Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

September 5, 2016
Papp (My Mom’s Wedding) bases this story of a reluctant reader around the real-life use of therapy dogs that serve as a quiet and nonjudgmental audience for those working on becoming more confident readers. Madeline Finn isn’t afraid to let people know that she doesn’t like to read—“Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck”—but she’s also ready to start earning star stickers from her teacher, instead of heart-shaped “Keep Trying” stickers. Papp’s sensitively drafted illustrations do an excellent job of capturing her heroine’s emotions. Frustrated as she tries to read at home, Madeline stares glumly at the books spread out before her, her hands shoved into her reddened cheeks as her mother looks on worriedly; later, reading to a fluffy white dog named Bonnie at the library, Madeline’s body language relaxes noticeably (“It’s fun to read when you’re not afraid of making mistakes”). 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. Ages 4–8.

September 1, 2016

K-Gr 2-Madeline Finn does not like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the local ice-cream truck. What she absolutely likes least, however, is reading aloud at school. Her teacher is encouraging ("Keep trying, Madeline"), but sometimes the other kids laugh when she makes a mistake. Worse, she never gets a star or a smiley face for her efforts, just a heart with the message "Keep Trying." On Saturday, she and her mom pay a visit to the library. Miss Dimple the librarian knows that Madeline doesn't like to read, but she has something special in store for her. "Madeline Finn, would you like to read to a dog?" Well, yes, Madeline says, rather tentatively. Bonnie is a big white dog who is known to be a good listener. Bonnie is very patient and doesn't giggle when Madeline gets the letters mixed up or when the words don't come out quite right. After that, it's a date every Saturday, and Madeline is learning from Bonnie to go slowly and keep trying. But one day Bonnie doesn't show up, and it's almost Madeline's turn to read out loud in school again. She's scared, but Mom reminds her to "just pretend you're reading to Bonnie." It's a little bumpy in class that day, but Madeline imagines that Bonnie is right next to her. She successfully finishes her page and gets her star. Papp's realistic drawings are created in pencil and watercolor and enhanced digitally. The drawings are soft edged and somewhat muted, and they complement the mood of the story well. VERDICT The book is best suited to medium-size or large collections but will definitely be welcome at libraries with Read to a Dog programs.-Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 15, 2016
A library dog helps a struggling reader.Madeline doesn't like to read: "Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck." But narrator Madeline doesn't actually dislike reading; her aversion stems from her struggle. Madeline's mind and mouth can't figure out the words, and sadly, sometimes she's mocked when she tries. Though she keeps trying, Madeline never gets the gold star her heart yearns for, instead receiving the "keep trying" heart. Papp's soft pen-and-watercolor illustrations make it easy to empathize with the charming little white girl's struggle. One day, Madeline's mother (whose clear concern is shown via illustration, not text) takes her to read with library dogs. Madeline picks Bonnie, who looks "like a big, snowy polar bear" and is--along with the other library dogs--so adorable readers may attempt to hug the page. Reading to Bonnie helps Madeline finally achieve her goal of receiving a gold star for reading. Though it would have been nice to see a protagonist of color in a dog book, there is diversity in the supporting cast. The book does not mention learning disabilities, leaving readers to understand Madeline's difficulties as they choose. A good bet for dog lovers and for readers too young for the excellent, lengthier Thank You, Mr. Falker. (Picture book. 4-8)

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September 15, 2016
Preschool-G I do NOT like to read! Madeline Finn states emphatically. The narrative follows her unfortunate experiences in the classroom, where, she says, sentences get stuck in my mouth like peanut butter, causing her much embarrassment when she is asked to read aloud. But Madeline is desperate to get one of the stars given to the good readers, and she faces her problem by taking a series of trips to the public library, where she reads aloud to Bonnie, a large white dog. Practicing with Bonnie teaches Madeline to be patient and gives her the confidence she needs to perform better when reading aloud in class; she's finally able to ignore her snickering classmates by pretending she is reading to the patient, nonjudgmental Bonnie. Softly colored scenes have an old-fashioned feel, and the especially appealing canine characters enhance the comforting tone of the narrative. In a surprise ending, Madeline finds herself reading to a whole brood of listeners.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)