When dogs work

PreS-K--Working dogs are featured in rhyming verse that celebrates their unique capabilities and the many roles they can play in our lives. Starting with a water rescue dog photographed in a life vest, standing proudly at the water's edge, the book will encourage children and their caregivers to examine the photographs and the text to find out what each dog does. The answers to the riddles are provided at the bottom of each page, encouraging discussion. From actor dogs, guide dogs, and pets, a variety of roles are displayed in this beautifully photographed board book featuring a diverse cast of dogs and humans; one photograph features a service dog with a boy using a wheelchair. VERDICT Covering a wide spectrum of the roles dogs play in our world, this board book will engage young readers and help them develop an appreciation for the amazing canines in our world.--John Scott

Adorable dogs do big jobs. Accompanied by high-quality stock photos, Sinclair's text presents 10 working canines, from a therapy dog to a pooch who acts. Each spread contains a four-line rhyme, written from the perspective of the dog, that offers a hint about its job. Then comes the big reveal at the bottom of the page, set in blue italics: "I am a service dog!" "I am a sled dog!" Each spread also features a decorative blue paw print. This sweet concept book will captivate young dog lovers: The close-up photos of the pups, occasionally seen in action alongside humans, are delightful, and children will learn that dogs can fill roles other than that of pets, though that's charmingly portrayed here, too. Youngsters will come away with an understanding of the different reasons people require assistance from dogs; notably, Sinclair fosters empathy for humans in need and the brave, intelligent animals who serve them. A quibble: Some readers may wish that the various dog breeds portrayed had been identified. An appended guide for parents and caregivers stresses the importance of helping others and contains useful tips on familiarizing children with working dogs. Humans portrayed are racially diverse; one child uses a wheelchair. A brief, engaging introduction to the lives of working canines.(Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.