As a librarian and linguist, I am a huge advocate of reading to children. I read to my toddler daughter and newborn son almost every day. My daughter also loves reading books, and she especially loves books that feature dogs. Thus, when approached a few weeks ago about reviewing a new book about guide dogs, I eagerly accepted the opportunity. I received a copy of Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team written by Cheryl McNeil Fisher and illustrated by Lisa O’Gorman Hofsommer.
Cheryl McNeil Fisher is a counselor and educator who travels throughout the United States to speak about blindness and guide dogs. She dedicates Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team in memory of her dear friend Alison Dolan who lost her eyesight at the age of 9 due to juvenile diabetes. Lisa O’Gorman Hofsommer is a pet portrait and landscape artist who volunteers as a weekend trainer for future service companions.
Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team is a work of creative nonfiction that teaches young readers about guide dogs. The book is written from the point of view of Sammy, a young guide dog, who assists Cindy Lou, a legally blind woman, during a trip to the mall. With 32 pages and 10 chapters, the book features language geared towards proficient early readers.
I read Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team aloud to both of my kids in one setting. My daughter loves dogs and seemed interested in most of the story. She especially enjoyed hearing about Sammy riding up the escalator at the mall. Therefore, although definitely written for an older audience, Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall is also a good book to read to younger children.
The illustrations in Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team are quite simple yet effective. Each drawing focuses on a specific point in the story such as Sammy and Cindy Lou riding up the escalator. I personally enjoy the simplicity of the illustration style.
Final Verdict: Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team by Cheryl McNeil Fisher with illustrations by Lisa O’Gorman Hofsommer is a sweet creative nonfiction book that helps educate young readers about guide dogs who assist the blind. I recommend the book for young readers between first and fourth grade depending on proficiency level. The language is simple, yet engaging, for young readers, and the illustrations help bring specific parts of the story to life. I definitely recommend Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall as a great book for teaching children about blindness and service animals.
Image Credits
Cover of Cindy Lou and Sammy Too Go to the Mall: The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team © 2014 Heather Johnson
