Author: Carol A Foote
Illustrator: Larry Day
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Pages: 48 pp
Grade Level: 1 - 2
ISBN: 978-0802855817
I am completely fascinated by animals that help people. Service dogs, comfort animals, military dogs; all of these appeal to me. This is the story of how dogs help conservation efforts. These dogs sniff out invasive species in order to eliminate them, and also locate endangered species that need protecting.
This is the story of Tucker, who was too active for a family pet, but his new owner saw him at a shelter and realized that he was just the right kind of dog to be trained as a conservation dog. Tucker learned to sniff out a particular plant at first, and was rewarded with play. He learned quickly how to sniff out an invasive species of snail in Hawaii. He inspected boats for invasive mussels, located invasive weeds, beetles that were killing trees, and much more. He loved his job and eventually traveled over the world to help in other places.
The last four pages of this book give information about conservation dogs and how they are trained, what they do, and more. I would suggest reading this ahead of time so you will be able to answer questions when the children ask. Any time I read a book with supplemental matter, I let the children know that they can learn more about the book by reading the extra pages. I often read some of it to them, as well.
Reviewed by Audrey Campbell, MED
Reading Specialist and Library Media Center Director
Valley Adventist Schools, Rogers Campus
