Dion Leonard, Author of "Finding Gobi" Reads to Students at Jornada Elementary

On Thursday, February 22, 2024, Dion Leonard, author of “Finding Gobi” visited Jornada Elementary to read his book based on a true story, a heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and determination aloud to students. 

Students designed posters, artwork, and colorful signage to happily welcome Mr. Leonard, his wife Lucia Leonard, and their furry companion, Gobi.

Thank you, Dion Leonard for your visit to Jornada Elementary and reading to students. The entire school loved listening to your inspiring true story. The best part was meeting little Gobi in person.

Special shout to, Emily Viramontes, Associate Librarian at Jornada Elementary for inviting Mr. Leonard to share his story in person. 

About Finding Gobi: The True Story of One Little Dog's Big Journey tells the gripping real-life adventure story of how Gobi followed Dion through the treacherous conditions of the Gobi desert and how, afterward, Dion searched the world for his four-legged friend in order to bring him home.

This young reader's edition:

  • Shows that friendship is more important than winning
  • Is a perfect classroom or family read-aloud book

This heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and determination is sure to delight and surprise any young dog lover.

Dion’s life changed forever when he was running a 155-mile race across the Gobi desert in China when a little stray dog ran 80 miles alongside him. Dion named the dog Gobi and his promise to bring Gobi home went viral, taking the world by storm. 

Before Dion could bring Gobi home, she went missing in China and the story of ‘Finding Gobi’ began. Dion’s amazing true story and incredible journey of Finding Gobi has since become a New York Times Bestseller, Sunday Times Bestseller and International Bestseller, printed in more than 21 languages which has also resulted in an upcoming movie. 

Dion has also written a Finding Gobi young readers edition, children's picture book and a book about his cat 'Lara Runaway Cat'. 

Dion has been sharing stories of his incredible journey for many years as a motivational speaker and is a highly sought after public speaker. 

***