Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

by Lisa Papp

Paperback, 2017

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Series

Madeline Finn (1)

Collections

Children's Books, Flint/ Genesee

Publication

Scholastic, Inc. (2017)

Description

Reluctant reader Madeline really wants to earn a star at school, so when Mrs. Dimple, the librarian, suggests she read to a dog Madeline gives it a try.

User reviews

LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26

A young girl with difficulty reading, Madeline Finn longed for one of the stars her teacher would give out for in-class performance, rather than one of the 'keep-trying' hearts she always seemed to get instead. When her mother takes her to the library after a particularly trying week, Madeline Finn

meets Bonnie, a very special canine who is part of their read-to-a-dog program. With this patient and understanding audience, Madeline Finn slowly builds her confidence, eventually managing to read an entire page in class, and earn that coveted star! When she returns to the library, she discovers that Bonnie too has a surprise...

Having only recently become aware of the Reading Therapy Dog programs that have sprung up in libraries and schools around the country - we recently hosted a picture-book event at work that involved reading dogs - I was delighted to come across Lisa Papp's Madeline Finn and the Library Dog. Featuring an engaging young heroine with believable grade-school problems and absolutely adorable artwork, it is sure to be a hit with children who are struggling with their own reading, or who just love dogs. Bonnie makes such an appealing audience for Madeline Finn in the story, that I found myself wishing that I had a dog to read to myself!

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LibraryThing member lycomayflower

Picked up this book for the nieces but may have to put it aside for another year as I'm not sure either of them is old enough yet for this one to land. It's about a little girl having trouble learning to read who finds that hard work and finding an audience that doesn't mind if she makes a mistake

lead to success. Lovely illustrations. Text a little ho hum. Nice message.

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LibraryThing member lycomayflower

lead to success. Lovely illustrations. Text a little ho hum. Nice message.

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LibraryThing member Bookishleigh

This was one of our bedtime stories for today and it was absolutely wonderful. (I accidentally chopped the authors name while taking the photo so my apologies to Ms. Papp.) The illustrations in this book have a both nostalgic and dreamlike and nothing short of gorgeous. Even more importantly though

is the message provided for children, there, parents, teachers, or any other adult given the important responsibility of helping a child learn and hopefully love to read. Ms. Papp uses her gift for illustration and her simple but insightful storytelling to address the importance of helping children learn to read while making them feel comfortable and finding ways to ease the frustrations that might arise as they learn. In her book Ms. Papp tells the story of a little girl named Madeline who desperately wants to improve her reading so she can get rewarded at school as well as not be embarrassed by stumbling her words in front of her peers. With the help of her local library and their doggy reading program and her reading companion, Bonnie, she is able to improve her reading skills and feel more comfortable reading allowed.
Studies have shown that these programs truly to help children in the same way that Madeline receives help. Dogs are amazing creatures and can help people in all kinds of amazing ways. Canine assisted reading programs can help children beat the frustration in reading that can lead to avoiding books and instead increase chances for a life long love of reading

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LibraryThing member Carlathelibrarian

A wonderful story about a girl, Madeline Finn, who doesn't like to read because she doesn't read well. She has never gotten a star at school, just hearts that say keep trying. She has just about given up until she gets to read to a dog at the library. Bonnie the dog provided just what Madeline

needed, a good listener with no judgement. She gave her the time she needed to practice reading without pressure as well as the time to sound out her words and think about the story. I love how this story illustrates the greatness of the library dog program. This book also teaches patience and perseverance, as well as the power of unconditional love and acceptance to the children that hear this story. Everyone, especially children, need to feel that they have a safe space where it is okay to make mistakes, learn, and grow. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you believe in yourself. I wish more children had the opportunity to participate in this type of a program. Not only is this a lovely story, but the illustrations are wonderful. They are full page, engaging, colourful and emotional. Children will be drawn to them because they show exactly what they would be feeling at those time.

This book should be read to all beginning readers to build confidence as well as show strong readers how their actions can affect others. A necessary addition to all primary class libraries, schools and family libraries.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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LibraryThing member WeeTurtle

A cute story with cute illustrations, and a large and fluffy white dog. The book focuses on compassion and patience for those who struggle with reading, and introduces the library therapy dog. These programs are genuine and can help people who have difficulty reading and are embarrassed or afraid

to seek help from people.

Madeline is self-conscious about her reading, and the library dog helps her, with time, to finally pass her reading skills in her classroom, and get her gold star.

I'm not sure how the book fares as a story for a child who might not be in the same situation, but it can encourage the same feelings of patience and compassion for peers who are.

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LibraryThing member Robinsonstef

Beautiful illustrations! Reading aloud can be hard for many kids, so this is a book that kids can relate to for sure. Programs that have kids read to animals or stuffed animals can help make a difference. A sweet story.

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