, Pam knew there was no way she could retrieve her friend from the water. She saw her dog's head begin to slip beneath the surface and screamed "Ellie come!" Obeying the command, Ellie managed to oust herself from the icy water and make it back to land.
By the time they complete the trail Pam and Ellie are dirty and exhausted, but triumphant. They have made a great team and given each other the strength to surmount their respective physical challenges. An interesting read for children ages four through seven, Ellie's Long Walk is an inspiring story about the bond between canine and human.
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Once upon a time, a black Labrador mix puppy up for adoption chose Pam Flowers to be her human and take her home. That alone would make the basis of a winsome children's book. However, in the case of Ellie, the story is a true one and, a year or so later, the rescued canine and Flowers made an even longer journey: They hiked the entire length of the Appalachian Trail. On their 2,000-plus miles from Maine to Georgia, the pair met and overcame many challenges, as well as some harrowing mishaps. What shines through their six-month adventure, however, is a sense of friendship and accomplishment.
Ellie's Long Walk is an absolutely wonderful book for young readers. Not only does it promote dog rescue and affirm the human-animal bond, it teaches, but never preaches, teamwork, determination, and the pursuit of dreams.
""It is unusual for one small book to show both the peace and natural perils of the Appalachian Trail."
About the Author
Author and adventurer, Pam Flowers shares her stories with students in classrooms and auditoriums across America each year. "Ellie's Long Walk" is her fifth book. She lives in Alaska with her dog, Eleanor Roosevelt (aka Ellie). She is the winner of Best Travel Essay - Benjamin Franklin award, 2002 for "Alone Across the Arctic, "a Booksense Children's 76 Pick, and CBC/NCSS Notable recognition.www.pamflowers.com.Nationally renowned artist Bill Farnsworth has illustrated more than fifty books for children, including the Kaya books in the American Girl series, "Big-Enough Anna, Abbie Against the Storm, " and "Buffalo Song." www.billfarnsworth.com.