Review
A puppy takes an airplane trip to meet her new family in this first installment of a children’s series. With her soft brown fur, floppy ears, and big paws, Lindie Lou is an adorable puppy, one of five in a litter. All are well taken care of in St. Louis by their caretakers, Joe and Sherry, who set up a cozy Puppy Playground for them in the (unused) garage with blankets, toys, and a large doggy bed. Playtime, naps, and a few escapades keep Lindie Lou busy, such as a puppy play date at the City Museum with children from a homeless shelter who aren’t allowed to have pets. At 8 weeks old, the puppies are eligible for adoption and Joe and Sherry would love to keep Lindie Lou. But she’s been promised to Sherry’s sister, Kate, and a promise is a promise. Finally, it's time for Lindie Lou’s biggest adventure yet, a flight to Emerald City (Seattle). A fellow canine traveler helps explain airplanes, reassuring Lindie Lou, telling her all about her new home, and getting her excited about flying: I ve been on many amazing journeys and you will too. This is only the beginning. Additional material in the book, aimed at kids ages 5 to 10, includes a quick quiz, fun facts, and a St. Louis calendar of events. Bender (Harvest Time, 2018, etc.) appeals to young canine lovers by bringing them into Lindie Lou s point of view. The writing is easy to read, describing the puppy’s wide-eyed encounters with new places, the volume deftly shows how her anxieties often parallel those of children experiencing the unfamiliar. Lindie Lou learns to overcome her fears through a series of steps that kids, too, can follow: Stop, look around, and listen. Think about what you can do. Do something if you need to. If nothing can be done, stay calm and think of something good. The images by debut illustrator Willows are bright and cartoonlike in depicting animals, but helpfully realistic in showing such unfamiliar details as the airport s luggage carousel. A reassuring tale for young travelers, with a special appeal for dog lovers. --Kirkus Review
From the Back Cover
Little does Lindie Lou know of the adventures that await her. Whether it's a door left open, a fast ride in Joe's truck, or flying high on an airplane. This adorable puppy faces her fears, learns life lessons, and always carries on. Come play with Lindie Lou in the Puppy Playground. Meet her spunky brothers and sisters. Fly with Lindie Lou over amazing city sites. Follow her to the Emerald City where she meets her new family and more adventures begin. Join Lindie Lou as she travels from city to city, meets new friends, and visits her brothers and sisters along the way.
About the Author
Award-winning American author, Jeanne Bender began her writing career in the third grade. Jeanne, who loves kids, decided to create a children’s chapter book series. Her goal was to provide boys and girls with easy-to-read books for ages 5-10. Her aim is to encourage children to advance from picture books into their first chapter books. She writes fun-filled adventures, presented in a large font format, and includes color illustrations. Jeanne's cocker spaniel, named Lindie Lou inspired her to write the series with adorable puppy characters who go on adventures. They encounter challenges and learn social-emotional life lessons (SEL), which are highlighted in red letters in the books. Fun Facts, Quick Quiz, and a Calendar of Events are provided at the end of each book. To prepare for her undertaking, Jeanne created “Team Lindie Lou” a group of elementary school educators who advise her regarding age-appropriate subject matter. The Lindie Lou Adventure Series books are realistic, educational, and include downloadable learning activities. Twelve books are planned for the Lindie Lou Adventure series. Jeanne's ultimate goal is to “encourage children to discover the world through the eyes of Lindie Lou." Featured in the Children’s Book Council Showcase, chosen for their annual book launch segment by the New Zealand Literacy Association, highlighted on the cover of Publishers Weekly, and considered a “safe read” by teachers and parents everywhere. Bender lives in Seattle, WA, San Diego, CA, and Cabo San Lucas, MX, but considers the universe her home.
