Reliability, devotion and faithfulness: endearing qualities shared between people and their canine companions. Shep is the true story of a dog that became an inspiration to people around the world. Following the death of his owner in 1936, Shep watched as his body was placed on a train and shipped east. For more than five years, through rain and snow, Shep met every incoming train with hopes that he would see the man who had cared for him. Even today, people visit Fort Benton, Montana, to stand at the grave of a dog whose actions remind us of the true meaning of loyalty and heart. Grade 2-4–This picture book celebrates the bond between a sheep dog and his owner. During the Depression, in north central Montana, a sheepherder passed away. Shep watched the man's coffin being loaded onto a train to be returned to his family back east. From that day forward, the loyal canine met every passenger train that arrived at the Fort Benton depot. The station manager and many townspeople noticed him and slowly discovered the details of his life. The people adopted him, feeding him and loving him, until the day he died. News of the dog's death spread throughout the country and his story was featured in Reader's Digest , Lady's Circle , and other major publications. An author's note gives additional background information. Yardley's watercolor paintings, reminiscent of Susan Jeffers's work, are warm, detailed, and textured. Dog lovers will appreciate the reverential tone of the story. A good addition for larger collections. –Linda Zeilstra Sawyer, Skokie Public Library, IL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Science writer Sneed B. Collard III (www.sneedbcollardiii.com) is the author of more than 80 children's books, including One Iguana, Two Iguanas and Catching Air . He has received the Washington Post Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award for his body of work, and his books are featured regularly in the Junior Library Guild, NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book lists, and other best-of lists. Joanna Yardley was born in Bishop's Stortford England and moved to the states as a child. She is a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and has had the pleasure of working with some of the greats in the industry—Chris Van Allsburg, David Macaulay and Jane Yolen. She has illustrated a number of award-winning children's books, including "The Bracelet" by Yoshiko Uchida, which was named a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book. Jo and her husband Dale have lived on both coasts and now both borders of this beautiful country. They are raising their son Max in Missoula, Montana, along with their pets—Osa and Serena. Used Book in Good Condition