Rosie: A Visiting Dog's Story (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Justin Sutcliffe (Photographer) "This is Rosie, my dog..." (more)
Key Phrases: visiting dog

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-Dog lovers will delight in this photo essay about a pet with an unusual occupation. The positive message overcomes the unexciting, although adequate, prose as Calmenson describes the training necessary to turn her Tibetan terrier, Rosie, into a dog that visits hospital rooms, nursing homes, schools, and other institutions. The information about the therapeutic effect animals can have on the seriously ill or the elderly is conveyed most powerfully through the full-color photographs. Less obvious from the main text is how and why Calmenson and Rosie became involved in the program. The author's note following the essay and the book jacket supply some of the answers adults will need to respond to the inevitable questions the book will raise. Sutcliffe's photographs are well staged and for the most part correspond nicely to the text. It is unfortunate that Rosie is seen as almost miraculously successful in all of her visits, for this might raise some unrealistic expectations, but this is a minor shortcoming. Use this title with Susan Kuklin's Mine for a Year (Coward, 1984; o.p.), Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's Maggie, a Sheep Dog (Dodd, 1986; o.p.), or Susanne Haldane's Helping Hands (Dutton, 1991) for some different views of working animals.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ages 4-8. Author of such popular children's books as The Principal's New Clothes (1989), Calmenson here tells the story of her own dog, Rosie. Early on, Rosie proved to be a good listener and to have a friendly and happy disposition--all good indications that she was temperamentally suited to be a visiting dog, specially trained to cheer people who are ill or sad or lonely. Visiting dogs must learn when to sit quietly, when to play, and when to approach a new person; they must grow accustomed to wheelchairs, walkers, and other apparatuses they'll encounter at hospitals and nursing homes. Sutcliffe's masterfully composed photographs evince an eye for color, clarity, and balance as they document Rosie's puppyhood and early training, then capture spontaneous scenes of her at work with disabled children and despondent nursing-home residents. Accompanied by Calmenson's succinct yet sensitive descriptions of Rosie's varied work situations, each pictured visit attests to the joy and comfort Rosie brings to others. This is a close-up, valuable, and charming look at the contributions made by working dogs like Rosie. Ellen Mandel

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Clarion Books; Reprint edition (March 21, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395654777
• ISBN-13: 978-0395654774
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 9.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #418,223 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true story about a Rosie dog like no other!, June 18, 2000

By A Customer

Wonderful true story about Rosie, a Tibetan Terrier who lives in New York City with the author, Stephanie Calmenson.Rosie is trained as a special working dog who is also lovable, kind and compassionate. This special story about Rosie's life conveys to children the value of companionship,trust and care for those who are either ill, eldery or less fortunate than others.Rosie's training is explained on a level children will understand and enjoy.The photographs are genuine and authentic.Read this one to your children or have them read it- they will want to know more about dogs such as Rosie.A wonderful book for those with dogs, a real experience for those without.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Canine good citizen visits people needing love, July 27, 1998

By A Customer

This book is a really beautiful story of the training, work and rewards of a visiting dog. Rosie is a black and white fluffy dog who is trained to be a friend-in-need to people who are ill or institutionalized. Wonderful text and art-quality photographs. Appeals to kids (even 12 year old boys!) and adults. Shows kindness and love in a true story. Highly recommended!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rosie: A Visiting Dog's Story, January 11, 2000

By A Customer

A wonderful non-fiction read aloud about elementary children's favorite topic - dogs. Interesting information and a lively presentation. Excellent animal book with color illustrations. Recommended for students from K through the 4th grade, as well as the teachers and parents.