The Day Leap Soared by Blair Braverman, Olivia When
Published by Harper on Oct 21, 2025
ISBN: 0063238055
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Sports
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

True confession – I am a fan of any book about sled dogs. This one is a delight for younger children. It is based on dogsledder Blair Braverman’s real-life team of sled dogs and her puppy Leap whose photographs grace the back of the book. In the story Leap is an adorable rambunctious puppy who cannot wait for her turn to join the sled dog team. She is understandably worried that she is not special or talented enough to be part of the team. She needn’t have worried because she performs magnificently until the iced-over river turns into a rushing stream that none of the dogs can figure out how to get across. However, Leap does what she does best … she leaps over the river! And the other older dogs follow her example and get safely across. I am not sure how the dogsled makes it across though but it does?????

A sweet book and a sweet message for young children. Both the narrative and the illustrations do an exceptional job of building a case for individuality as an asset and the value of using individual strengths to comprise a team.  The author’s note and photographs of the sled dogs add additional strength to the book. A throughly enjoyable dog story for preschool to age 7. It may create some sled dog enthusiasts, as well. This book would pair well with Big-enough Anna : the little sled dog who braved the Arctic written by Pam Flowers with Ann Dixon, Also a true story.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library