On May 2, students at Jornada Elementary welcomed back their favorite adventurous furry friend, Gobi. The little dog, who ran across the Gobi Desert with ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard, who named her after finding her during a race, was eventually adopted into a new home with him and his wife, Lucja Leonard.
Dion is the author of several books, including Finding Gobi, Gobi: A Little Dog with a Big Heart, Lara the Runaway Cat, and his latest, coauthored with his wife, Where’s Gobi? Seek and Find.
Students were invited to attend the book reading and had the opportunity to pet Gobi. A special couch chair was even reserved just for her visit. The Thunderbirds decorated their multipurpose room with hand-drawn and colored posters featuring Dion and Gobi on their adventures. Dion and Lucja autographed each poster and included Gobi’s paw print as a signature for students to keep.
Students tuned in to the new tales of Gobi and the wonderful countries she has visited along the way. The new book, Where’s Gobi? Seek and Find, takes readers on a journey to global landmarks she’s been to. The story combines narrative with interactive seek-and-find challenges.
Students were put to the test as they participated in spotting various items in the book. Each participant had the option to choose a Gobi sticker or pet Gobi while she rested peacefully on the couch during story time.
The visit was a special one for students and staff as they learned about Gobi’s latest travels. Special thanks to Emily Viramontes, school librarian; Principal Colette Martinez; and Assistant Principal Laura Flores at Jornada Elementary for inviting Dion, Lucja, and Gobi back to visit the students.
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