Wooffer's Stories
These stories are dedicated to all the brave and gentle animals who lived them.
Stories for anyone, April 17, 2007| Reviewer: | N. Lindley-gauthier "Carriage Driver" (rochester, NH) - See all my reviews |
" Woofer, Stories You Can Read to Your Dog (and Other Children,)"
by Betty Fasig is a collection of stories from the viewpoint of this delightful
dog.
One truly steps over the threshold into Woofer's world; you
see everything from the (quite low to the ground) dog's viewpoint. Every
tale is a charming saga from the life of Woofer and his friends.
Not since Anna Sewell have I read works that offer an animal's view
point this way. The stories are wonderfully suited for younger
audiences, and the action as well as the characters will enthrall
them. Actually, this adult reader must admit to being thoroughly
enthralled, as well .
There are many clever descriptions, fun puns, and unusual twists
to be discovered within the stories. My favorite is the squirrel
family who are all " Branch Executives," but a close second is the
mouse family "of thousands." Throughout, country animals are
featured, from everyday birds to the newcomers Sandy and Sandra
Crane, and all the small animals one does not think about
ordinarily.
The writer here truly looked outside the human world, to find
interaction and wonderful, engaging stories going on right in her
back garden. This lovely book is a wonderful reminder of what fun
it can be to read.
Nancy Lindley-Gauthier
Betty Fasig’s delightful book of stories about Wooffer and his many friends is now available on CD. The CD’s are attractively encased in bright envelopes, each a different color. The labels on each disc feature a different photo of Wooffer and his pals.
A lovely addition is a small coloring book featuring Wooffer and his companions.
The book is read by D.L. Ingram who captures in his tone the subtle layers of meaning and emotion laced throughout the stories.
Perhaps the most touching story is the first one – of how Wooffer came into Betty’s life on a never-to-be-forgotten Christmas.
The book is more than just a collection of the adventures of Wooffer and his many friends. It is a commentary on the very best that life has to offer if we approach it with compassion and love for all creation. This philosophy isn’t just Wooffer’s, it is also Betty’s, and it shines through every page of the book.
This is a loving, life-affirming, uplifting book with a beautiful message for people of every age and walk of life.
Kathleen Marie O’Donnell
Author of Wonder In My Soul and Suddenly a Light Shines
You don't know them..Oh...You missed this book?Get WOOFFER... 
This is the first book I enjoyed with my son and still enjoying..even he knows all the characters of this book..Time has changed ..It was the time when our granny and mummy were telling stories just keeping there hand on our forehead so we can sleep..but what do you expect that my son will sleep ?While reading WOOFFER to him he was sitting like a small alert puppy listening each and every word of Wooffer.
"Betty Fasig knows well how to get connected with the animal kingdom.If still you are unaware of animal friendship "WOOFFER" will tell you the whole thing.
In 33 stories Betty has successfully engaged each small or big animal sending some moral messages and leaves an impression on a small kid's mind..He easily recalls the character as well the related story and that's the beauty of "Wooffer"..
It's a big issue in any body's life when a book turns his/her life or changes her attitude..Practically I noticed that whenever my son is a bit off the track I remind him all the great job done by "WOOFFER" and he accepts that.Wooffer is like a "superhero" for him.
Not only children, I think even elders should also read this for may be they have forgotten some real basic moral values somewhere in their busy materailistic life..
Thank you so much Betty for this Wonderful gift....
_________________
Bhawana
www.freewebs.com/bhawanaverma/
www.freeyabb.com/phpbb/index.php?mforum=childrensfictio
A Dog Gone Good Book!, May 6, 2006| Reviewer: | Melissa Pike (New York) |
Animals really do talk., April 23, 2006| Reviewer: | Jim Elders |
`Woofer' is a series of stories that brings out the various and distinct personalities of all the animals that live in Betty's world; a world that includes everything from ants to armadillos, robins to crows, and mice to men. `Woofer' is a book that belongs on the table right next to every child's bed for reading those always needed bedtime stories. Each story can only bring sweet dreams. After the children are asleep, adults should take the time to read `Woofer' too. And, in the morning, go out in your yard and have a new relationship with all those critters that want to say something to you. You will have a better day, and a better life.
Wonderful Tales of Wooffer, March 10, 2006| Reviewer: | Robert Meacham "Books are the footprints of life." (Texas) |
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:  Wooffer, a child's hero and an adult's delight, March 8, 2006
by Betty Fasig, PublishAmerica 2004: ISBN 1-4137-5587-9 $19.95 In-depth review: Wooffer: Stories You Can Read To Your Dog (and other children) Betty Fasig spins enchanting tales for the enjoyment of children and adults alike. Loosely connected by the endearing antics of a very special, beloved little dog, Wooffer is a collection of sweet, gentle stories depicting a subtle moral ideal, providing an excellent opportunity for further discussion during those special bedtime moments, or even as an effective teaching tool when the appropriate situation presents itself. Wooffer and his pals experience many of the joys of being true friends, the trials and tribulations of being disobedient and unkind, the wonder of new life, and the sadness of some of life's unpleasantness, but, through it all, they share a unique bond that helps them all grow and develop into better creatures. The thirty-three adventures of Wooffer, the feisty little dachshund that is a special friend to animals and humans alike, offer enough exciting spills, chills, and thrills to provide everyone with a favorite. With friends like Old Agnes, mother of thousands, the exotic peacock Cho Lee Yen, Ibie the Ibis, the Branch Executives - Hoy T. Toity, Sir Doodah, and Mr. A. A. Corn, the members of the Banana Spider Republic, the three feline scrooges, dear Margaret the chicken, and a kung-fu rabbit, along with a host of others, Wooffer learns many of life's most important lessons. Each short chapter is a complete adventure with a myriad of fascinating characters making these tales ideal for a short bedtime story or for whiling away the afternoon just to brighten a rainy day. Every reader will want to pick a favorite and will enjoy these amusing stories again and again. In Wooffer: Stories You Can Read To Your Dog (and other children), Betty Fasig imbues her characters with such fascinating personalities and irrepressible charm that whatever weakness in editing mars the perfection of these wonderful stories certainly has no power to distract from their appeal. There is a golden thread of love, hope, friendship, and trust in all of Wooffer's adventures that speak straight from the author's heart to all of Wooffer's friends and will to those that he hasn't even met yet. Who could possibly resist the mischievous sparkle in those beautiful brown eyes, or the friendly invitation in the cheerful wag of his irrepressible tail? I heartily recommend that everyone get to know this wonderful little dog and all his friends. Betty Fasig's Wooffer: Stories You Can Tell Your Dog (and other children) is a great addition to every child's library and is sure to be a guilty pleasure for adults as well. Review by R. deVoll Fisher, author of Caleb's Branch: An Incomplete Tale Of Unfinished Lives for deVoll's Reviews, Cheers Magazine 2006 |
I don't often rate books this high! An excellent choice!, January 21, 2006| Reviewer: | Lillian Brummet (Canada) |
Woofer is a collection of thirty-three short animal-adventure children stories originally written by Betty Fasig for her family. The center character is Woofer, a hairy dachshund puppy that "mom", the author, receives as a surprise Xmas gift from her fun-loving family.
A host of animals grace the pages of Woofer, including Old Agnes the mouse, thoughtful and protective Margaret the hen, Marygrey the pregnant rabbit, a proud and endearing peacock named Cho Lee who loves to strut his stuff and falls in love with a quail, and best friends Ibie the Ibis and Maudie the horse.
The stories are thoughtfully placed in chronological order, right down to the season. It even includes a Xmas story! This is a book about a puppy that changes the opinions of those around him, wins hearts and becomes a reliable, heroic friend. Woofer earns respect from all the animals for miles around and becomes a bit of a legend by the time he grows up.
Generally warm, fun and light-hearted, Woofer also tackles real-life issues from moving, loneliness, gaining respect, discerning truth from what one is told, getting lost, overcoming bullies and more.
Having spent a few years on a farm in my youth, I see germs of truth in the animal relationships and can verify the strange and wonderful bonds that happen between species. The epilogue provides a nice closure by revealing how all the animals still return to the same area annually and spend time with Woofer and his friends discussing the old times and having new adventures.
Inserted occasionally are several adorable amateur drawings of life and adventures on the farm that are sure to entertain children. The cover is a photograph of the inspiration for the main character - the author's dog - which gives a more realistic feel to the book than a characterization or drawing could have done.
The book's underlying theme is that no matter how small a person may think they are, or how small of a thing they may do - they can make a difference to the lives of those around them. And this is an encouraging thought.
Woofer is an excellent book for bedtime stories, but will be best enjoyed when reading to groups of children. Written in such a way that the reader can easily characterize the animals and situations with their voice, the book is sure to bring giggles of joy to groups of children. As such, I think Woofer would be an excellent addition to the bookshelves of libraries, schools, daycare centers and the like.
ISBN#: 1-4137-5587-9
Author: Betty Fasig
Publisher: Publish America
Pages: 156
~ Book Reviewer: Lillian Brummet - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment - Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)
Move over Dr. Doolittle here comes Betty Fasig and her dog Wooffer and they have stories to tell!, January 16, 2006| Reviewer: | Arthur K. Preece "Mary E.G. Preece" |
by Betty Fasig
Review:Oh! My! How can I best describe Betty Fasig's Book "Wooffer" than to say that Betty is the Mother of all children's stories or should I say dog's stories, or should I say animal's stories. Oh, well, whatever! She is undoubtedly the best fantasy story teller of written words about the animal kingdom I have ever read to date. These stories deserve the finest of Medals, they deserve to be read the world over. They are deserving of the finest artwork in the world. They are deserving of the finest movie scriptwriters available today to turn this montage of children's stories into a Box Office Hit that will rival the best of the best.
The names of the characters are enchanting, fairytale like, and the stories make up a fantasy world so understandable and darling for the young child. They are precious stories that deserve only the very best applause from the literary field and publishers worldwide. Betty I guess you know by now that I loved your book. I highly reccommend it to kids of all ages! Libraries need it. Teachers need to read a chapter a day to their students. Parents need it for nightly bedtime stories. It is wonderful. I love the names, of the animals and wish I could mention them all. Three lazy cats win you over right off their names are Curly, Larry and Moe. Then there are the squirrels, 2 of them being Mr. Hoity Toity and Mr.A.A.Corn. And I could never forget Agnes the mother of thousands. Maudie the horse, Mildred and Claudie Dillo the armadillos. There are so many that keep you enthralled. The buzzards company that picks up the dead because someone has to do it has a small part in the book as Digger,and Rigger the Mortises have to back off from a victim who had not yet succumbed, when Wooffer comes to Maxwell's rescue. Wooffer proves in all cases to be the best friend any of these fine animals could ever have. Wooffer rescued Margaret the Hen from the snake's race at the Indigo 500 when she was left for dead after a bite from one of the snakes. Wooffer teaches Camille who wants to learn to change to more colors than brown or green to climb onto the colored flowers and think the appropriate color until she turns that color, Camille knows to think very hard and then she changes.
This book is such a delight. Betty Fasig proves to be The interpreter of animal talk that might give Dr. Doolittle a run for the title of one loving to talk to the animals.
" WOOFFER" GREAT BOOK TO READ FOR EVERYONE, January 10, 2006| Reviewer: | Joseph Frank Baraba "Joseph Frank Baraba" (New Mexico) - |
Betty Fasig's book " Wooffer" , is a charming book full of stories with Wooffer her dachshund who befriends the animals
on the farm. In reading the many stories you become touched by
Wooffer's generous heart and his kind deeds towards his fellow
animals. There are so many who become his friends and each has
a special story such as Agnes the mouse, Maxwell the dog, Larry,
Curly and Moe the funny cats and many other animals who will
touch your heart. And then there's Wooffer who I have fallen in
love with, he's a special dachshund after my heart. Wooffer is the most enchanting book I've read in many years. I give Betty
Fasig five stars *****
Author Joseph Frank Baraba
"Wooffer" The Perfect Story, September 30, 2005| Reviewer: | Linda Pannett (Tell City, Indiana United States) |
Ms. Fasig is one perfect author bringing together thirty-three perfect animal stories everyone will enjoy.
A beautiful book not only for adults it makes a wonderful bedtime story book for a parent to read to their child.
Imagination is something all children love and this book "Wooffer" will bring their imagination full circle.
"Wooffer" should be in every home and school. I highly recommend this book for all ages.
Wooffer, September 10, 2005| Reviewer: | A reader & editor (Los Angeles) |
Camille the chameleon desperately wants to win the Changing of the Colors contest, but she knows only green. Wooffer takes her to a patch of flowers where she discovers reds, yellows and even blue. Delighted, she practices turning colors. During the contest, something astonishing happens and her life is forever changed.
Margaret the chicken is rescued from a flea market and she loves her new home--until marauding wild dogs destroy most of her fellow chickens. She decides she's not going to be next so she learns to defend herself. Now she's proud of her fierce reputation and keeps in practice by jumping on Wooffer. However, he's not thrilled, until he realizes her skills can help someone else.
A big yellow Tabby intimidates three homely cats, Larry, Curly and Moe, and Wooffer decides they need help. He takes them on a reconnaissance mission and what was supposed to be a little spying turns into chaos as an unsuspecting lizard and a grasshopper help the cats learn about claws.
In Wooffer's stories, Betty Fasig reminds us in a delightful way that all life is sacred, something we sometimes forget in our hustle, bustle world.
Beatrix Potter...move over!, August 27, 2005| Reviewer: | Lynn Barry (Fillmore, NY) |
Hip, Hip, Woof, Woof, To Wooffer, August 25, 2005| Reviewer: | J. Porter (Rhode Island) |
There are so many other creatures that fill the pages of Betty Fasig's delightful read-aloud style book Wooffer. There's Larry, Curly and Moe, the three most homely cats anyone would want to meet, Ho Chi, the pig, A.A. Corn the squirrel, Agnes, mother of thousands, and Mr. Hoy T. Toity, to name a few. Their stories are short and poignant and will appeal to readers young and old. I was touched by the moving story of Old Laddie, left on a country road to die and how the other fur and feathered friends helped him find a new home.
This is a book to own and share. I found it delightful and I'm sure you will too.
Judith Porter, author of Coco Twain Tells the Truth, Publish America, 2005.
Wooffer's Tales, August 9, 2005| Reviewer: | Joyce A. Edmondson "jaebooks" (Sunrise, Florida) |
Wooffer is a fast paced action book that any self-respecting human must read from inside out. The reason is because Betty Fasig, with her special knowledge of humans and animals along with her gift of language, is able to enter into the heart of Wooffer and describe with humor and understanding the thoughts, feelings and antics of this little long-haired dachshund and his many animal friends.
Wooffer, the little dog with a big heart, is a loyal and compassionate friend to both his mom (the author) and companions. To say that Wooffer has many friends, however, is an understatement. In truth, he has a multitude--from Agnes, mouse mother of thousands, to Mr. Ryte---who you will meet in her book---if you haven't already in real life! The author gives human traits and names to both Wooffer and his friends. You will meet Mr. Hoy T. Toity, as well as Willy and Nilly, the armadillo family, and many others throughout the book who will amuse and delight you.
We begin to understand Ms. Fasig's genuine sense of humor and love for animals when Wooffer rescues Agnes mouse and her thousands from a natural disaster that threatens their lives, and learns from the squirrels how to climb a tree.
This unforgettable and charming book is highly recommended as a Christmas gift for anyone who is a friend to animals or humans of all ages. I plan to buy several, and read them to my dogs and other grandchildren.
Five golden stars (in honor of my Golden Retriever of long ago.)
Wooffer, stories for young and old (dogs and people), August 4, 2005| Reviewer: | David Sidney Rosenberg |
The book enchants both the listener and the reader. Truly, Betty Fasig's book bridges the gap between the old and the young, and grandparents will marvel at their grandchildren's appreciation as they read aloud these tender and delightful stories.
An unmistakable subtext surfaces as Wooffer and the many animals of different shapes, sizes, and colors, develop mutual respect, collective cooperation, and finally love for one another. The magic contained within these pages describes the power of love. Children, dogs, and grandparents already know about love; perhaps Wooffer: Stories You Can Read to Your Dog, should be mandatory reading for members of the United Nations as a reminder that love makes the world a better place for everyone. Betty Fasig's book adds to the world's inventory of love.
Submitted by: David S. Rosenberg, author of No Shortage of Evil
A warm , fuzzy book, July 9, 2005| Reviewer: | Deborah Rose "author of ELLIE" (Ca) |
The author uses charming descriptions and very clever names for her characters. This book will keep children enthralled and will calm the inner child of the adults who read it. I highly recommend this feel good book about a wonderful dog named Woofer. As another reviewer said, this book is such a treat in a world that bombards us with bad news and violence daily.
Gotta Read About Wooffer, June 30, 2005| Reviewer: | D Rae (Iowa) |
Wooffer: Stories You Can Read To Your Dog (and other children), June 28, 2005| Reviewer: | Shelagh Watkins "http://shelaghwatkins.co.uk/" (UK) |
Wonderful Bedtime Read!, May 26, 2005| Reviewer: | Kelli Deister |
Written by Betty Fasig
Betty Fasig has written a lovely book of short stories for children of all ages. Each story holds humor, as well as lessons for the children. The lessons are not clearly stated, but are understood as one reads the events of each story. An example of some of the lessons or gems in the stories are: learning to follow instructions, respecting others, protecting your friends and family, having compassion for those less fortunate than you, how to build your self-esteem, standing up for what you believe, and having proper manners when eating.
The names that Betty Fasig comes up with for the creatures are extremely funny and unique. I adore the names she has come up with for her animal characters in the different stories. Betty's writing skills bring the events alive for the children on a level that they can comprehend and grasp.
One of my favorite stories is Cat Lessons because Wooffer the dog teaches three cats how to behave like cats. This is an incredibly humorous story as Wooffer mimics a neighboring cat and then trots off to teach the three cats that live with him what he has observed.
I recommend this book to all parents of children, regardless of their age. I believe it is a perfect bedtime read for all families. I also recommend that this book be placed in elementary school libraries, since I believe that children would thoroughly enjoy it. Though I am an adult, I can only imagine the laughter and lessons that can be provided for many of our youth through Betty Fasig's book.
Kelli Deister
Embracing the Storm: Jewels for Victims of Domestic Violence
You Will Smile As You Read Wooffer, May 26, 2005| Reviewer: | Carol Troestler (Prairie du Sac, WI United States) |
| Posted: Mon Jun 19, 2006 10:16 pm Post subject: WOOFER, Stories... by Betty Fasig |  |
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| Betty Fasig’s constellation of animal-star stories is a foolproof way to de-stress after too much interaction with humans who are less kind than her animal protagonists, or when the techno-driven pace of life has you hoping for a brief power outage to turn off the outside world and insulate yourself. I believe that even folks who are not necessarily big “animal lovers” will find the stories a good change of pace from the news channel, action-thrillers, and digitally animated stories on the small and large screens. Not that the stories are boring; they are anything but. Animal appreciators young and old will enjoy these stories even more; my thirty-something police officer son to this day was deeply affected by a book that contained animals as the characters and he is next to read my copy of “Woofer.” His experience with a story “peopled” by fur-, fin-, and winged-people, taught me a valuable lesson and I think that Betty’s book can serve the same purpose for youngsters: My son experienced extreme stress and turmoil from his sixth through his seventeenth year. At times, he needed to get away, even if by immersing himself in a book; he recently told me that the animal story was The Book he escaped through and regrouped. Woofer and his animal friends offer the same “safe place” emotionally for youngsters -- and older ones -- who may also need that retreat for a time. I hope that Woofer and his friends make a return visit in another book from the little haven in Florida. _________________ Naomi http://www.naomibigelowbooks.com | |
Did you ever see??, May 17, 2005| Reviewer: | Edd Voss (Springdale Wa) |
Stories You Can Read to Your Dog and Other Children.
By Betty Fasig
Did you ever see a dog that could climb a tree or fly? With the help of his friends Woofer does that and much more. Meet the greatest collection of animal heroes in the annals of story telling. With a harkening back to the stories of Uncle Remus, see how Ho Chi the Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig learns that some stories are just that stories while others are just better left to the imagination. Learn how important friends and family are through the adventures of Woofer the smartest dog in the world. Good for all ages.
A Howling Good Time!, February 15, 2005| Reviewer: | Colonel Alonzo Fugate "The Colonel" (Kentucky) |
Two paws way up for Wooffer: Stories You Can Read to Your Dog (And Other Children). This tale of tails (and snouts and furry fun!) is one that will delight readers of all ages. The stories are delightful and will hold the attention of children. Parents will love sharing them at bedtime as each story has its own plot.
I really enjoyed the way that the stories all flowed together. The characters are lovable and memorable. Families will also appreciate the fact that the stories teach life lessons in kindness and empathy.
Overall, a great book! No dog-bones about it!
A review of Wooffer by Betty Fasig, ISBN 1413755879 Publish America 2004 154 pp.
Review by D. K. Christi, author of Arirang: The Bamboo Connection
Thirty-three delightful stories take the reader immediately into the world of animal characters so well-described that they become friends of the reader. The central character, Wooffer, provides a pivot around whom the rest of the animals live out their very human stories, written for the enjoyment of children.
Wooffer, the book, immediately assumes that the reader believes animals can speak and react to life with very human emotions. The beauty of this assumption is the freedom provided to discuss many of life's touchy subjects within the safety of animal thoughts and behaviors: loss, love, aging, pain, danger, disability, dreams, jealousy, victory over adversity, anger and an even longer list of life's challenges. Wooffer's friends take on these challenges and resolve them with the occasional help of their human mothers.
Each story stands alone yet gives the reader an expanding affection for the characters that repeat and allow for tears as well as laughter. A sensitive reader might shed a tear for the old dog, abandoned by its owner or cheer on the dogs who fly (with the help of a feathered friend.) Their clever names also make them memorable.
The stories will delight children of many ages, and are fun to read out loud. One mark of good children's literature is its enjoyment by adults also. This is a charming book for any adult who loves animals. It is a great gift for children and the young at heart.
