One Incredible Dog! Lady

By: Chris Williams

Summary:

This book describes a day in the life of Lady, a certified therapy dog, and her owner, Kathy, a nurse. She “works” visiting sick people in a hospital, bringing comfort and cheer to those who enjoy dogs. The training, characteristics, and responsibilities of a therapy dog are explained in language easily understood by beginning readers, and the respect working dogs deserve is emphasized.

Reader Enjoyment Factors:

This is a story with lots of longevity. It is attractive to toddlers (especially those who love "puppies") and will be great to have on the shelf when they are ready to read.

Content Awareness Factors:

The amount of text on a page could be a deterrent for pre-readers, but it didn't bother our usually finicky toddler.

Little Kid Reaction

BTSYA: The message is an important one for children. The content is interesting and educational, and I believe would be entertaining to a young audience.
2YO: This was an immediate hit. She wanted us to read it again right then! Our toddler loves pointing to Lady's red handkerchief (the only color in the black/white illustrations) and greeting the various patients that Lady visits.

Parent Reaction

This is a wonderful story…I learned something, too. I wasn't sure whether or not the book would keep our toddler's attention, but "read it again, Mama" said it all.

Little Kid Reaction

2YO: This was an immediate hit. She wanted us to read it again right then! Our toddler loves pointing to Lady's red handkerchief (the only color in the black/white illustrations) and greeting the various patients that Lady visits.

Type of Book:
Lady is the first book in One Incredible Dog!, an early reader series that helps kids learn to read and teaches us all about the special gifts dogs have.

Educational Themes:

Lady has great potential, not only for helping early readers strengthen their skills, but in teaching kids and adults about the profession of therapy dogs, empathy, compassion and healing.

Reading Level:
1.9

Recommended Age To Read By Yourself:
6 to 9

Recommended Age To Read Together:
3 to 7

Age of child:
Teen STAR Review Team, Be the Star You Are!™ Also read with a 2-year-old girl.

Purchase Recommendation:
Buy! The book would be an ideal gift for a child receiving treatment, or who has a friend or relative receiving treatment, in a hospital where therapy dogs are employed. Our Teen Review STAR team reviewer would recommend it for children under 7.