Green, Sara. Bomb-Sniffing Dogs.

Green, Sara.  Bomb-Sniffing Dogs.  Scholastic Press  2014  24p  $22.95  ISBN 978-0-531-26176-7    series: Dogs to the Rescue  elem/ms  Nonfiction  E-BNes

This book covers a topic not often found in children’s books: the training of dogs for security detail, military conflict, and border control is explained. The breeds of dogs most suited to the task, the variety of work done by these dogs and their life after retirement will provide researchers with information for reports as well as provide insight into working dogs for dog lovers.  Crisp, colorful illustrations supplement the text.  A glossary of highlighted terms in the text, an index and lists of resources for further reading complete the text. This is a “must purchase” for libraries, given the times we live in.

Summary: Discusses the training and variety of work done by bomb-sniffing dogs. Crisp, colorful illustrations supplement the text.  Grades 3-8.     

Bomb-Sniffing Dogs                                                --Lois McNicol

Green, Sara. Water Rescue Dogs.

Green, Sara.  Water Rescue Dogs.  Scholastic Press    2014  24p   $22.95  ISBN 978-0-531-26184-2  series: Dogs to the Rescue  elem  Nonfiction  VG-BNes

This easy reader informs children about dogs that are specially trained to rescue people who are drowning in bodies of water.  At a second-grade reading level, with glossary definitions, large print, and plenty of photographs, this book will also find a readership with reluctant readers in the middle school.  It begins with the story of Boo, a Newfoundland retriever with no rescue training who nonetheless saved a deaf mute who was drowning.  Subsequent chapters discuss the training of water rescue dogs and the way that they work, using air scenting, towing, helicopters, flotation harnesses and floats.  In some cases, dogs have to make vital decisions as well … for example, they may need to determine which in a group of people at risk needs help first, or whether a person has lost consciousness and needs to be rolled over in the water.  This book will fascinate young readers who are dog lovers. 

The book includes a table of contents, glossary, list of references, and index.

Summary: This easy reader informs children about dogs that are specially trained to rescue people who are drowning in bodies of water.  At a second-grade reading level, with glossary definitions, large print, and plenty of photographs, this book will also find a readership with reluctant readers at the middle school.

Dogs-Rescue                                                       --Carol Kennedy

Green, Sara. Wilderness Search Dogs.

Green, Sara.  Wilderness Search Dogs.  Scholastic Press     2014  24p   $17.26  ISBN 978-0-531-26185-9      series: Dogs to the Rescue  elem  Nonfiction  VG

Elementary students who love dogs will appreciate this new title on wilderness search dogs.  Written in an easy-to-comprehend manner, the book allows students to gain a better understanding of how wilderness search dogs are valued members of wilderness search teams.  From a listing of specific breeds to training, students see the commitment needed from these dogs and their search teams.  Students are provided with a list of wilderness search dog breeds, along with a more specific profile of a German Shepherd, one of the most common wilderness search dogs.  There is discussion of the training necessary for wilderness search dogs in easy language for students, along with beautiful color photographs.  The author introduces students to Soot, a black Labrador Retriever who was named the 2012 Search and Rescue Dog of the Year by the American Humane Association.

The title includes gorgeous color photographs, a glossary of terms, recommended books and web sites, and an index.  For schools who use Accelerated Reader, an existing quiz is available for students to take (AR Quiz #162622).  

Summary: “Describes the history, commonly used dog breeds, abilities, training, and work of wilderness search dogs.”   

Search dogs                                                 --Charleen Forba-Mayer