The quietest boy in the county and the smartest dog on the ranch are about to become legends.
In the dusty town of Sargo County, Old Mr. Smith has a story that every child wants to hear. It’s the tale of young John Stokerson, a boy who didn’t speak a single word until he was four years old. While his parents worried, John was busy watching, listening, and training his incredibly clever companion—a Border Collie named Patches.
When the notorious Rusty Dunan begins terrorizing local ranches, the adults are baffled. But John and Patches have a plan. This isn’t just another one of those typical cowboy books for kids; it is a high-stakes western adventure where brains beat brawn. Using a series of brilliant tricks and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his dog, this duo proves that you don’t need a loud voice to stand up to a cattle rustler.
Why readers will love this book:
- A Great Children’s Dog Book: Perfect for families looking for heroic dog stories that emphasize loyalty and intelligence.
- A Standout Among Border Collie Stories for Kids: Patches isn’t just a pet; he’s a partner who uses his “smart dog” instincts to save the day.
- Authentic Ranch Stories for Kids: Captures the spirit of the American West with a plot centered on cattle rustlers and ranch life.
- Inspiring Themes: A touching narrative for “late talkers” or quiet children, showing that observation and patience are powerful tools.
Whether you are looking for western adventure books for children or an engaging read-aloud story for after dinner, Mark Niemann-Ross delivers a classic tale of justice and friendship. Join John Stokerson and Patches on their journey to protect Sargo County and discover why sometimes, the best way to catch a thief is with a wagging tail and a clever trick.
Buy a Copy of Patches…
eBook: Amazon
Audiobook: Apple : Audiobooks.com : Barnes & Noble : Chirp : Everand (Scribd) : hibooks : Google Play : Goodreads : hoopla : iTunes : Kobo, Walmart : Libro.FM : NOOK : Storytel : Audible
Print: Buy Direct : Amazon
“I like it. I’ve given up on having dogs who might be smarter than me, so I will turn down the complimentary Border Collie.“
– Daniel Pinkwater
Written by award-winning author Mark Niemann-Ross and illustrated in full color by David Brandt.
Buy the Paperback Direct
You can now purchase a signed paperback version directly from the author. Contact me directly.