Barbara Vokatis, PhD, presents a charming and educational tale in Carmel Goes to School, which follows a golden doodle named Carmel, trained as a therapy dog, on her visits to local schools. One particularly impactful visit takes place on a Wednesday at Mrs. Jenkins’ classroom, where Carmel not only brightens the day but also imparts important lessons on interpersonal behavior and empathy among students.

During this visit, Carmel observes a troubling interaction between two students, Jakob and Gianna, where Jakob pushes Gianna. Swiftly intervening, Carmel gently educates Jakob on appropriate behavior, leading to a heartfelt apology. This episode highlights the influence and value of therapy animals in educational settings, reinforcing positive behavior among students. What sets this book apart is the author’s creative decision to give Carmel her own narrative voice, adding a unique and engaging perspective to the story. This narrative choice effectively draws readers into Carmel’s world, enhancing the emotional impact of her interactions with the students.

The book is visually enriched by the hand-drawn illustrations by Ms. Kiskis, which are both colorful and expressive, capturing Carmel’s essence as depicted in a photograph at the book’s end. These illustrations beautifully complement the text, making the story accessible and appealing to readers of all ages. Based on a true story, Carmel Goes to School not only offers a delightful read but also serves as a gentle educational tool that showcases the benefits of therapy dogs in school environments—a concept I found particularly enviable, having never experienced such visits in my own schooling.

This is the fourth standalone book in Vokatis’s series about therapy dogs, each illustrating the profound impact these animals can have in educational settings. I eagerly anticipate future additions to this series and highly recommend this book for its heartfelt storytelling and educational value. It’s a wonderful read for both children and adults, providing a window into the world of therapy dogs like Carmel, who make a difference one school visit at a time.

Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CYSXDG4K