Book Review of Live Like Lucy
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The Children’s Book Review
Live Like Lucy
Written by Angela Dodson Daeger
Illustrated by Colleen C. Coggins
Ages: 4-6 | 32 Pages
Publisher: A Collie Tale Publishing (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-9939401-1-3
What to Expect: Family, courage, joy, dogs, resilience, cancer.
Death and sickness are difficult concepts for young children to come to terms with—especially when they apply to a beloved family member. However, Live Like Lucy shows readers that having an illness like cancer can sharpen one’s focus on living a full and joyful life, especially if you choose not to dwell on negative emotions and limitations.
Lucy is not exactly like all the other dogs—she has a bump on her nose from an illness called cancer. Sometimes the cancer makes her feel ill or slows her down—but Lucy doesn’t care. She’s determined to live her life to the fullest! Lucy loves to play with her family, whether it’s running on a trail or curling up for a bedtime story. She enjoys meeting other dogs in the park, splashing in her paddling pool, and chasing leaves in Autumn. She’s even the flower dog when her “pawrents” get married. Life isn’t easy when you have to live with cancer—but Lucy shows that it can still be filled with love, joy, and fun!
Lucy is an utterly lovable main character—affectionate, courageous, and full of enthusiasm and energy. These characteristics are emphasized by the artwork, in which fluid washes of color and sweeping line work show Lucy dashing from page to page, exploring and enjoying everything, and always with a huge grin on her face. The rhyming text helps emphasize this momentum and energy while keeping things accessible for beginner readers.
Poignant and inspiring, Live Like Lucy is a perfect picture book for anyone who needs a reminder that even in life’s most difficult seasons, joy is always worth choosing.
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About the Author
Angela Dodson Daeger is a wife, mother, and lifelong dog lover whose heart has always belonged to collies. Born and raised in rural Pennsylvania, she now calls Nashville, Tennessee, home. Her love for collies began at the age of three with her first collie, lovingly (and very originally) named Lassie. Today, Angela and her family share life with a beautiful blue merle collie, Dolly.
Joyful, resilient Lucy was her ‘soul dog’.
Angela grew up dreaming of writing her own children’s book someday, and Live Like Lucy is the realization of that dream. Through Lucy’s story, she hopes to inspire children and families to embrace each day with joy, courage, and love—just like Lucy did.
For more information, visit www.acollietale.com/.
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