Officer Buckle and Gloria

Someone describes important concepts while a cute animal maintains attention.

Why does this sound familiar?

Rathmann, Peggy. Officer Buckle and Gloria. New York : Putnam's, 1995.

Plot: Officer Buckle comes to Napville School for a safety assembly. No one really pays attention, until Gloria comes. Gloria, a police dog, sits obediently on command, then playfully acts out each of Officer Buckle's safety tips while he faces the audience. The officer is shocked when people begin to listen. He becomes even more excited when he receives an entire envelope filled with thank-you notes, all featuring Gloria. He begins to offer more and more assemblies, shows, and meetings without seeing Gloria's act behind his back. Then he and Gloria are filmed, revealing the truth. Unsurprisingly, Officer Buckle is hurt, but he is not the only one...

Genre: Picture Books, Humor, Friendship, Animals

Reading Level: Pre-K through Grade 3

Similar Titles: Miss Fox's Class Gets it Wrong; Speak Up, Tommy!

Personal Thoughts: While the title is intended for a younger age group than tweens, it still offers a relevant lesson. Teens often feel the pressure to look for an identity, especially among their peers and community. Many seek it by participating in projects or events. It can be devastating when someone seems to get all the attention, even when the tween contributed a lot of effort. However, much like Officer Buckle, their work carries as much importance as their more flashy partners, even if they feel it does not. Even though they might not be the star of the project, they are still important, and that is a lesson everyone needs to know.

The title received the Caldecott Medal.

Side Note: A book with a dog and an award sticker on the cover, but the dog lives. The Apocalypse may very well be upon us.