Booklist Review of Heroic Dogs

Most kids have a soft spot for pups, so the Heroic Dogs series is sure to be a hit. These early readers each address one specialized canine occupation. Double-page spreads offer brief paragraphs set off by bright graphics, highlighted facts, and multiple full-color, often full-page photos. The text, set in a medium-sized font, covers job descriptions, skill sets, and training, and each title shows dogs in action along with
a brief profile of one current dog hero. Medical Detection Dogs features the Labradoodle in its discussion of super-sniffing canines that suss out particular diseases. Search and Rescue Dogs describes how these canines must be strong and able to endure harsh conditions (e.g., German
Shepherds) and have superior senses of smell (like Bloodhounds). Labradors have a prominent place in Service Dogs, which discusses ways such dogs assist people who have physical, mental, or emotional medical conditions. In Therapy Dogs, readers learn about the ways all kinds
of dogs are trained to interact with a variety of people, offering comfort to hospital patients, first responders, travelers, testifying witnesses, and even stressed-out students. Each title is written in consultation with a
training-area specialist, and all include a glossary, additional reading selections, and access to a publisher-sponsored website. The accessible content and attention-getting covers will appeal equally to report writers and animal lovers.