Diane LaDouceur

Alison is excited to go to school. She is looking forward to seeing the school therapy dog, a yellow Labrador retriever named Maggie. Maggie is a retired service dog, and now lives with Alison’s teacher, Miss Thomson. Alison’s friends are sad they won’t get to spend time with Maggie, but Alison persuades Miss Thomson to let them visit her until the bell rings. Miss Thomson tells the girls that Maggie was trained to help a blind person, to guide them from one place to another, and to keep them safe from obstacles and other dangers. Miss Thomson also explains that service dogs are trained to help people with autism, seizures, anxiety, hearing, and many other medical challenges. Soon, Alison will get to spend more time with Maggie, as her family plan to take care of her when Miss Thomson goes on vacation.

Maggie is a delightful, illustrated picture book, by author Diane LaDouceur. The book is based on the authors real-life experience of parenting a child with learning challenges, and her work with therapy dogs. Beautifully written by LaDouceur, with charming illustrations by Helle Urban, this book highlights the important role that animals play in supporting children’s health and wellbeing. Teachers and parents can use this story as a gentle introduction to the role of therapy dogs, and as a conversation starter about emotional well-being.

Star rating: 5 Stars 

Summary: A beautifully written and illustrated book, which shows the special bond between children and dogs, and how dogs can support people and improve health and well-being.