MY BROTHER JAVI

Two astute pooches offer lessons in life, loss, love, and the power of positive thinking.

In this novel, readers meet Javi (officially named Java for his café au lait coloring), a purebred Shih Tzu, and Binah, a Havanese whose name means “understanding” in Hebrew. Their vocalizations may be limited to barks, growls, and whimpers, but these two adorable, furry creatures can read and write and frequently wax philosophical. Javi has already crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but he left behind a diary that Binah digs up in the backyard. Binah came into Javi’s life only a few months before his death, but she promised him she would tell his story to her friends. Stopler’s second novel, whimsical and imaginative, treats readers to the thoughts, pranks, and conversations among these two charmers and their canine friends. Be prepared for chuckles, a bit of magic, and, of course, some tears. Javi was born in 1999 and was fortunate to be able to spend two years with his Mama and his human family—Neha, Roger, and their two young children. But when the humans moved to a new house, much to Javi’s distress, they gave Mama away. Still, he learned some important survival lessons from her, most especially how to ignore the negative voice in his head that told him to misbehave—the voice that triggered “melon collie” and always got him into trouble. When Javi was 9 years old, Neha became overworked and stressed. She gave him to Tali, a young woman who once rescued him when he became lost. It was a match made in heaven. Tali and Javi were soul mates. She called him “mi amore”; he called her “my lady.” Through Tali, Javi found his “mission.” Binah joined them as a young pup two years later. In alternating chapters, Binah intersperses her own story, sharing with her friends the wisdom of her beloved “superhero” brother. This enjoyable escapist read for dog lovers, dotted with canine factoids, should also delight youngsters ready to move up to storytime chapter books. The enchanting work delivers a welcome distraction from today’s darkness and acrimony.

A funny, poignant, and uplifting canine tale.