Official Review: A Service Dog Life by Kimberly Kiely

[unamilagra]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Service Dog Life" by Kimberly Kiely.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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A Service Dog Life: From Puppy to Service Animal, written by Kimberly Kiely, is a children’s nonfiction book that introduces kids to the concept of service animals. The book is told from the first-person point of view of Jäger Von Schatten III, the author’s own service dog. Jäger begins by introducing himself and explaining how he became a service animal, the type of help that he provides his handler, and what his daily routine is like. He then gives a bit of information about the types of people who need service animals and emphasizes that not all disabilities are easily seen. There is a list of Jäger’s commands and a glossary of vocabulary words at the back of the book for reference.

The book is illustrated with real photographs of Jäger and his handler. Some photos up the book’s cuteness factor, while others demonstrate the important jobs that he does, such as picking up and holding items that his handler might need and bracing himself so the handler can use him to stand up. The photos show Jäger in his service animal vest, so kids will be able to recognize a service dog if they see one about town.

My favorite parts about this book were the sections that are relevant to kids. In one section, Jäger mentions that while he is out and about, he is too busy helping his handler to meet new people. This reinforces to kids that they should not run up and try to pet service dogs. I also liked the part where Jäger talks about the importance of cleaning up his toys after playtime so that he doesn’t create difficult work for his handler. This sets a good example for children; if a dog can clean up his own toys, kids should be able to do the same!

My least favorite section of the book was Jäger’s long discussion of his bloodline and the differences between European German Shepherds and American German Shepherds. This information is not really something that young kids will enjoy learning about, and it seems to send the message that only dogs of superior breeding can become service animals, which is not the case at all. Unfortunately, its placement at the beginning of the book causes it to run the risk of losing children’s attention right from the start.

Overall, the writing of the book could use the help of a professional editor. I noticed several grammatical mistakes, and there were many long and awkwardly worded sentences. I think when trying to get information across to children, short, simple sentences should be used. I think an editor could also assist with the overall organization of the book by helping the author expand on the more interesting and fun parts and cut back on the less important areas. In its current form, I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. I think the goal of introducing children to service animals is an admirable one, and I think the book has potential. I would recommend this book to families with young children who may have a friend or family member who uses or will be using a service dog.

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A Service Dog Life
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[kandscreeley]

I like the thought of this book. Children will be intrigued with the pet aspect, yet they'll still learn something about service animals. It's perfect. Too bad it's not quite there. I wouldn't want to learn about the dog's bloodlines either. Thanks.

[Juliet+1]

Thanks for a great review. I hope the author makes the necessary fixes. This is exactly the sort of book that kids could enjoy reading while also learning important information.

[Gabriel Merêncio]

The book's intentions sound really great, but it looks like some editing is in order. Kids definitely don't want to read details about different dog breeds in the middle of a story unless the information is presented in an engaging way. Thanks for the review!

[acopj]

Since it's non-fiction, children can learn a lot from this book. Nice one.

[kdstrack]

This is an interesting story. Maybe it will motivate some readers to want to be trainers of service dogs. The photos are a wonderful addition to the book, especially since they show the dogs in their working capacity. Thanks for your informative review.

[Bianka Walter]

I think you've given some solid criticism for the author. I hope she takes it into account. I agree, kids get bored easily so bloodlines really aren't important.
Great review!

[Prisallen]

I agree with you that the section about the bloodlines is unnecessary and could lose some readers. I do like the idea for the book, teaching children about service animals, and they can't play while on the job. Thanks for the wonderful review!

[Nkoo]

I also wonder what the children would have benefited by reading about the dog's bloodline. That might bore and distract kids. Thanks for your review, I enjoyed reading it.

[unamilagra]

I like the thought of this book. Children will be intrigued with the pet aspect, yet they'll still learn something about service animals. It's perfect. Too bad it's not quite there. I wouldn't want to learn about the dog's bloodlines either. Thanks.

Thank you for your comment!

Thanks for a great review. I hope the author makes the necessary fixes. This is exactly the sort of book that kids could enjoy reading while also learning important information.

I agree. Thanks for stopping by!

The book's intentions sound really great, but it looks like some editing is in order. Kids definitely don't want to read details about different dog breeds in the middle of a story unless the information is presented in an engaging way. Thanks for the review!

Thank you for commenting!

Since it's non-fiction, children can learn a lot from this book. Nice one.

Thanks for stopping by!

This is an interesting story. Maybe it will motivate some readers to want to be trainers of service dogs. The photos are a wonderful addition to the book, especially since they show the dogs in their working capacity. Thanks for your informative review.

That is a good point, hopefully it will encourage more people to get involved with training service animals! Thanks for your comment!

I think you've given some solid criticism for the author. I hope she takes it into account. I agree, kids get bored easily so bloodlines really aren't important.
Great review!

Thank you so much for commenting!

I agree with you that the section about the bloodlines is unnecessary and could lose some readers. I do like the idea for the book, teaching children about service animals, and they can't play while on the job. Thanks for the wonderful review!

Thank you for commenting!

I also wonder what the children would have benefited by reading about the dog's bloodline. That might bore and distract kids. Thanks for your review, I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you for stopping by to read!

[Connie Otwani]

Its a unique approach of teaching children about service dogs. A shame about the poor editing which I find unacceptable in a children's book.

Thanks for the great review!

[AvidBibliophile]

I love a book with applicable inclusion of photos, and especially your mention of the "invisible" disabilities perspective. And my what a regal name for a service dog! Although you do make an excellent point about not needing to be purebred or of high pedigree to achieve such a distinctive canine role. Thanks for your insight!

[unamilagra]

Its a unique approach of teaching children about service dogs. A shame about the poor editing which I find unacceptable in a children's book.

Thanks for the great review!

I agree, I think editing is especially important when your book is geared toward those learning to read. Thank you for commenting!

I love a book with applicable inclusion of photos, and especially your mention of the "invisible" disabilities perspective. And my what a regal name for a service dog! Although you do make an excellent point about not needing to be purebred or of high pedigree to achieve such a distinctive canine role. Thanks for your insight!

Thank you so much for your comments!

[gen_g]

This sounds like a great starting book for those who are unfamiliar with guide dogs, and the fact it is geared for children is even better. Thanks for the review!

[mary-annef]

Thanks for a great review. I hope the author makes the necessary fixes. This is exactly the sort of book that kids could enjoy reading while also learning important information.

I completely agree. I would love to see this book edited and submitted for review again. It sounds like the perfect gift for a curious child who loves dogs.