Courageous Clooney: A Heartwarming Dog Tale About Love, Healing, and Heartworm Awareness

Courageous Clooney by Christina Strassel is a heartwarming story that captures the essence of bravery and the power of friendship. The book follows Clooney, who develops heartworm after being bitten by a mosquito. That results in his first trip to the veterinarian, where he is initially scared until the vet makes him feel comfortable. The story is about the real Clooney, a 2021 Hurricane Ida rescue dog adopted by the author. The story tenderly explains the vet trips and how Clooney doesn’t feel well even as he takes medicine and gets shots. Eventually, he gets a clean health bill and becomes a happy, healthy dog with a loving home. Strassel handles the story with sensitivity and deliberate pacing so children aren’t overwhelmed. The illustrations by Lucia Benito significantly enhance the emotional tone. The artwork is beautifully rendered, with a style that captures the essence of the story's mood. Benito’s use of color and light works harmoniously with the text, adding depth and enhancing the storytelling. The language used is engaging, making it suitable for young readers and enjoyable for parents to read aloud. Clooney’s encounters are beautifully crafted to teach young readers about empathy and kindness. Courageous Clooney speaks of second chances and how it only takes one person to make a difference in the life of another, be it human or canine. The story of the real Clooney is at the end of the book with his picture. Christina Strassel promises there will be more Clooney stories, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him next!

Carol Thompson

Reviewer for Readers' Favorite

Golden Wizard Awardee

Golden Wizard Book Prize

Follow Clooney on his adventure where he battles heartworms . . . and wins! Clooney's courage is bolstered by his loving Mom's support and Dr. Vet's care and compassion. Lucia Benito's illustrations beautifully capture Clooney's personality and enhance the unfolding story. The use of alliteration, onomatopoeia and descriptive language throughout make it a fun read aloud for kids and parents alike. Teachers will also love for the classroom. The story is about the real Clooney, a 2021 Hurricane Ida rescue dog adopted by the author. The books was written to raise awareness about heartworm disease in dogs.

2025 NYC Big Book Award Distinguished Favorite