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 the library dog, Madeline 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?
Author-illustrator Lisa Papp's empathetic, feel-good story explores the therapy dog training process and provides a realistic and appealing example of a young person making a difference. Paired with warm, gentle illustrations, this book is ideal for social emotional learning and discussions about self-esteem, volunteering, community, and--of course--therapy animals.
★ "A beautifully designed introduction to the lives of therapy dogs and how much work goes into becoming one. A backdrop of warm tan surrounds each image; this, coupled with soft purples, blues, and greens, lends a sense of familiarity and comfort to the story. Pencil lines and watercolor enhance this feeling, nonverbally communicating the effect a therapy dog has on the people he meets. . . . This intergenerational story of love and acceptance is an important addition to ¬library collections for young -elementary-aged ¬readers." --School Library Journal, Starred Review