Review: Cornelius and the Dog Star

Winner of the 1996 Award of Excellence from Body Mind Spirit Magazine, Cornelius and the Dog Star is a book that is certain to be as delightful to the adults, as it is to children.  The book is the perfect way to introduce difficult topics to children, such as heaven and the afterlife.

Cornelius and the Dog Star is a lovely tale about Cornelius Basset-Hound, whose life he spends being awfully curmudgeon toward everyone ... especially his family.  His superficial values, cause him to put more emphasis outer appearances and proper behavior than on the truth within.  Cornelius was a wonderfully dignified basset-hound, husband, father and grandfather ... and sharp dresser.  Although Cornelius loved his family he never expressed this love, nor did he have any fun with his family.  Rather he went through life in constant critique, with a judgemental attitude. He cared so deeply about his family and his intentions were from a loving place, although the effects of his grumpiness and judgemental ways were enough to keep poor Cornelius from entering heaven, after peacefully passing away in his sleep.  This was a great surprise to him, as even the hobo that passed through his county entered the gates of dog heaven with ease.

The story is the journey of Cornelius searching for a place that he belongs, as he is still a soul in the universe ... only he has no body.  He meets many celestial helpers along the way, including Sirius the Dog Star.  Gradually Cornelius learns the value of kindness and generosity, while slowing down and really loving and enjoy the gift of life.  He discovers that a dog’s life is not measured by how strict he is or the number of bones he earns, rather the love in his heart. In the end, Cornelius finds what he was looking for all along, the place where he belongs ... the heart within himself.  He then reincarnates as a pup and is with his family once again.  They name him Cornelius!

This story is touching, beautifully illustrated and well-written.  Books like these make the world a better place.  For more information, or to order please visit Illumination Arts.