ALA Booklist (Thu Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2011)

A companion title to Brave Dogs, Gentle Dogs (2005), this warm photo-essay tells a story of the animals on the author's sheep ranch in Wyoming, where she adopts a young orphaned burro, Roo, who bonds with a pup runt, Rena, and together they protect the newborn lambs on the ranch from coyotes and other predators. The bonding begins when the animals are still young, and beautiful color photos, some of them very close-up, show the small pup, the donkey, and the sheep first in scared standoffs, but also curious, and then bonding, the protectors licking the lambs' faces, nipping and teasing in friendly play-fights. As they grow up close together, the guardians keep the lambs safe and free. Kids will be drawn by the immediate, cuddly drama that blends work and play, biology, and an affectionate pet story. In a final note, Urbigkit fills in more about the burro's natural guarding instinct and how sheep, burros, and dogs are working friends on her ranch.

Horn Book (Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2012)

On a Wyoming ranch, a dog and a wild burro work together as livestock guardians, protecting orphaned lambs from predators. This touching story, bolstered by numerous large photographs, documents how the two develop a great partnership as they learn to establish complementary roles. Explanations of bonding, socialization, and the animals' natural instincts seamlessly support the narrative. An author's note is appended. Bib.

Kirkus Reviews

An unusual duo finds a sense of home and purpose on Urbigkit's Western ranch. Roo and Rena (a wild donkey and canine runt) learn to protect their herd of motherless lambs through bonding and socialization. Each relates to their young charges in her own way; Roo frolics with the group, while Rena first grooms the babes she protects. Initially wary of each other, the pair develops a united front when a ram intrudes on their territory. Maturation affects not only the growing sheep; it also alters the guardians' work assignments. Overall, the matter-of-fact tone describes authentic behavior, though, occasionally, the voice gushes discordantly ("the orphans were growing into beautiful adults"). Clear photographs emphasize interactions up close: In a moment of spontaneous affection, Rena gently nestles her paw against the burro's face. Though the layout is nothing exceptional, crisp shots capture each slight nuance in nonverbal communication. The use of perspective highlights shifts in time; initially, Rena resembles those she supervises (slim in stature with her fluffy, white coat) until the following spring, when she towers over the flock's newest additions. This snapshot of animal dynamics presents a rugged picture of one surprising friendship. (author's note, bibliography) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

School Library Journal (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2011)

Gr 1-3 Caution: This book may cause the warm-fuzzies. Orphaned wild burro Roo and litter-runt puppy Rena become livestock guardians and, eventually, friends on the author's ranch. They are initially paired to protect lamb orphans from predators. Youthful, mutual wariness eventually unfolds into friendship between the two. In the meantime, their work is displayed in words and pictures. Roo is shown in a stare-down with a distrusted ram, keeping him from her flock. Rena sniffs inquisitively and lovingly at her charges. Lambs go about their adorable lamby business. Heartwarming photos and clear, accessible text combine to make this story a winner. Display this book with Jon Katz's Meet the Dogs of Bedlam Farm (Holt, 2011), another fine, nonfiction photo-fest of working farm animals. The Guardian Team is perfect for classroomand familyreading time. Lovely.— Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI