Dogs with jobs: The heroic hounds who make a difference by Andrea Rowe & Julia Murray

The universal appeal of dogs takes a step further with this fascinating and informative book written by award-winning author Andrea Rowe. With its striking illustrations, highly accessible - and often humorous - text, and carefully placed images, this information book is one young readers will return to over and over.

Aside from being loyal pets, many dogs have a career where they play an instrumental role in keeping humans and other creatures safe. Some of these include Search and Rescue Dogs where Belgian Malinois are excellent Cadaver dogs as they can detect dead bodies, Doctor and Diagnosis Dogs where dogs can detect a change in body odour of humans who have a disease, Conservation Dogs who are able to find particular animals including koalas hurt in devastating Australian bushfires, and Detection Dogs - some of whom work in customs at the airport detecting dangerous goods. All play a vital role in assisting their human handlers/trainers/carers and keeping the general public safe.

The appealing cover and gorgeous endpapers highlighting various breeds of dogs lead the reader to an introduction page with general information and then the contents page with symbols for each chapter. Before the chapters begin is a double page spread with an excellent image of a dog and key facts about noses, teeth, whiskers, ears, paws, coats and the brain placed around it. This is followed by a Doggie Breed Dictionary with clearly labelled dogs and further information.

Dogs with Jobs: The Heroic Hounds Who Make a Difference is an outstanding nonfiction text that will captivate young readers. It deserves a place in every home, school and public library.

Themes: Service Dogs, Professions, Heroes, Nonfiction, Facts.

Kathryn Beilby