Step into the heartwarming world of Jess: The Border Collie, where a brave puppy and his loyal friend Jenny Miles embark on adventures that capture the spirit of friendship and perseverance! Written by Ben M. Baglio under the pseudonym Lucy Daniels, this beloved children’s series follows eleven-year-old Jenny and her Border Collie, Jess, on a bustling sheep farm near the Scottish border. Perfect for young readers aged 8–12, the series blends emotional storytelling with the joys and challenges of rural life.
With nine books split into three trilogies—The Arrival, The Homecoming, and The Discovery—Jess: The Border Collie invites readers into a world where a dog’s courage and a girl’s determination shine. Whether you’re an animal lover or a fan of coming-of-age tales, this series offers a cozy yet thrilling escape.
How Jess: The Border Collie Began
Ben M. Baglio, an American author born in 1960, created Jess: The Border Collie as part of his knack for crafting animal-centric stories. Known for series like Animal Ark and Dolphin Diaries, Baglio used the pseudonym Lucy Daniels in the UK to appeal to young readers. Launched in 1998, the series was inspired by the bond between children and animals, set against the rugged beauty of a Scottish sheep farm called Windy Hill. Baglio’s vision, brought to life by a team of writers, aimed to blend realistic farm life with emotional depth, making it relatable for kids navigating their own challenges.
The Heart of Jess: The Border Collie
The series kicks off with The Arrival, where Jenny convinces her father to save a newborn Border Collie puppy with a twisted leg. Named Jess, this pup becomes her best friend, proving his worth on the farm. In The Challenge, lambing season brings orphaned lambs, and Jenny discovers Jess’s gentle nature can help care for them. The Betrayal introduces a darker twist when a fire sparks suspicion that Jenny caused it, and she teams up with Jess to clear her name. The Discovery sees Jess aiding a rescue mission after an oil spill on Puffin Island, showcasing his bravery.
At its core, the series explores themes of loyalty, resilience, and the human-animal bond. The Scottish setting, with its rolling hills and tight-knit community, grounds the stories in a vivid sense of place. Baglio’s storytelling, though sometimes tinged with sadness, keeps readers hooked with its fast-paced plots and relatable characters. Jenny’s growth from a shy girl to a confident problem-solver mirrors the challenges of pre-teens, making the series both inspiring and accessible.
Why Jess: The Border Collie Resonates
Jess: The Border Collie struck a chord with young readers, especially animal lovers, for its authentic portrayal of farm life and the unbreakable bond between Jenny and Jess. Its 2007 TV adaptation in the UK brought the stories to a wider audience, cementing its place in children’s literature. Fans praise the series for its emotional depth and page-turning adventures, with some calling it a nostalgic favorite that taught them empathy and determination. Though less known than Baglio’s Animal Ark, its niche charm endures for those who discover it.
- Publication Years: 1998–2000
- Number of Books: 9
- Target Age: 8–12
- Setting: Windy Hill Farm, Scottish border
Ready to explore the windswept hills of Windy Hill? Grab The Arrival and dive into Jess: The Border Collie’s heartwarming world of adventure and friendship!