Madeline Finn and the Library Dog

by Lisa Papp Narrated by Jill Frutkin

Overview

Madeline Finn DOES NOT like to read. But maybe Bonnie the Library Dog can change her mind. Madeline Finn DOES NOT like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck. But Madeline Finn DOES want a gold star from her teacher. Stars are for good readers. Stars are for understanding words. And saying them out loud. Fortunately, Madeline Finn meets Bonnie, a library dog. Reading out loud to Bonnie isn't so bad. When Madeline Finn gets stuck, Bonnie doesn't mind. Madeline Finn can pet her until she figures the word out. As it turns out, it's fun to read when you're not afraid of making mistakes. Bonnie teaches Madeline Finn that it's okay to go slow. And to keep trying. Just like the sticker says. Author bio: Lisa Papp grew up telling stories. With a notebook full of sketches, her early tales featured her cat, stuffed animals, and other nature-y things. Today, Lisa is still making up stories and painting pictures, only now, they fill the pages of children's books. She has received awards for both her writing and illustration, including a 2011 NAPPA Honor Award, 2012 Storytelling Award, and the 2013 PA Keystone to Reading Award. When not in her studio, she can be found in her garden chatting with birds, marveling at bees, and dreaming of her next literary adventure. Lisa lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Robert, also an artist, and three wildly creative cats-whom she does read to.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

09/05/2016
Papp (My Mom’s Wedding) bases this story of a reluctant reader around the real-life use of therapy dogs that serve as a quiet and nonjudgmental audience for those working on becoming more confident readers. Madeline Finn isn’t afraid to let people know that she doesn’t like to read—“Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck”—but she’s also ready to start earning star stickers from her teacher, instead of heart-shaped “Keep Trying” stickers. Papp’s sensitively drafted illustrations do an excellent job of capturing her heroine’s emotions. Frustrated as she tries to read at home, Madeline stares glumly at the books spread out before her, her hands shoved into her reddened cheeks as her mother looks on worriedly; later, reading to a fluffy white dog named Bonnie at the library, Madeline’s body language relaxes noticeably (“It’s fun to read when you’re not afraid of making mistakes”). It’s a warm, encouraging story that suggests that perfection isn’t necessary in order to achieve one’s goals, and that help can be found in unexpected corners. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)

From the Publisher

"It's a warm, encouraging story that suggests that perfection isn't necessary in order to achieve one's goals, and that help can be found in unexpected corners." —Publishers Weekly

"Softly colored scenes have an old-fashioned feel, and the especially appealing canine characters enhance the comforting tone of the narrative." —Booklist

"So adorable readers may attempt to hug the page." —Kirkus Reviews

"Papp's pencil and watercolor illustrations are filled with delightful details. . . .Books and dogs—what more could a little girl ask for?"—BookPage

School Library Journal

09/01/2016
K-Gr 2—Madeline Finn does not like to read. Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the local ice-cream truck. What she absolutely likes least, however, is reading aloud at school. Her teacher is encouraging ("Keep trying, Madeline"), but sometimes the other kids laugh when she makes a mistake. Worse, she never gets a star or a smiley face for her efforts, just a heart with the message "Keep Trying." On Saturday, she and her mom pay a visit to the library. Miss Dimple the librarian knows that Madeline doesn't like to read, but she has something special in store for her. "Madeline Finn, would you like to read to a dog?" Well, yes, Madeline says, rather tentatively. Bonnie is a big white dog who is known to be a good listener. Bonnie is very patient and doesn't giggle when Madeline gets the letters mixed up or when the words don't come out quite right. After that, it's a date every Saturday, and Madeline is learning from Bonnie to go slowly and keep trying. But one day Bonnie doesn't show up, and it's almost Madeline's turn to read out loud in school again. She's scared, but Mom reminds her to "just pretend you're reading to Bonnie." It's a little bumpy in class that day, but Madeline imagines that Bonnie is right next to her. She successfully finishes her page and gets her star. Papp's realistic drawings are created in pencil and watercolor and enhanced digitally. The drawings are soft edged and somewhat muted, and they complement the mood of the story well. VERDICT The book is best suited to medium-size or large collections but will definitely be welcome at libraries with Read to a Dog programs.—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

Kirkus Reviews

2016-07-02
A library dog helps a struggling reader.Madeline doesn’t like to read: “Not books. Not magazines. Not even the menu on the ice cream truck.” But narrator Madeline doesn’t actually dislike reading; her aversion stems from her struggle. Madeline’s mind and mouth can’t figure out the words, and sadly, sometimes she’s mocked when she tries. Though she keeps trying, Madeline never gets the gold star her heart yearns for, instead receiving the “keep trying” heart. Papp’s soft pen-and-watercolor illustrations make it easy to empathize with the charming little white girl’s struggle. One day, Madeline’s mother (whose clear concern is shown via illustration, not text) takes her to read with library dogs. Madeline picks Bonnie, who looks “like a big, snowy polar bear” and is—along with the other library dogs—so adorable readers may attempt to hug the page. Reading to Bonnie helps Madeline finally achieve her goal of receiving a gold star for reading. Though it would have been nice to see a protagonist of color in a dog book, there is diversity in the supporting cast. The book does not mention learning disabilities, leaving readers to understand Madeline's difficulties as they choose. A good bet for dog lovers and for readers too young for the excellent, lengthier Thank You, Mr. Falker. (Picture book. 4-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940171083236
Publisher:	Recorded Books, LLC
Publication date:	06/16/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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