Our Serum Run Story by Marla B. Brodsky, Illustrated by Lara Renner & Tabetha Kopta

An inspiring children’s story of big dreams, big dogs, and amazing resilience, Our Serum Run Story: By the T’s, U’s, V’s & Me! by Marla B. Brodsky tells a thrilling tale of the author’s journey to an epic race in Alaska with her sled team of Huskies.

Told from the perspective of her dauntless dogs, who love nothing more than snow, running, and snuggling with their Mama, the story bounces between charming anecdotes of canine freedom and gritty days of hard work on the trail. After months of training in harsh winter conditions, the sled team drives cross-country to Nenana, Alaska, the starting point of the famous Serum Run Trail to Nome, with Marla’s team also returning to the home of their grandmother.

The illustrations are striking in their depth, and while some look more digitally constructed than others, the style is vivid and engaging; the emotive expressions of the various dogs are a particular high point, and a detail that dog-loving readers of any age will appreciate. The writing is at times less focused, however, particularly in terms of rhyme and meter, which can lack consistency and proper structure. Some of the rhymes feel forced, while other pages feel somewhat redundant.

That said, the overall story is fascinating and exciting, offering an instructive window into a legendary sport, and an endearing personal glimpse into an exhilarating adventure.

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