Description
Madeline Finn is training her dog Star to become a therapy dog. Will they pass the test? A beautiful story of empathy, perseverance, and community from Lisa Papp.
★ “A beautifully designed introduction to the lives of therapy dogs.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a therapy dog. Accompanied by Mom, Mrs. Dimple, and Bonnie the library dog, Madeline and Star make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends. But Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help?
Author-illustrator Lisa Papp’s empathetic, feel-good story explores the therapy dog training process and provides a realistic and appealing example of a young person making a difference. Paired with warm, gentle illustrations, this book (much like Papp’s previous award-winning titles Madeline Finn and the Library Dog and Madeline Finn and the Shelter Dog) is ideal for social emotional learning and discussions about self-esteem, volunteering, community, and—of course—therapy animals.
Reviews
★ “A beautifully designed introduction to the lives of therapy dogs and how much work goes into becoming one. A backdrop of warm tan surrounds each image; this, coupled with soft purples, blues, and greens, lends a sense of familiarity and comfort to the story. Pencil lines and watercolor enhance this feeling, nonverbally communicating the effect a therapy dog has on the people he meets…. This intergenerational story of love and acceptance is an important addition to ¬library collections for young -elementary-aged ¬readers.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“Charming, soft-focus illustrations provide extra details and capture the personalities of the determined child and irresistible dogs…. This touching story stands on its own, but fans of Madeline’s previous outings will particularly enjoy reading this account that ties all the previous tales together. A gentle, heartwarming introduction to the world of therapy dogs.”—Kirkus Reviews
Awards
Children’s Gallery Award (Nominee) —National Christian School Association, 2021-2022
Keystone to Reading Elementary Book Award (Primary) —Keystone State Reading Association, 2021-2022
More Details
AR Level: 2.6
F&P: L, Gr 2, Genre RF
Lexile: 510L
Themes: Community, Dogs, Reading, Therapy Animals, Volunteering
BISAC 1: JUV002070 JUVENILE FICTION / Animals / Dogs
BISAC 2: JUV039140 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Issues / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
BISAC 3: JUV039220 JUVENILE FICTION / Social Themes / Values & Virtues
