Little Helpers


By Michéle Brummer Everett
Expected Publication: May 8, 2018

Why I chose this book:
I think it is important to accept and normalize different needs. Service animals are a part of that. When I saw this as an upcoming publication from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, I requested a review copy and received one.

Mom's Review

Various service animals are introduced.

From snakes that give a squeeze when it's time to take medicine, to ferrets who help children gain confidence when speaking in public, to familiar guide dogs, service animals are introduced to young readers. Each two-page spread depicts an animal helping a human (shown in yellow and shades of grey, as you see on the cover) and includes a few sentences about what the animal is doing. Back matter elaborates on how each animal assists. The vocabulary was age appropriate, and the content prompted discussion about different needs. I think this is a positive introduction to not only service animals themselves, but to the idea that we all need help and some people receive special help from animals. It was an easy message for T to understand; he needs help with lots of things, and he knows people for whom several of the service animals would be appropriate. This was, simply put, great.

I liked this book for its message and delivery, and also for its cover.  Under the dust jacket, the cover illustration is a paw reaching out toward a hand. An animal's face is drawn on the paw and a human's face is drawn on the hand. It is cute. It is friendly. And I do judge a book's cover.

Son's Review
(age 3)
While reading:
Mom: "Have you ever needed a helping hand?"

Son: I need help getting dressed.

Mom: Would ever want to talk to a horse if you had a problem?

Son: Yeah. I would want to ride that horse.

Mom: What would you think if you saw a tortoise on an airplane? Why?

Son: I would feel that was wacky, 'cuz tortoises aren't supposed to be on airplanes.

Mom: And this tortoise helps the boy to feel better on the airplane. After reading this, what would you think?

Son: I would feel better.

Mom: Can you think of anything else that the helper parrot could say?

Son: You are lovelier and lovelier.

Son: What are seizures? How does that doggie smell his low blood sugar? What is a nursing home?
(We had a whole conversation about these questions.)

After reading:
Mom: Are there some ways that you're a helper?

Son: I help by cleaning up.

Mom: Did you have a favorite animal?

Son: The pig looks cute...he's my favorite...he has a little smile.

Mom: Would you ever want help from an animal?

Son: The pig. The monkey.

Mom: What did you learn?

Son: I learned that there are helper animals.

Mom: Were any of the animals a surprise to you?

Son: The monkey can scratch someone's face if they have an itch. The snake gives a gentle squeeze. That means you can take some medicine.

Mom: When would it be a good time to read this book?

Son: When there are helper animals around.

About to go to sleep after this was his bedtime story:
Son, lifting head to turn and look at me: That's a nice little book.

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