Boo Loves Books
By Kaye Baillie
Illustrated by Tracie Grimwood
Reviewed by Mia Macrossan
This uplifting story illustrates how an anxious child’s friendship with a rescue dog can help both of them. Phoebe is shy and nervous about her reading because she is not very good at it. One day her class has an outing to an animal shelter and to her dismay, she is given the job of reading to Big Boo a large scruffy rescue dog. But Boo isn’t too sure about Phoebe, either. Gradually both Phoebe and Boo learn to trust each other, and Phoebe becomes more confident about her reading.
There are real Story Dogs in Australia which visit schools regularly and help children to develop their literacy skills. The StoryDogs website says ‘When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing! It is a non-judgemental setting, the children’s focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog.’
