Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--With emphasis on service and therapy dogs, this ode to all kinds of dogs and all kinds of humans who love them will delight dog-lovers and readers in equal portion. Friendly text highlights a dog's virtues, from emotional attributes ("Thank you for your heads that rest on our beds or your bodies that lie on our laps, keeping us calm and connected") to physical ones ("Thank you for your tails that whip and thump and pump, even when they're stubs"). Straightforward illustrations with plenty of cozy domestic touches show people of various skin colors, ages, and abilities and complements the text whenever it highlights the important work of dogs, from grief therapy to courtroom support. VERDICT A humble subject is elevated to an anthem about beloved canine companions; these simple statements of gratitude effectively convey depths of mutual love.--Rebecca Kirshenbaum
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Review by Horn Book Review
With a refrain of "thank you for," this wholehearted shout-out to our canine companions (the narrator addresses them directly) enumerates their physical attributes to celebrate what makes them so simpatico with humans. Although some companion pooches (including one with a disability) are acknowledged in the warm-and-fuzzy digital illustrations, service dogs also receive literal and figurative pats on the back. A grief therapy dog, a courtroom support dog, and a future assistance dog are among the sung heroes featured in the artwork. Human characters are racially and ability diverse. The closing double-page spread offering an aerial view of a dog shelter's fundraising event explicates the concept of gratitude in action. Back matter educates readers about therapy dogs. (c) Copyright 2024. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A thank-you note to therapy dogs of all kinds. Gianferrari, author of numerous books about animal and human connections, here focuses on dogs as helpers. Gentle text and appealing digital illustrations show canines bringing joy to humans in all kinds of ways. There are support dogs for children in hospitals, courtrooms, and funeral homes, as well as dogs to be read to in libraries. Incarcerated adults are depicted training dogs for therapy roles--an experience that can be just as rewarding for the trainers. With their tail-wagging enthusiasm, soft fur (all the better for cuddling), and attentiveness, dogs provide comfort and confidence. The variety of situations portrayed is wide: We see dogs at work not only in institutions but also in backyards and on beds. In individual scenes and on a final spread showing a dog shelter fundraiser, both dogs and humans range widely in size, shape, age, colors, features, and ability. Though the overall book is simple, the language is pleasingly complex in places, including words like coiffed and nuzzling. Gianferrari has paid careful attention to the sounds of words, with plentiful alliteration and occasional rhyme or repetition. Lobo has included interesting detail; her pictures would also show well to a small group. The book wraps up with a note on therapy dogs and web sources for more information about service dogs. High fives for this tribute to helper dogs. (Informational picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
