It was love at first sight: the huge pale-green eyes, the ruffled tawny hair and the cute way he held his head to one side. What really swung it, though, was his feet being way too big for his body, his ears too big for his head and that, while trying to look brave, he was obviously terrified. Charly was the first of what grew to be a large family of abandoned Spanish dogs taken in by Jackie Todd and her husband Stephen after they emigrated in 1997 to Frigiliana, a picturesque Spanish village in Andalucia. By the time Charly was four, something magical had happened: the people of the village had become close friends and the Todds' memories of their old lives were as weak as British sunshine. Fourteen years on from that first arrival they have ten dogs and eight cats of their own and regularly foster tiny strays that need bottle-feeding until they can be found homes. In 2007, 123 puppies and kittens passed through their door; in 2008, it was 119; and the tragic procession continues today. Millions of people dream of turning their summer holiday into permanent reality. Dog Days in Andalucía is the heart-warming and inspirational story of an ordinary British couple who did just that, making a mighty impression on the village, its people and its surrounding animal population along the way.

Andalucia is the quintessence of Spain and yet, historically and culturally, it is surprisingly unlike the rest of the country. Its literary history began to develop with the Romans and reached an early flowering when Arabic poets drew on centuries of literary tradition, together with the landscapes and passions of Moorish Spain. Later, Prosper Mérimée, Byron and Washington Irving forged legends of exotic southern Spain that persist to this day and Spanish writers themselves captured the rich tapestry of Andalucian culture, from Cervantes' Seville to the Córdoba of Baroque poet Luis de Góngora and Lorca's 'hidden Andalucia'. With the advent of the Civil War, a new generation flocked to Andalucia and were inspired to write some of the twentieth century's most iconic works of literature, from Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls to Gerald Brenan's The Spanish Labyrinth and Laurie Lee's trilogy of books. As vibrant and compelling as the region itself, Andalucia: A Literary Guide for Travellers illuminates the very soul of Spain.

SUMMARY FOR JUANITO DE ANDALUCIA (The sequel to Carmelita de Andalucia) This is a story about a little gypsy boy in the region of Andalucia in southern Spain. He is the little brother of CARMELITA DE ANDALUCIA; Juanito has found honor in being her little brother. But now, it is time for JUANITO, as he tells his story, to find his OWN special place and worth in his loving family and gypsy clan. His journey will be a learning experience for ages seven through ninety-seven. CARMELITA defines what a hearts desire can do to help her little brother understand its value. A new law demands that all the children in Spain must go to school. This includes the gypsy children in his clan. JUANITO watches his big sister and finally learns what his FIRST hearts desire will be. The lessons learned, the folklore shared, new Spanish words introduced, and a mysterious old man led him to it. Hopefully, after this fun, pretend story, the young readers will ponder and stretch to be all that they are to become in their quest for worthiness through a hearts desire. The celebration of La Romeria del Rocio is still a special pilgrimage today to visit La Paloma Blanca (The White Dove) Virgin statue in the springtime. The festivals in the story are also real in Spain with gypsies continuing to join in the merriment of these gatherings. It is a unique experience for todays children to share first hand, the authors warm and colorful memories of the gypsies residence in southern Spain. Charlottes hearts desire is that they will be entertained by the small taste of Spanish and pretend gypsy culture shared in her book. The final book in the trilogy is in the making, ANTONIO DE ANDALUCIA (El Rey del Futuro).