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Susan Montgomery is an author and artist who brings stories to life through vibrant illustrations and engaging picture books.
She is passionate about music, animals, and community and creates stories that inspire curiosity and connection. Her books celebrate themes like the joy of the ukulele, rescue cats finding forever homes, and the power of friendship. Susan also publishes books in other genres.
Living with chronic pain, Susan strives to show others that nothing is impossible. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education. Through her storytelling, she hopes to spark imagination and joy in readers of all ages. Susan lives in Bowling Green, Ohio, with her tuxedo cat, Tracey, who loves crinkle toys and long naps.
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Every day is a busy day for Benny. In Susan Montgomery’s Benny’s Big Heart, Benny sets out to visit the library to listen to children learning to read. They appreciate the calming effect of Benny’s presence. There are patients at the hospital who need to see Benny’s cheery face and stroke his thick fur because it has a calming effect. It’s amazing what a well-trained therapy dog can do to help those in need.
Susan Montgomery’s picture book, Benny’s Big Heart: A Therapy Dog Spreads Kindness, shows readers of all ages the benefits of kindness and how one dog can teach us so much about caring for others. Told in rhyming verse, this lyrical treasure follows Benny on his daily journey to various locations in Bowling Green, Ohio. He has a lot of love to share, and he knows where it’s needed most. The language is simple to help young readers improve their reading skills. The illustrations by the author are superb and add another dimension to the story. At the end of the book, there are some useful supplemental materials, including Benny’s trail of kindness map, a discussion guide, and even some interesting information about the real Benny. Being kind can be quite a simple act, just providing a gentle presence, a task that Benny has mastered so well. This book inspires readers to be kind, to nurture kindness whenever and wherever possible, and, most importantly, to be a good friend. Thank you, Benny, for sharing your story of kindness.
