Craig Spence

Bertrand Smith’s father, Alex, thinks he’s making the world a better place by developing a breed of super-intelligent canines. But SMART dogs turn out not to be such a smart idea when a global arms dealer decides to “dognap” the experimental litter to use as his next secret weapon. Bertrand, Ariel Krieger, and their four-legged friends Einstein and Genie find themselves drawn into this dangerous game and the frightening action that follows. Can these gifted dogs and the young detectives match wits with the cunning corporate villain Hindquist? Will SMART Dogs change the way that people and man’s best friend have always been connected in friendship and loyalty? What are the limits of sacrifice between friends, and brothers and sisters, whether they be people or dogs? In Einstein Dog, writer Craig Spence deftly connects our love for dogs and their unquestioning loyalty to us, but he also asks the question: What would happen if dogs were as smart or even smarter than us? Set in suburban Vancouver, the outcome of this high-tech kid thriller isn’t decided until the final pages. Young readers — and their parents — will find themselves immersed in the action, hoping desperately the characters survive, that the evil Hindquist is vanquished, and pups are saved from a terrible fate.

Ages 8-12

Josh Dempster fantasizes about achieving material success with the comic book series that he is drawing from visions in his sleep. But this street-savvy twelve year old is unaware that destiny has more in store for him than a BMW and a plush office for daydreaming. Craig Spence creates an engaging moral quest when Lil, the neighbourhood curiosity shop owner/witch, recognizes Josh as the heir of Vortigen — a profoundly evil spellbinder who blames T.V. and computers for the demise of his dark arts, and seeks to restore his vile power through Josh. With a stolen magical vial, his best friends, and a ghostly working-class 19th century Victorian cop as a guide, Josh leads an action-packed "transmigration" between his Vancouver neighbourhood and the dark Kingdom of Syde. His parents warned him about the coffee shops on Main and Broadway, but they didn't say anything about restoring the balance between good and evil through the power of love.

Ages 8-12

•  Nominated for the 2007 Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature BC Book Prize
  
• Finalist for the 2007-08 BC Librarians Chocolate Lily Award