A beautiful, reassuring, story for all those struggling to read. Oh my goodness this is a heart-warming book! Just stunning and perfect to share with reluctant readers or anyone who worries about making mistakes and not being good enough.
Madeline Finn doesn't like to read. Not at all. She tries and tries but keeps getting the words muddled and wrong. Her teacher encourages her to keep on trying but people also giggle when she reads out loud and she dreads it. Until one day she visits the library and is given the chance to read to Bonnie, a beautiful white dog. Bonnie is patient and doesn't mind when Madeline gets the words wrong. She doesn't giggle and doesn't rush her. She simply sits and lets Madeline pet her whilst she works out the tricky words.
Inspired by her local 'Read-to Dogs' programme, Lisa Papp has written and illustrated a beautifully gentle story that shows us it's okay to make mistakes and that with compassion, patience and courage we can shine. ~ Shelley Fallows
Madeline Finn does not like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream van. Fortunately, Madeline meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading aloud to Bonnie isn't so bad. When Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it's Okay to go slow, to keep trying, and to get support from a friend. A beautiful, reassuring, story for all those struggling to read. Perfect accompaniment for the 'reading dogs' programmes used by many schools and libraries. Money from the sales of the book will be donated to UK-based Pets As Therapy charity.
It's a warm, encouraging story that suggests that perfection isn't necessary in order to achieve one's goals, and that help can be found in unexpected corners. Publishers Weekly.
Softly coloured scenes have an old-fashioned feel, and the especially appealing canine characters enhance the comforting tone of the narrative. Booklist. So adorable readers may attempt to hug the page. Kirkus Reviews
Author
About Lisa Papp
American author and illustrator Lisa Papp was inspired by her local library's Read-to-Dogs program. These former shelter dogs are now spending their lives helping children. It's a beautiful thing to watch. Most of the dogs featured in the book were once living a life on the streets or in shelters. Lisa spent the better part of a year following these wonderful dogs and their dedicated owners.