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32 pp.
| Pajama
| June, 2021
|
TradeISBN 978-1-77278-195-3$17.95
(3)
K-3
Ms. Prichard's students--including Amelia, who's upset by "loud noises" and "weird smells"--adore their teacher's service dog, Harley, but respect the rules, such as: no petting him when he's wearing his vest. During a fire, Harley shows his service chops by finding Amelia and helping her and Ms. Prichard safely out of the burning school. This picture book, inspired by a real elementary teacher with an invisible disability (PTSD), sensitively discusses disabilities kids may encounter in peers and adults while also clarifying etiquette around service dogs on the job. The sweet illustrations add informative details (e.g., Amelia's noise-cancelling headphones).
32 pp.
| Candlewick
| April, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7636-9604-7$16.99
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Scott Magoon.
Disappointed Rescue becomes a service dog rather than a seeing eye dog; meanwhile, human Jessica learns her leg has been amputated. Brought together, they form a powerful, caring bond working as a team. Based on a true story, the quiet and stirring text pairs beautifully with the spot art and full-page illustrations, which use color and white space to convey time, meaning, and emotion with great effect.
Reviewer: Julie Roach
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
March, 2018
(3)
K-3
Lightning Bolt Books: Hero Dogs series.
This high-interest series introduces new readers to four types of "heroic" working dogs and their tasks that make society safer or provide assistance to persons in need. Photographs of the canines in action add interest, and captions extend the brief, conversational texts. Historical facts and a "Top Dog" profile are appended to each volume. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Lightning Bolt Books: Hero Dogs titles: Hero Law Enforcement Dogs, Hero Service Dogs, Hero Military Dogs, and Hero Therapy Dogs.
(3)
1-3
Puppy Academy series.
Illustrated by
Sarah Horne.
Pip wants to be a service dog, but his penchant for chasing balls might be his downfall. Aspiring surf-rescue dog Murphy is a star in water-rescue training but loses his confidence in the ocean. The amusing books set at the Sausage Dreams Puppy Academy feature large fonts, short sentences, plentiful black-and-white illustrations, and endearing canine characters. Facts about each kind of working dog are appended. Review covers these Puppy Academy titles: Murphy and the Great Surf Rescue and Pip and the Paw of Friendship.
253 pp.
| HarperCollins/Harper
| April, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-233068-0$16.99
(3)
4-6
Aspiring service dog Chester (scared of loud noises, he didn't quite pass the test) bonds with fifth grader Gus, allowing Gus, who has autism, to make human connections in new and thrilling ways. Narrated by Chester, the bond between the two is palpable and touching, offering a poignant glance into the depth of dog-and-child love.
186 pp.
| HarperCollins/Tegen
| June, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-246324-1$16.99
(3)
4-6
With drama and humor, pit bull Daisy relates her moving journey from the pound to life as a service dog for Colonel Victor, a war veteran suffering from PTSD. This unorthodox, surprisingly believable, and sensitive fictional narrative told from Daisy's perspective follows her as she is trained to help the colonel and his family, and also deals with traumatic events in her own life (revealed via flashbacks).
159 pp.
| National
| April, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4263-2377-5$12.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4263-2378-2$22.90
(3)
4-6
Twenty-two inspiring true stories show how agile, loyal, and eager-to-please dogs can be trained to use their natural abilities to protect and defend their human handlers in military, police, and rescue work. Interspersed in the narratives are color photos and sidebars with breed information, "Ask an Expert" questions, and explanations of the dogs' specialized training. Reading list, websites.
32 pp.
| Bearport
| January, 2016
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-943553-13-6$26.60
(3)
4-6
Police Search & Rescue! series.
Introductions to types of law enforcement careers, these books also document real-life anecdotes of heroic officers who have risked their own lives to save others. Color photos accompany clear, reluctant-reader-friendly texts to help tell the exciting stories of on-the-job courage and quick thinking. A section on equipment used by each agency is appended. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers the following Police Search & Rescue! titles: Highway Patrol Officers, Air-Sea Rescue Officers, City Cops, K-9 Cops, Sheriffs and Deputies, and State Troopers.
207 pp.
| Tor/Starscape
| April, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7653-7469-1$16.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4668-4299-1
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Richard Cowdrey.
German shepherd Ellie tells how she is trained from puppyhood to be a search-and-rescue dog. Her thoughts include concern for her trainers' happiness and observations about the uselessness of cats. There's suspense and action, and the human-dog interactions are heartwarming; occasional black-and-white illustrations are dark and poorly proportioned. Back matter includes search-and-rescue dog facts and a reading and activity guide. Reading list, websites.
159 pp.
| National
| January, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4263-1867-2$12.99
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4263-1868-9$21.90
(4)
4-6
Real-life stories of dogs who rescue injured or endangered people; perform incredible feats such as reading, surfing, or skydiving; or work as service dogs for disabled children or vets fill this compact volume, illustrated with appealing full-bleed color photos of the dog heroes themselves. Although numerous sidebars clutter the design and detract from the flow, the package overall is a treat for dog-lovers.
154 pp.
| Houghton
| July, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-08893-1$16.99
(3)
4-6
Castaldo offers a matter-of-fact overview of the ways in which dogs, and their highly developed sense of smell, aid humans by detecting bombs, cadavers, illegal drugs, and more. Anatomical information about dogs and their senses is exceptionally clear. Photographs of the real-life canine heroes discussed add a personal and endearing touch. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
32 pp.
| Simon Spotlight
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-2238-3$16.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4814-2237-6$3.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-2239-0
(4)
K-3
Ready-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Chris Danger.
These early readers focus on real-life courageous canines and the services they provide in their professional capacities. Sadie works as an evidence-finder for a fire department; Gabe was a bomb-sniffing dog in Iraq and now does school visits. Both texts treat the subject matter seriously, presenting straightforward details and acknowledging potentially dangerous circumstances. Unfortunately, the illustrations aren't as lively as the texts. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Gabe and Sadie.
32 pp.
| Simon Spotlight
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-2241-3$16.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4814-2240-6$3.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-2242-0
(4)
K-3
Ready-to-Read series.
Illustrated by
Chris Danger.
These early readers focus on real-life courageous canines and the services they provide in their professional capacities. Sadie works as an evidence-finder for a fire department; Gabe was a bomb-sniffing dog in Iraq and now does school visits. Both texts treat the subject matter seriously, presenting straightforward details and acknowledging potentially dangerous circumstances. Unfortunately, the illustrations aren't as lively as the texts. Review covers these Ready-to-Read titles: Gabe and Sadie.
(3)
4-6
Dog Heroes series.
These series entries introduce two more types of "dog heroes": dogs that accompany Air Force paratroopers on their high-altitude jumps (Skydiving) and dogs trained to help international Coast Guard forces on rescue missions (Lifeguard). The volumes are accessible, with numerous photographs and interesting personal anecdotes rounding out the texts. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Dog Heroes titles: Skydiving Dogs and Lifeguard Dogs.
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Kelly Light.
In this sequel, erudite Newfoundland Elvis is distressed--he thinks his new master, the president, is going to send him to Japan as a gift. Sickly fourth grader Benji (for whom Elvis was a service dog) must get Elvis declared a national treasure to prevent it. Benji's genuine voice rings true, even if all the details of his entertaining White House adventure don't.
(3)
4-6
Dog Heroes series.
These series entries introduce two more types of "dog heroes": dogs that accompany Air Force paratroopers on their high-altitude jumps (Skydiving) and dogs trained to help international Coast Guard forces on rescue missions (Lifeguard). The volumes are accessible, with numerous photographs and interesting personal anecdotes rounding out the texts. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Dog Heroes titles: Skydiving Dogs and Lifeguard Dogs.
(3)
K-3
Bow-Wow! Dog Helpers series.
Titles in this approachable series provide introductions to the lives and purposes of various working dogs. Told in simple language from the dogs' perspectives and punctuated by occasional fact boxes, the information covered ranges from particular character traits to each service dog's specific tasks. Engaging photographs of dogs in real-life situations are a highlight. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review includes these Bow-Wow! Dog Helpers titles: Sled Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Guide Dogs, Search-and-Rescue Dogs, and Service Dogs.
40 pp.
| Roaring Brook
| May, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59643-891-0$16.99
(2)
K-3
Photographs by
Dan Dion.
With Bret Witter. Tuesday, a golden retriever service dog, narrates this sometimes funny, sometimes hard-hitting picture book, describing how he helps take care of disabled veteran Luis. Through engaging color photographs and a clear, compelling text, the book portrays the difficulties of a vet suffering from PTSD; readers also learn fascinating facts about service dogs. An appended author's note explains more about Luis's condition and Tuesday's training.
Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
September, 2014
48 pp.
| Bloomsbury
| September, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8027-3618-5$17.99
(3)
4-6
This book extols the virtues of working dogs and their amazing noses. Patent relates how dogs, with a sense of smell forty times stronger than humans possess, have been trained for tasks such as detecting drugs and bombs, rescuing humans in disasters, helping locate endangered animals, and recognizing potential medical emergencies. Large full-color photographs accompany the informative and fascinating narrative. Reading list, websites. Ind.
(3)
K-3
Bow-Wow! Dog Helpers series.
Titles in this approachable series provide introductions to the lives and purposes of various working dogs. Told in simple language from the dogs' perspectives and punctuated by occasional fact boxes, the information covered ranges from particular character traits to each service dog's specific tasks. Engaging photographs of dogs in real-life situations are a highlight. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review includes these Bow-Wow! Dog Helpers titles: Sled Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Guide Dogs, Search-and-Rescue Dogs, and Service Dogs.