NANDO, by McCall Hoyle, Shadow Mountain, Aug. 4, 2026, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
A dog sets out to save one of his humans during a storm and finds a new one in the process in Nando, by McCall Hoyle.
Nando may have started life as the runt of the litter, but he’s grown into a loyal, hardworking border collie that takes his job–and his family–seriously. He believes that the only way to keep his place on the farm and in the heart of his human, Esperanza, is to maintain perfection in all his responsibilities–and nothing less.
But when a tropical storm turns the creek by the farm into a raging river and scatters Cloe, Nando’s favorite young human; Stella, a friendly beagle; Oscar, the farm’s annoying cat; and Nando himself, Nando learns the hard truth: He can’t control everything.
Stranded far from home, Nando is rescued by Levi, a boy with a brave heart and a gift for seeing good in others, who was also displaced by the storm. Nando and Levi are both trying to get back home, but when Levi leashes Nando, he leaves the independent herding dog with little choice but to stick with him. As they face rising waters, dangerous terrain, and the uncertainty of finding their way back, Levi offers Nando courage, friendship, and love, teaching Nando that he doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved and accepted. —Synopsis provided by Shadow Mountain
Nando is the fourth book in McCall Hoyle’s Best Friends Dog Tales series (Millie, Just Gus, Stella) about special dogs and their owners. All four books take place in the same world but stand alone.
Like the other books in the series, Nando is told from the point of view of a dog. In this case, Nando. I’m not sure how Hoyle does it, but she captures Nando’s spirit without over personifying him. His thoughts and actions are those of a dog. I especially love it when a smell will sidetrack thinking, even for a moment. It’s so on-point.
Right from the start, there’s a lot of action in Nando. Hoyle easily grabs interest and holds it through the end. Her exploration of the changing nature of needs and relationships as a person (or a dog) ages is particularly strong. And her inclusion of a sassy cat will bring a smile to your face.
At approximately 175 pages, Nando is a quick read. Comfortable and accessible writing make it a great choice for home or classroom reading.
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