Barbara Techel has just become one of my favorite authors of children's books. That is saying a lot considering I've been teaching third graders for thirty-five years. Through her book Frankie: The Walk 'n Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby's House, children will be able to learn many of life's lessons. I am always on the lookout for books that can take children beyond the academics and into learning that will affect their relationships.
At our elementary school, we strive to achieve community-building activities that will increase children's awareness of the world around them and just what it takes to make our community the best environment possible for learning. Children need to feel safe and cared about, and the lessons learned from Frankie are invaluable in that direction.
The prequel to this book, Frankie: The Walk 'n Roll Dog, helps children to discover that adversity doesn't have to mean giving up. Frankie teaches readers that life is about taking challenges. There is no better way for children to learn this than by reading about this very special dog and her owner, Barbara.
In the second book, we learn that Frankie becomes a therapy dog. She visits Libby's House and the residents there look forward to the time that they get to spend with her. What a lesson to learn! If a dog can provide this need, children can discover that they, too, can bring joy into people's lives. They can find out that by giving to others their life is enriched.
Both of these books are both beautifully written and illustrated. I am thrilled to share these books with my students, my school, and my readers. It is with all sincerity that Barbara Techel gives of herself and shares Frankie with the world. I, for one, am grateful to have connected with this author and her books. Thank you, Barbara Techel for all that you are doing for children, adults, and animals. You are making a difference in this world of ours.
YvonnePerry
Posted December 11, 2009
When I think of all the animals that are destroyed because they have a disability, it saddens me--especially when I see the good that comes from using a disability to help others. That's the case with Frankie, the Walk `N Roll Therapy Dog. In Barbara Techel's new book, she tells how she and Frankie became a therapy team and the joy that visiting Libby's House brings to them and the residents. Libby's House is a senior facility where residents have Alzheimer's, dementia, or some physical challenge from aging.
Beautiful illustrations by Victoria Kay Lieffring enhance the telling of this story. Any child or adult will enjoy seeing Frankie perched in various places like the kitchen sink, her doggie car seat (where she serves as co-pilot), the teacher's desk, Daniel's lap, the dining room table (ready to help blow out the candles on 100-year-old Martha's birthday cake), and on the sofa or beside the wheelchair of an elderly resident. Each month, the folks at Libby's House eagerly await the arrival of Barbara and Frankie ready to pet the pooch who is paralyzed in her hind quarters.
I love the way Frankie tells her own story in a play-by-play narrative. You may forget that Frankie is not a human. She sure knows how to relate to people, and she's a really polite listener even when Edith tells about Schutzie, yet again! The lighthearted humor in this book will help children and adults understand that the elderly have a lot to offer younger generations--even when they are reminiscing and don't know what day it is!
This book provides an endearing glance to help us better appreciate the preciousness in all of life's stages. Highly recommended for family reading and classroom education.
Yvonne Perry,
Author of The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children
Overview