TO DOGS, WITH LOVE

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.