The Hospital Dog

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

I love Julia Donaldson's work and this one is no exception! The hospital dog shares the story of Dot, a dog who visits the children at the local hospital. It celebrates the relationship the children and Dot have and how they are there for each other. I particularly like the signature rhyming style of Julia Donaldson and know that it will be a hit with my students and my own children.

This delightful book is by the creators of # 1 bestselling picture book, "The Detective Dog" - winner of the Books Are My Bag Reader's Award. "The Detective Dog" has sold over half a million copies and has been translated into over 20 languages to date.

Dot, a sweet Dalmatian, and her owner Rose, are doing wonderful volunteer work at their local hospital. Dot loves to go there and offer herself for pats, hugs and companionship to those afraid and hurting in so many different ways.

After the two prepare themselves for their day off they go by bus to the hospital. Wallaby Ward children's wing is waiting for their arrival and are always glad for their visits.

After a successful time of cheering up a diverse group of patients Dot and Rose head back home. Unfortunately an accident occurs and Dot becomes injured. Her brave heart and caring nature brings it about. Will Dot receive the love and support from others that she so deserves?

Written in rhyme the fantastic text is enriched by beautiful ink drawings that are full of action and expression. Thousands of books are being gifted to children in hospitals in partnership with Read for Good. I highly recommend this book.

This is a wonderfully illustrated, rhyming story about a dalmatian named Dot. Dot and her owner do everything together, including swimming each day in the sea. They visit the children's ward at the hospital to cheer up the kids. We see many different children with various ailments and reasons for being there. Dot does a great job cheering them up. When Dot risks her life by pushing a boy out of the way of a car, her leg gets broken. Being depressed and sad because she can't do anything, the children she had cheered up all visit to cheer her up. This story is based on a real hospital dog, Nala and her owner Sandy. The text is written in such a fun rhyming pattern, that it made it fun to read aloud. The illustrations by Ogilvie are absolutely amazing and we spent time talking about what we saw. What a great story to share about working animals. I wish all hospitals had hospital dogs to help diffuse some of the anxiety that goes with an illness and stay in the hospital.