  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 06/01/2017 PreS-Gr 2—Like most dogs, Moose loves "hello" and hates "goodbye." "Hello" is a ride in the car, a pat on the head, or a visit with her favorite people. "Goodbye" is a closed door and being alone. Moose loves "hello" most when it involves her favorite human, Zara. When Zara steers her wheelchair into her family's van, it means good-bye. Not for long. After all, one thing Moose loves almost as much as "hello" is being read to, and what better place to be read to than school? So Moose finds ways to get to school, much to the chagrin of the staff. Finally Zara gets the idea to have Moose certified as a therapy dog so she can say hello to the schoolchildren every day and help them read. The author's note explains the difference between therapy dogs, which help bolster the confidence of young readers, among other tasks, and service dogs, which require more specialized training. Sweet, skillfully rendered illustrations are clear, convey Moose's worldview, and depict a diverse group of people. Even the dog's expressions—forlorn when she is trapped behind the screen door, sheepish when she resists an order, triumphant when she finds her human again—are instantly recognizable and contribute to the impact of the story. VERDICT A welcome addition to any school or public library serving preschool and early elementary-age children.—Suzanne LaPierre, Fairfax County Public Library, VA - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 06/01/2017 *Starred Review* What could be better than a book about a dog who loves books and hates goodbyes? Moose, an energetic mutt, hates it when Zara goes off in her wheelchair to school, so he insists on joining her—in the classroom, the library, and the cafeteria (the latter leads to a hilarious game of tag). What to do? Dog therapy school provides the answer, and Moose becomes an official reading buddy. Gianferrari’s choice of language fits this determined dog who views goodbye as “an itch that couldn’t be scratched” or “tug without war, hide without seek.” And how welcome that Zara’s wheelchair is portrayed only in the illustrations, presented as just another facet of her life. Barton’s soft palette adds a warmth to the story, and her lively illustrations give life to Moose’s moods: smug when in the company of Zara, chastened and sad when not. The resolution, which is Zara’s idea, is the perfect solution and reminds us of potential jobs for canine companions; an author’s note further discusses therapy dogs and the role they can play in the classroom, and may prompt young readers to learn more. Pair with The Hello, Goodbye Window (2005), by Norton Juster, for another book about leaving and coming home. - Copyright 2017 Booklist. Loading...
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