The Deer with the Purple Nose

The Deer with the Purple Nose is about two English Setter dogs, Rusty and Purdy, who solve a mystery. Rusty and Purdy came from “Last Chance Rescue” in Howell, Michigan and enjoy the back yard. Told in the first person by Purdy, the story begins with Dottie the Deer appearing with a purple nose. Purdy asks Dottie how her nose became purple. She responds that it is not purple and goes off into the woods. A discussion ensues with Bobby the Blue Jay and Terry the Tufted Titmouse. What’s wrong with Dottie? They are interrupted by a cry from Spencer the Sparrow at the birdfeeder with Chip the Chipmunk (a spectacular photograph any photographer would be proud of). Spencer wants Purdy to get the chipmunk off the birdfeeder so he can eat. The story continues with discussions with other birds. Carol the Cardinal provides a clue followed by another clue from Greta the Groundhog. Rusty and Purdy go to the side yard where Rocky the Racoon announces Dottie’s arrival at the berry tree.  The surprise ending is a delight to children.  A fun warning about berry trees and a recipe are a bonus (not part of the story).

The book is all photographs with a glossary in back with all ten birds in the story. A bibliography is also provided for teachers and home schoolers who wish additional information on the birds. There is also a “Where the Book Came From” page telling the background story of how the book came about. Reading level is second/third grade and is recommended for reading to young children. It is a good choice for early readers who can be encouraged to find the birds in their own yard. Some people have purchased the hard cover version for their coffee table because of the photography in the book. Others find the ten-bird glossary a big help in identifying common birds in the back yard as opposed to a guide with hundreds of birds to choose from. This book is one of the “Rusty & Purdy Backyard Bird Adventure” books. Each is independent so they are not numbered. A goal of the book is to interest children in the outdoors—birds in particular; and also, to create an interest in reading by having excitement on each turn of the page.