Cocoa the Tour Dog
Adam Mansbach and Stick Figure
Akashic Books
Who doesn’t love a good story about a boy and his dog? Cocoa the Tour Dog is the true story of Scott, of the reggae band Stick Figure, and his canine companion, Cocoa. This children’s book focuses on teaching the value of love and commitment. The story is richly illustrated by Juan Manuel Orozco. The images bring the story to life with the colorful pictures drawing readers into the story.
The story, in brief, begins when Scott adopts Cocoa from a rescue shelter. Cocoa becomes Scott’s constant companion and becomes a star herself when she starts hanging out on stage with Scott and the band. She tours the world with Scott’s band, Stick Figure, becoming part of the draw. With age, Cocoa starts slowing down, like all of us. Scott brings a Serbian pup named Molly into the family. Molly gives Cocoa a boost, and the two become the Stick Figure tour dogs.
Parents can use Cocoa’s story to illustrate topics from the importance of animal rescue and treating pets well, to the power of love and commitment. Just be careful — your young ones may want to get a tour dog of their own.
