The Land of The Strays (Loodor Tales)

by Summer Nilsson

Overview

The Land of the Strays, sequel to The Land of the Pines, is a new instant classic about the battle for self-worth and the difference between wants and needs.

There is no guarantee that life will be better on the other side. Even still, we all face moments that force us to choose whether to stay where we are or take a massive leap of faith. These moments move quickly yet feel eternal, and they forever change the course of our lives. Just ask Grey the Kitten.

Grey didn’t know when she leapt through the gate to leave Black Mountain Farm that she’d meet a Labrador who could hear the inner thoughts of other animals. Grey had no idea that she’d bear witness to a kidnapping or that her newfound friends would test her loyalty on the Trinity Trails. She had no clue that she was jumping into an epic battle that would alter the future of everyone around her. Grey didn’t leave her beloved farm and friends behind for any of these reasons. She left because it was her destiny. Now Grey must decide whose side she’s really on: the leashes or the strays.

The leashes live at the Argos, a high-rise building named after the dog of an ancient warrior. From a poncho-clad Poodle to a rhinestone-born Bengal, the leashes seem to have everything they could ever want. But at the Argos, nothing is what it seems. In stark contrast, the strays belong to a different class: the “Stray Club.” The first rule among the leashes is that you don’t talk to or about the Stray Club. Grey’s never been good at following the rules.

The Land of the Strays inspires audiences of all ages to see beyond stereotypes, engage with empathy, and connect as a united front. This fantasy tale addresses complex topics including mind chatter and false narrative to combat social media pressures and remind readers that the battle for self-worth is universal, fought by all, and rooted in the power of words.

The Land of the Strays is dedicated to the US military and frontline responders, honoring the men, women and animals who serve our country every day.

A portion of sales from the Loodor Tales Series, featuring The Land of the Pines and The Land of the Strays, benefits Operation Kindness, celebrating 45 years of saving homeless pets.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781954401020
Publisher:	Loodor Publishing
Publication date:	09/06/2022
Pages:	280
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

With a career spanning 20+ years, Summer Nilsson is an American author, entrepreneur, and CEO. Summer is nationally recognized for building global brands and developing purpose-driven partnerships and marketing strategies that change narratives.

Summer has also represented the biggest names in publishing, fashion, and the arts, including People, Food Network Magazine, ELLE, Who What Wear, House Beautiful, and Brandon Maxwell, among many others.

Summer serves on the National Advisory Council for Girls’ Inc. and the marketing board for the AT&T Performing Arts.

Summer founded Loodor and the Loodor Tales Series to inspire readers to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. Through the series, Summer addresses complex topics, including ego, mind chatter, and false narratives in order to combat social media pressures, encourage early dialogue about mental health, and reinforce kindness among all ages.

Summer also established the Nilsson Open A Dor Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping sheltered animals find loving homes. The foundation is a proud partner of Operation Kindness, celebrating 45 years of saving homeless pets.

Summer donated copies of the first book in the Loodor Tales Series,The Land of the Pines, to children’s organizations and hospitals including The Birthday Party Project, Girl Scouts, Save the Children “100 Days of Reading”, Dell Children’s Medical Center, Scottish Rite for Children, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Adventures abound in The Land of the Strays, whose animal cast struggles to overcome their prejudices, learning to treat everyone with respect and compassion."
-Foreword Clarion
 
"(The Land of the Strays) will appeal to readers of all ages - as will the uplifting message of acceptance. Indelible animal characters headline this winsome tale of fellowship and magic. "
-Kirkus Indie Reviews
 
''In a world where we have to fight to protect the hearts and minds of our children, Summer Nilsson once again creates a work that every parent would be proud for their child to read. Readers will find The Land of the Strays to be a way for children to learn valuable life lessons while learning to cope with life's forks in the road. Parents can have confidence that children reading Summer's books are learning important teachings from life in a positive, affirming story.''
-Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner
 
''The Land of the Strays imparts critical life lessons for readers of all ages, using layered characterizations to instill self-confidence and empathy at a time when younger generations need it most.''
-Jennifer Levene Bruno, Hearst SVP, Group Publishing Director, ELLE DECOR, House Beautiful, Veranda
 
''Nilsson's second book proves that this promising new author is no one-hit wonder. The Land of the Strays is a classic in the making that no childhood library should be without.''
-Naomi Rougeau, Senior Fashion Features Editor, ELLE Magazine
 
''Our children face unprecedented headwinds in learning acceptance, empathy and compassion today. The diversity of characters throughout The The Land of the Strays gives the reader insight and perspective into many of these challenges, while providing a powerful ally against the ever-present influence of social media. Parents take comfort knowing Summer's book can be referenced for positive affirmations of the life and coping skills our children need to be taught.''
-Michael Ziegler, Speedway Motorsports
 
''The Land of the Strays is a poignant story filled with incredible imagery which automatically encourages the reader to look within to see and hear the wondrous uniqueness and power inside themselves and each other. It is through listening that we learn to see things differently.''
-Dr. Luci Higgins, Superintendent of Schools, Cornerstone Christian Schools
 
''With valuable lessons of kindness, friendship, and self-worth woven into rich storytelling and lush illustrations, the Loodor Tales Series is a delightful and timely encouragement for today’s young readers.''
-Julie Goff, Operation Kindness
 
''A social commentary about the sharp divide that separates us.''
-Readers' Favorite, 5-stars
 
"Adventures abound in The Land of the Strays, whose animal cast struggles to overcome their prejudices, learning to treat everyone with respect and compassion.”
-Foreword Clarion
 
"(The Land of the Strays) will appeal to readers of all ages - as will the uplifting message of acceptance. Indelible animal characters headline this winsome tale of fellowship and magic. ”
-Kirkus Indie Reviews
 
 
"Brimming with action, intrigue, and quirky animals, The Land of the Strays encourages readers to trust in themselves and their pack, as Grey learns to do the same."
-Booklife by Publisher's Weekly
 
 
The Land of the Strays is the sequel to The Land of the Pines, which received the following praise and accolades:
 
''Must-read...a tale for all ages''
-InStyle Magazine
 
''Movie-worthy...a Modern Take on Charlotte's Web''
-CultureMap
 
''A journey to self-discovery''
-NBC Texas Today
 
''Connects youth with authentic self''
-Houston Style Magazine
 
''Life lessons for tweens''
-ABC Utah
 
''Purpose-Driven Book for Tweens Hitting All the Right Notes''
-Papercity
 
Best Children’s Books of 2021 for Middle Grade
-Red Tricycle
 
''The Land of the Pines should engage children and adults alike. Our quest for the meaning of life is a constant journey, and Loodor Tales shows this is ever evolving for each of us. These tales encourage all of us to take a moment every day to pause and look around. Notice something you didn't see the day prior. And also look inside yourself if you want a different outcome. Our souls reflect the most honest versions of who we are.''
-Jennifer Levene Bruno, Hearst SVP, Group Publishing Director, ELLE DECOR, House Beautiful, Veranda
 
''A classic in the making, The Land of the Pines introduces a stellar new literary talent. Nilsson’s ability to deftly tackle complex issues in such a format makes this a rewarding and enlightening read no matter your age.''
-Naomi Rougeau, Senior Fashion Features Editor, ELLE Magazine
 
''What an inspiration to all generations on the lessons of life. The illustrations are exquisite and impart the sensitivity which the story was crafted. This is a dream come true and a keepsake forever!''
-Kate Kelly Smith, EVP Managing Director, Luxe Interiors + Design
 
''The author's very original story and vivid characters bring the whole world to life in a magical way.''
-Sandra Campos, Board Member, CEO, CNBC Contributor, Former CEO of Diane von Furstenberg, Founder of Fashion Launchpad
 
''Such a sweet and compelling story conveying wonderful insights about character, kindness, and positivity. I totally enjoyed it, couldn't put it down once I started; I was captivated by Grey's journey to learn the power of her voice.''
-Debbie Storey, President & CEO, AT&T Performing Arts Center
 
''An inspiring book with powerful messages presented in a unique way that is as important for adults as it is for children.''
-Gary D. Compton, Vice President to T. Boone Pickens, Served as Chairman of the Texas Youth Commission under Governors Bill Clements, Ann Richards and George W. Bush
 
''The ideal read for all ages, from child to adult, with lessons in kindness, friendship, and characters that shine on the page.''
-Readers' Favorite, 5-stars

Editorial Reviews

07/25/2022

The latest in Nilsson’s Loodor Tales series is a heartfelt, almost metaphysical journey that features a mis-matched pack of animals, rivalry between strays and leashed animals, a cat and dog with powers, and the guidance of the stars themselves. Grey the kitten’s decision to jump through a fence into oncoming traffic–and out into the world–not only changes her life but sets her on a path to meet new friends and learn about the importance of teamwork. Brimming with action, intrigue, and quirky animals, The Land of the Strays encourages readers to trust in themselves and their pack, as Grey learns to do the same.

Grey and the animals she meets along the way–a stray cat, former search and rescue dog, a gecko, and a dog with magical powers similar to her own–are a fully-loaded cast of engaging personalities that offer ample opportunity for memorable characterization. The story’s persistent flashbacks, occurring every other chapter, at times overwhelm the narrative present, as they establish the precise traits that the team will need to complete its mission.The best scenes, as when Blaze the “high-brow” Bengal tour-guides a nervous Grey through the Trinity Trails, boast an engaging comic snap and much surprising detail: “Etiquette is just a big word for ‘socially acceptable behavior,’ Blaze explains. At other times, the characters speak in platitudes, explicating the novel’s message so explicitly that there’s little room for reader interpretation.

Despite the moralizing, animal lovers and advocates will appreciate the story’s ultimate theme of compassion and understanding for others–and the team’s perseverance as they “all to achieve a shared goal.” Spot illustrations at the beginning of each chapter provide further opportunity to appreciate the animals’ personalities, such as seeing Olivia the poodle’s outrageous outfit or Grey’s cowgirl costume. Adventure seekers and animal rights supporters will enjoy this intriguing story of camaraderie, bravery, and, in the end, victory.

Takeaway: This tale of talking animals with superpowers is sure to intrigue adventurous young readers.

Great for fans of: Tui T. Sutherland’s Wings of Fire: The Flames of Hope, Eugene McCabe’s Cyril’s Woodland Quest.

Production grades Cover: B+ Design and typography: A Illustrations: N/A Editing: A- Marketing copy: A-

BookLife Reviews

2022-06-02
A barn cat’s new city life comes with a slew of new friends and a petnapping case to solve in this fantasy sequel.

Grey the Kitten runs away from the farm where she was born and grew up. Her recently discovered magical voice—her words literally build or break things—allows her to navigate a wooden fence with ease (“Grey saw the circle of words cut through the center of the fence before disappearing into a cloud of wooden dust”). The farm owner’s niece finds and adopts Grey, whose new home is in a pet-friendly apartment building in a busy city. The feline sniffs out affable animals, including one of her roommates, Lane the Labrador. The chocolate Lab has magical ears; he can hear others’ thoughts when they need help. The talented pair’s abilities may prove necessary when pets disappear during an animal party, including the host. It’s likely an abduction, and many of the attendees quickly point their paws at the strays who hang out in the weeds near the city’s popular park. Grey is torn; as she comes from a family of feral cats, she relates to and sympathizes with the homeless animals. She joins the rescue mission but may have to decide if she’s a stray or a pet. Fantasy elements in Nilsson’s second installment are sublimely understated. Grey and Lane rarely use their magical powers, while bright stars, like Polly the North Star, intermittently appear and subtly guide the animals. The author tells this good-natured story entirely from the animals’ perspectives even when humans occasionally show up. She lovingly describes four-legged characters—a colorful variety of dog and cat breeds and even a lizard. They pop up in entertaining situations, such as domesticated pets holding a board meeting in a 21st-floor maintenance closet. The simple but concise prose, coupled with Harrison’s sharply detailed black-and-white artwork, will appeal to readers of all ages—as will the uplifting message of acceptance.

Indelible animal characters headline this winsome tale of fellowship and magic.

Kirkus Reviews