Service Animals Books

As the director of an history museum I am often asked to review books and such was the case of War Horse. I was amazed at the scholarship that went into this wonderful book. Its told as a story of the U S Army Remount service which supplied a standard mount for the Cavalry but much more it tells the story of the development of a "using" kind of horse. One of the best parts of the book are the wonderful side bar stories and photos about everyone from George Patton to Francis the talking mule! The complete data on almost every aspect of breading the war horse will make this book a valuable reference. If you like horses or if you just want to know how one of our country's first mass produced war machines was developed this needs to be in your hands. Ted Peters, Director, Heritage Farmstead Museum.

I had found a copy of this wounderful book on my In Law's bookshelf. That you started during your visit to the Caymen's with them. And they suggested that I read it.

As someone who unfortunetly has been stuck in this world of suicidal depression since I was a pre- teen ( I am now in my mid-40's). I cannot thank you enough. Although I am still in the misdt of it, how you explain it all is much better put then I ever could.

From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

Jim dale Vickery profiles eight men who championed wildlife conservation, preservation, and environmentalism: Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), John Muir (1838-1914), Robert W. Service (1874-1958), Bob Marshall (1902-1939), Aldo Leopold (1887-1948), Olaus Johan Murie (1889-1963), Calvin Rutstrum (1895-1982), and Sigurd F. Olson (1899-1982). If you're an avid nature fan yourself, you've probably read about some of these men in other books. And yet, here each chapter is more than mere biography. Vickery highlights personal details that bring these men to life again, and we see not just the individuals, but also the natural places that mattered the most to them. We hear what they had to say about those places in their own words. Coincidentally -- or, not -- each of the eight spent at least a little time in Vickery's native Minnesota, and so it is from an additional love of his own land that the author relates the stories. Writers are always advised to write what they know, and that knowledge comes through in this book. An engaging addition to the environmentalist's bookshelf. Finding a used copy is well worth the search.

You Have A Visitor: Observations On Pet Visitation And Therapy is a photographic excursion of the use of animals in brining compassion, unconditional love, and emotional comfort to patients of medical facilities and residents of sheltered care environments. The chapters feature animal-assisted therapy (AAT) organizations across the country with articles and interviews describing their procedures and mission followed by photographs of volunteer teams that visit people who could use a little company. A resources section is provided which lists the featured organizations and also national organizations offering information and education on AAT programs and procedures. You Have A Visitor is a unique documentary and useful reference for anyone interested in helping others by volunteering with their family or personal pet. Highly recommended.

**SPOILERS**

Well. I liked all but the ending. It's written in a way that it's interesting, although the details are really annoying, but the dialogue is all very child-friendly and realistic [even though it's animals talking XD]
Charlotte should not have died. That was a horrible ending, and way too obvious, couldn't be any more predictable. If she absolutely had to die, there shouldn't have been all those prior hints, it was just too much. I mean, is there anyone who didn't cry upon her death when they read this book as a child? You can't not cry. It's heartbreaking to the little kid reading the book that their favorite character is dead. Charlotte symbolizes that adult in everyone's life that they unconditionally love, and NO, this is not a good way to introduce death to children, it's traumatic.
But um...other than that random rant, great book. Love all the random characters, and I'm kind of disheartened by the lack of love I see towards Templeton!
I dunno. I guess analysis in class has kind of ruined the childish magic of the book for me...

granted I started reading it when I was 5. This story charms the page and is told so well. EB White creates a barnyard full of different animals who look past their differences and sees the positive aspects and they all work together for good. It is and always will be a timeless classic!

Great book!! It was for my college class book review. I read it to my daughter and we both enjoyed it.

Tracy M Griffin
May 10, 2008
Literature Review

Title: "Charlotte's Web"
Author: E.B. White
Publisher: HarperCollins 1952
Pages: 192
Genre: Children's
Reading Level: 4.9
Lexile: 680

Synopsis of the Plot: "Charlotte's Web" is an endearing story about the friendship between animals and humans to save the life of a pig. Wilber was born to a litter as the runt; Fern, a young girl who had a great love for animals, immediately took him in. Fern was a child that had the gift of speaking to the animals. Wilber lived on a farm that belonged to Fern's uncle, so she could see him and the other farm animals a great deal. The other animals grew to be a large part of Wilber's life, especially Wilber's friend Charlotte.

Wilber met his good friend Charlotte in the barn. Her first words to Wilber came at a time of need for Wilber. Charlotte was a calm and collected spider. She always had words of wisdom to Wilber, and had the ability to ease his always-tense self. Charlotte would later become a lifesaver for her great friend Wilber.

When Wilber grew to know his surroundings a fear started that he was going to be slaughtered. Wilber was so worried and insecure about his life he would fall faint a great deal and always be in a tizzy. Wilber expressed his concern to everyone in the barn a great deal. His best friend Charlotte decided to take a stance for her friend and help him get through this time. Charlotte used her skill of weaving beautiful webs to show the family that owned the farm how great Wilber really was.

Negative Aspects of the Book: As I have read this book many times I feel that the content now does not fit the reading level. My students in first grade really enjoyed this book being read to them. However, currently the sixth graders at my school are reading this book and I do not see them enjoying the book as much as my young students do.

Personal Appraisal: This book was a joy to read with my students! It gave them a clean and deep meaning of friendship and helping out people that we care about. The language was very appropriate for any child to read.

This book helps students realize how much friends can really help out each other. The relationship between Charlotte and Wilber is one that many children can relate to. My students in my class found the way Charlotte was so calm and endearing to be somewhat of a mom to Wilber. That was so interesting that they came away with it, I never thought of it that way, I always saw Charlotte as just a friend. This book shows that there are many interpretations that can be made through literature.

The most worthwhile part of this book is the friendships that exist between Wilber and all his friends. His friends show him how great of a pig he really is. Fern's love for Wilber, even though he was the runt of the litter, shows students that no matter the size or makeup of someone they still are great!

I have read this classic to my kids (and to myself, decades ago), and two of my daughters have read it too.

My 10-year old says that she find it believeable, even with the talking animals. By that, I think that she appreciates the humanization of the animal characters. This is a story, tenderly told, about life and death, friendship, selfishness and generosity, and generally what it means to live among others. Read it with your kids.

Summary of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Mrs. Frisby, the main character, is a field mouse with four children. One of her sons, Timothy, is sick. She starts him on the road to recovery; then the farmer starts his plow. Will he plow today? Timothy can't leave bed or he could die! Mrs. Frisby decides to gather imformation. She finds out that the farmer will plow in five days. What?! Five days?! But Timothy can't leave bed for a month and Mrs. Frisby's husband died last summer! How will she ever get her family to their summer home on time?

She soon goes through a lot of scary trouble and works out a plan with the rats of Nimh. But now will it work? They keep running into problems! Mrs. Frisby solves many by deciding to risk her life for her two sons, two daughters, but mostly for Timothy.

Now Mrs. Frisby learns of an instant danger the rats are in! Can they leave on time? Two rats are killed, but the rest escape. Is Justin one of the rats killed? Robert C. O'Brien leaves you to decide. To find out what adventures and misadventures Mrs. Frisby and the rats of Nimh have, read Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.

NIMH is a great book for young readers (11-13). The book is a great story about survival, sacrifice, and challenged me to root for a mob of rats.

Mrs. Frisby is a very sympathetic character that shows that regardless of species in literature, moms are moms, and they'll do whatever it takes to take care of their family.

I think that young readers will enjoy this book, but older teenage readers could balk at the subject rather wanting to read something more intuned to their interests.

I've read this book over and over again since I was a kid and it continues to be one of my favorites.

O'Brien, who frequents the sci-fi-esque world, has totally translated it into a surprisingly belieavable world dominated by rats, crows, and other critters of the woodland. Fused with this is the concept of... lab rats, held in captivity by the very real National Institute of Mental Health.

Simply put, this is a story about a widowed mother mouse who needs to help her family. It's charming and exciting enough, but it all becomes deeper as she involves herself with the one group that can help her--The Rats of NIHM.

Here the story becomes a stunning fantasy and a close look at how people (vermin or human) act and think. In some ways it's a social commentry, but first and foremost it is just an incredible story.

I bought this book for my grandaughter, who's 13, at the suggestion of my daughter, who's 36 and still reads her copy of this book occassionally to enjoy the story again. I'm 61 and wanted to know what is it about this book that is so entertaining, so I read it too. My only comment, at any age, this story is delightful and a "must read" for all ages.

The cover art shipping now (July '08) is the beige one in the alternate images -- a useless and dull cover compared with the exciting view of Mrs. Frisby and the crow Jeremy against blue on display at this page. I wish I'd bought this in a bookstore instead, and might have had another choice of cover art. At least the interior art is the excellent classic version.

This tender, loving, dignified story about Marty and his dog is a jewel. In this book, Marty rescues Shiloh from his savage owner, Judd Travers. Marty, having fallen in love with the sweet and comical beagle, lets nothing stop him from becoming Shiloh's owner. This young boy shows true love and devotion to his cause, inspiring the reader to imitate Marty by letting nothing stop us from pursuing our hearts' desire.

Title: Shiloh
Publisher: Aladdin Paperbacks
Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Date: Paperback edition 2000

This is a fantastic book for all ages. Shiloh deals with important ethical issues that anyone can relate to. I especially recommend this book for middle school students, as I think they will find its message especially compelling.

In 1990, Shiloh won the coveted Newbery Award. It is a quick fiction read, with only 156 pages. According to Scholastic, the book is at a Grade Level equivalent of 4-6, a Lexile Framework of 890, or a 5.6 Reading Level.

Shiloh tells the story of Marty, an eleven-year old boy living in rural West Virginia. His family has close relationship and strong values. Living in the country, there is an established set of social norms that all families live by. When Marty stumbles across a young beagle hiding behind a bush, he is forced to grapple with these strict social norms in his quest to define right from wrong.

After spotting the Beagle, Marty notices that the dog won't stop following him. The dog is skinny and desperately in need of a meal and some love. After coxing the dog into his arms, Marty quickly falls in love with his new found friend. He names him Shiloh, and because of his owners apparent neglect and abuse, Marty vows to take care of him.

Marty quickly discovers that the dog belongs to ornery man by the name of Judd Travers. After taking care of Shiloh for some time, his parents discover the dog and demand that Marty return him to his owner. In spite of his better instincts, Marty returns Shiloh to Judd Travers.

Adding to the plot, Shiloh manages to escape again and find his way back to Marty. This time Marty is faced with a difficult ethical dilemma: should he return the dog to his abusive owner, or should he defy his parents to keep and protect Shiloh?

After an accident in the woods, Marty's parents once again discover his secret. Despite their growing affection for the dog, his parents demand that he return the dog again to its rightful owner. At this point , Marty is so desperate to keep the dog, he offers to do almost any thing for Judd, so long as he can have Shiloh back.

The book is riveting and keeps the reader engaged all the way to the last page. The characters are well developed; the reader truly feels Marty's pain as he grapples with his difficult situation. This book is a must read for all animal lovers or anyone learning to make difficult decisions.

As a caveat, children without a rural background may have trouble understanding or relating to Shiloh. The book uses beautiful imagery to describe the scenery of rural West Virginia; however, this may not appeal to someone who grew up in an urban setting.

This book is a poorly written adventure. From the start you know that he is going to get the dog in the end. It is not an enjoyable reader its just a book torchering you to stop all the way through it. Its insigneficant charecters have no meaning they all seem to go against marty, and are all cruel. This is a book of pain, dont read it. It will waste your money and your time.

Every single book I've had to read in school has stunk and this one is no exception. It was boring and so dumb I could barely finish it. I just wish we could read good books like Harry Potter or any book by Nancy Farmer

`Shiloh' was one of my favorite novels as a young boy. I can still remember reading it in school and being fascinated with the concept, with the storyline and underlining morals that forced me to think about things in a way I never had before. The overall plot may seem to be simple enough. A young boy named Marty finds a beagle he names Shiloh (after the place he found him). The dog, as it so happens, is being abused by his master Judd and Marty vows to rescue the dog whatever way he can. The great thing about `Shiloh' is that it's not that simple.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor beautifully creates a moral battle within this young boy and everyone around him. Ethically taking this dog would be stealing, and stealing is wrong. But on the other hand of ethics there is the fact that bringing this dog back to his owner would mean subjecting a helpless creature to pain and fear. When his parents are telling him the right thing is to return the animal that is not rightly his, but his heart is telling him that returning him is not an option Marty has to decide for himself the right path to take.

Children's novels have a history of presenting moral issues subtly, but here the conflict of morality is presented bluntly and left for the reader to learn along with Marty. When Marty becomes determined to keep Shiloh any way that he can he comes up with an idea that may appease both side of the issue. I'll leave that for you to read on your own.

Be aware that `Shiloh' is classic children's literature and will remain in your hearts forever after your first reading. It's the definition of satisfying reading no matter what your age is, boy or girl, man or woman I promise that this is not an experience you'll regret. It's a relatable story because it exposes a principle that all humans, children and adults alike with be tested on in there day to day and despite what you may initially think, there's a lot to be learned from this boy and his dog.

We actually chose this book for our summer book club. It is really different reading it as an adult and for yourself. It was great fun!
It is amazing how you can see yourself in most of the characters. Do you know people who you see in the different animals?
We had a wonderful discussion.

Before you order, note that the Signet Classics paperback version is quite small (about 4" x 6.5") with small font and small drawings. Nice for traveling light, I suppose, but I wish that, instead, I'd purchased a more attractive and easier to read-aloud version to share with my kids.

While Grahame's The Wind in the Willows may have been written for children, it mimics and speaks to adults, as well. The characters in his "low fantasy" story, though animal in name, physical description, and dwelling habitats, portray many of the same foibles and flaws as those represented by human beings.
Mr. Toad, for example, is not only wealthy and pretentious, but spoiled, haughty, self-serving, and thoughtless. He takes his truest friends for granted, and things nothing of thievery or dealing underhandedly to accomplish his selfish wants. For toad, Mr. Toad, like some people we encounter, has no real material needs, but has wants that seldom satisfy him for more than a moment.
Mr. Toad's friends, Old Badger, Water Rat, and Mole also have personalities that mirror that of adult humans. Perhaps Grahame intended to reach children at an age when they are teachable and impress upon them manners and sensibilities that will guide their interpersonal relationships as they grow.
Though the poetically beautiful settings of the story are present in the "real world," the magical occurrences of motorcar-driving frogs, gondola-sailing rats, and suit-wearing badgers, make this fantastical story entertaining, particular for children, who possess a vivid imagination that is oftentimes stifled by everyday pressures in the world of grown-ups.
Both children and adults can identify with the personalities of Grahame's imaginary characters, and there are age-old lessons taught in this story that are often present in mythology and even Biblical teachings. There is even a God-like character in the book, called The Piper, who brings the seasons and protects the animals.
The morals taught in the story are satisfying, in that, in the end, Mr. Toad is a changed man, er, frog, in that he has learned to appreciate the value of true friendship accept his good fortune with humility. Through his animal characters, Grahame represents the bad in human nature made good, while entertaining us with comedic situations that--if they didn't involve such fantastical creatures--could be considered realistic.

This is a delightful book, readable well into adulthood. Mr. Toad is particularly entertaining, but so are the wise and tolerant Badger and the adventure loving Mole and Rat. A fully realized world that even makes reference to the classics. Good prevails in the final battle, and the animals are restored to their peaceable kingdom. A wonderful book to read and reread.

This has to be my all time favorite DVD far better than other productions of this I have viewed. Absolutely delightful to watch for people of all ages - it's a keeper that you can watch over and again!

This story is told by the author, E. B. White. His reading is simple, but very enjoyable. With little embellishment, he captures your attention and holds it. This book was the favorite audiobook my three children (9yr, 7yr and 4yr) listened to this summer. They keep listening to it!

But for my money, I prefer Louis the swan. I think this book has been under-rated over the years and is a much better story than Charlotte's Web which has been anthologized over and over again. Far less didactic, Louis is a sympathetic character that chidren readily identify with.

I love this little gem of a book! Sam, 11-year-old boy, discovers the nest of a trumpeter swan family, one of which baby swans is born without a voice. This is the story of Louis the swan's persistance and determination to gain the heart of his true-love, even though he has no voice with which to woo her. I love the old cobb, who fancies himself a wise and poetic bird, and who waxes eloquent and long-winded on many an occasion. White has a dry and wonderful sense of humor! If you never read this when you were 10, it's time to go back and read it.

I say a person who likes adventure books would like to read The Trumpet of the Swam. They should read this book because it is pretty much a total adventure. There are other types of readers who would enjoy this book but, adventure is the main type. The protagonist(Louis)seems very sad that he can't talk but, he is capable of doing other things without his voice. The antagonist(Louis' father)feels bad for Louis and his condition. Although,when the father steals a brass trumpet he gets Louis in a mess of trouble. My thoughts about The Trumpet of the Swan are that the adventures Louis had repeated sometimes. He always tried to get money to pay back the stolen trumpet. The book got boring at times.

The Trumpet of the Swan turned out to be another big hit for my family and I to share together. You know you have a big hit with my kids when they will do whatever you ask of them just so you will sit there and read the next chapter!!

TOTS is told from a number of different perspectives. It starts off from the perspective of Sam Beaver, a young boy from Montana on vacation with his father in the Canadian Wilderness. Sam is an introspective young man. He likes to explore and think by himself, he worries about his future, and he keeps a journal where he asks himself questions to ponder every night before he goes to sleep. My 8-year-old Noah was quite taken with that idea and I am getting a journal book of his own to write down his thoughts and make little pictures to keep. Sam is also brave and patient. His patience pays off when one day the Mother Swan and her Cob allow their new cygnets to meet him. And that is how Sam meets Lois, the little swan without a voice. In a very tender moment little Lois, who has no voice, pulls Sam's shoe lace as a way to say hello. The imagination of my young sons were so inspired with what it would take to have a wild bird like Lois come that close to them. We can't even get the stray cats in our neighborhood to stand still long enough for a pat on the head!!

The Cob and his wife have come to Canada for the purpose of raising a family. The first couple of chapters are dedicated to the challenges of building a nest and hatching the young cygnets. This is my favorite part of the book! The cob, is a master orator! He never says in anything in 5 words when 50 will do much better! He is arrogant, verbose, flamboyant and charming. He cracked us all up more than once!

But the central character in the book is Lois the swan, a trumpeter swan without a voice! As it turns out this is a major birth defect for this young swan if he ever hopes to communicate with his fellow swans, but particularly if he ever hopes to woo and court a female trumpeter swan. Lois sets out on his own to learn how to communicate and with the help of Sam Beaver, he learns to read and write! With his trusty chalkboard and pencil he certainly can communicate with people. But swans cannot read. My children were mortified at the illustration of Lois swimming around with the sign saying "I love you" trying to woo the swan of his dreams, Serena. Love even makes swans surrender some of their dignity I guess.

Thanks to bold and brave actions by the cob, Lois does get a voice through a regular musical trumpet! This series of events sets on on a path that leads him to Ontario, Boston, Philadelphia and then eventually through the American South and
then back up to Montana.

For geography, tracking Lois's adventures on the map and learning about each of these places can make for interesting lessons. [...]

The Trumpet of the Swan is a family story, a love story, and adventure story, and a comedy. I highly recommend it for the entire family!

Book as I expected, although I remember the story being a little longer. But, new condition.

This is a very wonderful version of the classic story by Margery Williams. The illustrations by David Jorgensen make the book especially inviting and personal. It is the only version we would ever buy for gifts.
Thank you,
Nancy Martin

I read this book years ago at the home of a child for whom I was babysitting. Recently I remembered it and read it to my 9 year old granddaughter and my 7 year old grandson, and we all enjoyed it very much. Its message spans the generations.

This is my favorite childhood book EVER! I have it stashed in my bookcase and when ever I feel nastalgic or sentimental I open up its worn pages and let the happiness seep through me. The truth and pureness in this children's novel will bring tears to your eyes. Read this book to your children and you will get constant: "Oh, what happens next?" and/or "Don't stop reading NOW, I have to know the next part!" I love this book, it will warm your heart and the illustrations are sweet, too. Thank you mom for reading this book to me, it was a real experience. :)

"The Velveteen Rabbit" is a parable, a story about that refining fire: redemptive love. The Velveteen Rabbit gave himself in love to the little boy. In return, the little boy loved the rabbit completely. This love caused the rabbit to begin to look around and question what was real. In questioning what was real, the rabbit ultimately believes himself real and wishes himself real. Once real, he achieves a new life and he revisits the little boy in his new form. Despite this new form, a quiet act of recognition passes between the little boy and the rabbit. By the conclusion of the story, the reader is led to believe that the rabbit will continue to watch over the little boy protectively and love him as the little boy continues to grow.

First published in 1922, this was Margery Williams (Bianco)'s first children's book. Spanning a career of nearly 40 years, "The Velveteen Rabbit" was the most successful of her approximately 25 works. The dedication, "To Francesco Bianco from The Velveteen Rabbit" is addressed to Margery's husband. Margery collaborated with artist and illustrator, William Nicholson (Sir William Nicholson (1872-1949)), who was better known as a portrait painter in his later career, but was also known for the woodcuts and poster work he produced in partnership with his brother-in-law, James Pryde.

The illustrations were executed in pen and ink with watercolor wash and, for the most part, appear as full page illustrations, or in some cases, a two page spread. The illustrations of the rabbit, standing very tall and inert, with his paws stuck out straight in front of him, are very touching evoking feelings of sympathy for the rabbit just on sight. The use of strong light and contrasting shadow is also very convincing in conveying a feeling of melancholy and, in some spots, unreality. My favorite part of the book is when the rabbit sheds a real tear and at the instant the tear touches the ground, a mysterious flower begins to grow. That, too, is conveyed so well by way of illustration. This is a very lovely story well illustrated.