Chris Trout

Chris Trout

About

Chris Trout, founder of Strengths in Focus, is an international speaker, writer and coach. His insights are grounded in a rich, thirty-year, hands-on exploration of strengths-focused work in education, family mediation, positive youth development and parenting. Chris’ highly acclaimed Strengths Ezine is read weekly across the US, Canada and around the world.

Murdo

Murdo

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Description

<p>When Jessica Bryant pesters her wealthy parents to allow her to have a dog as a pet, the answer is a resounding &quot;No&quot;; but they soon come to regret their decision when thier home is broken into one evening whilst they are out and their daughter kidnapped and held for ransom. The kidnappers, in the form of four seedy and incompetent characters wearing Disneyland-type masks, take her hostage and keep her incarcerated in a place from which there appears to be no escape. However, they reckon without the resourcefulness of our heroine, and the courage of a wonderful stray dog who comes to her aid and whom she names 'Murdo'. And so begins an exciting and humurous accounting of the couples' adventures together as they consistently foil and outwit the abductors whilst on the run together.<br /> This is a lovely story of the friendship between a girl and a dog, bringing out themes of responsibility, camaraderie, redemption, salvation and self-sacrifice. It includes some wonderful dialogue sequences as Jessica teaches her new four-legged friend how to communicate with her, with additional delightful conversations between the animals when a rabbit and a sparrow join forces with them in an effort to outwit the kidnappers and restore Jessica safely back to her parents' home. </p>

Story Behind The Book

Reviews

<p>“What a gift! From the first words (&quot;bring it on!&quot;) to the last (&quot;and we thrive&quot;), Chris speaks with an authenticity and insight that can only come from having walked the talk. I wish every adult who parents, cares for and supports young people - and everyone who has known adversity - could experience the inspiration, the insights, and the sense of hope that fills this book. Inspired!”</p><p align="right"><em>Misty Stenslie</em><br />Deputy Director<br />Foster Care Alumni of America</p><br /><p>“I'm listening to Reflecting Strengths in my office right now. It's clear to me that EVERY juvenile probation officer in the world needs to hear this CD. I plan to incorporate it into my new employee orientation.”</p><p align="right"><em>Steve Nesky</em><br />Treatment Coordinator<br />Coconino County Juvenile Court,<br />Flagstaff, Arizona</p><p align="right">  </p> <p>&quot;Reflecting Strengths is such a powerful twist on how we look at and interact with our youth. I use the stories as conversation starters at weekly staff meetings. Looking at these reflections and talking about them in relation to the children we work with brings new life and energy into our daily interactions with them. Reflecting Strengths is a &quot;must read&quot; for anyone who has relationships with kids, no matter what age.&quot;</p><p align="right"><em>Diane Hancock</em><br />Child Care Administrator<br />Windham, Maine</p>