Product Description

Sammy is like most family dogs, friendly and lovable. But he is also different, because he is a dog detective. Sammy is part of a K-9 team and works with his partner, police officer Andy. He is also Andy's pet. Being a police dog, Sammy has many duties. He searches buildings and cars, hunts for criminals, finds missing persons, and helps with crowd control. He spends many hours in training and has won numerous awards. Let's join Sammy and learn how he became a dog detective and about his life at work and also at home with his human family.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1926028 in Books
• Published on: 1998-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?A look at the police dog who's ranked "Number One" in the Western States Police Canine Association. Bare describes Sammy's training; his typical duties; his relationship with his officer, Andy; and even his "off-duty" life at home as Andy's family pet. Full-color photos show the canine dressed up for Halloween, playing with Andy's son in a swimming pool, and bringing in a "sometimes slobbery" morning newspaper. The approach is mostly straightforward, although the author does include bits of silly humor that many kids will love. ("How did Sammy learn to be a police dog? He couldn't read about it in a book, or on a computer," and the photo shows him wearing glasses looking at a book or studiously examining a computer screen.) The appealing subject matter, the many clear and colorful photos, and the succinct text make this a title that many children will enjoy. The sometimes arch humor gives the presentation a gee-whiz tone that is successful in conveying respect and admiration for this remarkable animal. In the age of the slick, this simple, straightforward, and thoroughly childlike approach is a breath of fresh air.?Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Ages 5^-9. Illustrated with Bare's own clear color photographs, this informative photo-essay chronicles the work and home life of an especially personable police dog named Sammy, part of the K-9 team in Modesto, California. The simple, accessible text describes Sammy's daily duties--from searching for criminals to finding missing persons, from giving demonstrations for school groups to controlling crowds. Amusing photographs of Sammy surrounded by his many trophies, wearing glasses, staring at a computer, and dressed for Halloween produce a lively portrait of a very special dog. Because each line of text is centered on the page, the layout seems too symmetrical in places, giving the book an amateurish feel. But Sammy's "personality" still shines through, making this book both entertaining and informative. Shelley Townsend-Hudson

From Kirkus Reviews
From Bare (Toby the Tabby Kitten, 1995, etc.), an informative look at the life of a police dog that effectively dispels the myth that such dogs must be vicious and aggressive. Sammy the dog leads two lives: beloved family pet and working dog. He and his owner, police officer Andy Schlenker, comprise a K-9 team, attending training school together, where, in addition to learning ordinary commands, Sammy, responding to hand signals as well as verbal commands, had lessons in agility, search, and attack. He's only had to bite twice--just his bark scares most criminals into surrender. Both the text and full- color photographs are uneven. Bare regularly lapses into the passive voice and other awkward phrasing; while some pictures--of Sammy in action, going through agility trials, or visiting school children--are compelling, posed shots of him wearing glasses or looking at the computer are not. The subject of the book is so inherently interesting that most children will be able to get past such quibbles. (index) (Picture book/nonfiction. 6-10) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Customer Reviews

A great book for your kids to read and enjoy!
My name is Andy Schlenker, Sammy's Police Officer partner. Sammy and I are still working together in the Modesto CA Police Department. We wanted to let everyone know that we really enjoyed working with Colleen Stanley Bare, and are thrilled to be featured in this book.

We have been to many schools and other events locally where children have seen and read the book. Every child I have met has been thrilled with the book. It is informative, factual, and funny!

The book is filled with many pictures. Some are of Sammy and I working, and some are fun pictures. They all depect Sammy's very unique personality.

I think dog lovers as well as children would really enjoy this book!

Sincerely,

Andy & Sammy

Engaging Reading for Youngsters
I handed this book to a low level student today. He devoured it. It's so hard to find really interesting books for youngsters who read at a much lower grade level than their peers. This one is so interesting, it's worth the challenge to a young reader.