Review by Booklist Review
Madeline looks forward to the Blessing of the Animals, and she has made colorful paper leaves to decorate the animal shelter afterward. At the park, she and her mother wait in line with Madeline's dog, Star. Madeline is fascinated by Miss Mary (Reverend Mary Alice) as she blesses the animals, from the goat to the goldfish. Miss Mary touches Star, looks into his eyes, and recognizes his special gift: sharing joy. When Madeline asks her to bless the animals at the shelter, Miss Mary deputizes Madeline to do so. Madeline visits each animal and writes its blessing, such as "I have a big heart," on the paper leaf she attaches to its cage. Papp tells this quiet story with simplicity and grace. Certain children will be intrigued by the ceremony, by Madeline's serious approach to her task, and by her ability to connect with the animals. Created using pencil on paper, watercolor, and digital coloring, the illustrations have an aura of warmth and contentment. An appealing addition to Papp's series of picture books about Madeline Finn.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1--3--The fourth adventure in this decidedly old-fashioned true-blue series of picture books (Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog) is a perfect continuation of the life of a gentle, but spirited girl with an affinity for animals. From her striped tights to her Ramona-like bob and rabbit-face shoes, Madeline is a doll in motion from the first page, up early for the Blessing of the Animals. Of course she will take Star, her huggable dog, and Mom suggests Madeline make more leaves (there are garlands around the house) for the animal shelter. Red-haired Mrs. Dimple drops off her pooch, Bonnie, for Madeline to take with her, and when she arrives, there is already a long line of townspeople, old and young, with a range of skin tones, and one using a wheelchair, all with animals. And the definition of animals means a fish in a bowl or two ferrets on leashes, as well as more conventional choices. A woman in a brown robe, likely a Franciscan, blesses each one and empowers Madeline to bless the animals at the shelter. Madeline's novel way of making sure all the animals are loved leads her right into her mother's arms for a blessing of her own. There is so much goodness in this little charmer. Children may feel as if they've stepped into another time, or a scene out of an old movie and a different United States. VERDICT To booktalk this one is to make a pitch for kindness, generosity, and love. There are worse ways to build a story hour.--Kimberly Olson Fakih
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
In her fourth outing, Madeline Finn learns to seek out the blessings inside everyone. When the little white-presenting girl takes her dog, Star, and Star's therapy dog mother, Bonnie, to the park for the Blessing of the Animals, she sees all kinds of pets, from rabbits and a goldfish in a bowl to ferrets, a goat, and a pig. She wonders how the Rev. Mary Alice, a light-skinned woman with brown hair and a robe resembling St. Francis', knows what to say as she points out each animal's special gift: Bonnie's is "bringing comfort," while Star has "so much joy to share." Miss Mary recognizes Madeline Finn's care for the shelter animals she wants blessed, and she deputizes the young girl. At the shelter, Madeline Finn slowly warms up to seeing the gifts inside each animal, and she tags each cage with a homemade sign shaped like a leaf that highlights it: "I like to hear stories." "I have a lot of LOVE to give." "We will make you smile." Seeing her daughter's project, Madeline Finn's mother gives her a hug and a leaf of her own: "You're my little blessing." This sweet tale is sure to appeal to animal lovers, who may in turn seek out a local Blessing of the Animals. Papp's pencil, watercolor, and digital illustrations show diverse people waiting in line with their pets. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Another solid series entry that will have readers looking for the gifts in others. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
