Forward Shakespeare!

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Powell,
Ohio.

In this sequel to Rescue Pup, Shakespeare completes his training to
become a Seeing Eye guide dog. Shakespeare is an extraordinarily
intelligent and sensitive guide dog, with a special power that enables
him not only to understand human speech but also to communicate with
other dogs telepathically.

Shakespeare is teamed with Tim, a young man who has recently lost his
sight and is extremely angry, sad, and fearful. As Tim learns to trust
Shakespeare, he discovers the joy and freedom that having a guide dog
enables him to experience. But Shakespeare faces challenges, too. As a
pup he developed a fear of birds and of water. When Tim’s younger
sister is charged by a swan, Shakespeare bravely dives into the Avon
River to protect her.

Jean Little, whose own sight is limited, has had first-hand experience
with three Seeing Eye guide dogs. Through Shakespeare’s thoughts about
what is happening to him, Little nicely communicates the sense of
apprehension the trainees feel, the challenges they face during the
training program, and the rewards they experience when they partner
together successfully.

Forward Shakespeare! is an interesting and informative chapter book
that is sure to be a hit with young readers—but especially dog lovers.
Highly recommended.