Young Children Who Love Dogs

Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a therapy dog. Accompanied by Mom, Mrs. Dimple, and Bonnie, she and Star make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends. But Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help?

Lisa Papp once again gives us a heartwarming story about the joys of being read to and the comfort that dogs bring us while exploring the therapy dog training processand the importance of compassion, patience, and perseverance.

For those who may not know, a therapy dog is a dog that is trained to provide affection, comfort, and support to people, often in settings such as hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, libraries, etc.

Nothing brightens someone’s day like a dog, especially a giant polar bear dog. My favorite part in the whole book is the illustration of Star resting his head on someone’s lap. His big furry head is so sweet. Having a dog rest its head on your lap is the best thing ever.

I wish I could take my service dog Dude to a retirement community. He already makes people happy when he’s out in public with me. My favorite thing is when we walk by a kid, they point at him and yell, “Look! A dog!” I know he would make so many older people happy with his giant head and soulful eyes.

Here are some cute pictures of therapy dogs brightening people’s day as a bonus.

Look how happy they are!