Dorothy Hinshaw Patent has earned a reputation for writing accurate science books for children. She is uniquely qualified to write about animals, with a Ph.D. in Zoology. The author of more than 125 books, she is the recipient of many awards, including the Eva Gordon Award for her contributions to science education. She provides additional information about organizations that provide service dogs and guide dogs, as well as a suggested reading bibliography on the topic.
The book is illustrated with photographs, taken primarily by William Munoz. They add to the authority of the story and supplement the text. Each one is captioned, and serves as an additional access point for children who choose to browse or preview the contents. Every page has at least one photograph, framed by a colored border. The endearing cover illustration, of Ira as a puppy in his service dog �uniform,� will prove irresistible to children, and the invitation continues with photographs on the jacket flap and title page. End papers are in primary colors of red, blue, and yellow, which are repeated in the frames that surround the book�s photographs. �Most of the space in the layout is devoted to the clear, color photographs, which record the dog's physical growth, developing skills, and relationships with people during his first years.� (Booklist, June 1, 2004)
The book is organized like a narrative, beginning with the birth of Ira and his siblings. It follows a chronological progression, and shows how service dogs evolve from puppies to indispensable companions for the disabled. The children who played a role in Ira�s early training reappear two years later, when Ira attends their eighth grade graduation shortly after his own graduation from Guide Dogs for the Blind. This will help children appreciate the correlation between the relative maturation of dogs and people. They will also see Ira face an obstacle in his career path to becoming a service dog, and adapt to the situation by pursuing a new career as a guide dog.
Patent uses vocabulary that is accurate and appropriate for the story. She never uses anthropomorphism, but relies on what is known about the relationship between dogs and people. She involves readers early on, and uses dialog appropriately to maintain interest. Her writing style is clear and entertaining, while informing children about a different role that animals can play in our lives. Patent explains that dogs like Ira have responsibilities, which means they must behave different ways, in certain circumstances, than other dogs.
Most children have a natural affinity for animals, particularly dogs. This book will help kids understand that they will need to treat service animals differently, and expect different responses from them. It will undoubtedly serve as a bridge to further reading about the many roles that animals can play in our lives. The book is a delightful combination of education and entertainment that will grab the interest of all ages of readers. �The author keeps the focus tightly on this animal and the people around him, but manages to slip in an extraordinary amount of information about the raising and training of guide dogs.� (School Library Journal, June 1, 2004)
Sources
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 15 April 05.
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. 1999. Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. Available from http://www.dorothyhinshawpatent.com/default.shtml. Accessed 15 April 05.
Related Websites
Canine Companions for Independence
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Guide Dogs for the Blind
The Seeing Eye
William Munoz
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY