Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog [Paperback]

Madeline Finn is training her dog Star to become a therapy dog. Will they pass the test? A beautiful story of empathy, perseverance, and community from Lisa Papp.

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. Charming, soft-focus illustrations provide extra details and capture the personalities of the determined child and irresistible dogs. . . . This touching story stands on its own, but fans of Madeline's previous outings will particularly enjoy reading this account that ties all the previous tales together. A gentle, heartwarming introduction to the world of therapy dogs. —Kirkus Reviews

★ 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 &#1l2