Piper Learns to Serve by Dave Osborn is an empowering true story that follows the journey of a rescue dog as she trains to become an official therapy animal. Piper learns to face her fears and be resilient as she undergoes training that teaches her important commands and essential skills. Once she passes and becomes official, she will be able to bring comfort, companionship, and support to people in hospice, nursing homes, and more. Told from Piper’s perspective, Osborn provides an easy-to-comprehend story that teaches children about the impact therapy animals have on people’s lives and why they’re so important. This lovely educational resource helps young readers understand the role therapy dogs play, serving as a guideline for those seeking therapy dogs or wishing to train them.

The story is based on a real journey that a rescue dog experienced as she went from being found to finding a new purpose. This inspiring story is written from her perspective, which conveys an innocent charm, a lovable heart, and endearing antics. Dave Osborn’s writing is genuine as it explores Piper’s fears, insecurities, and struggles as she learns important skills, such as her feeling of being out of place training with the “fancy” dogs. These moments make her relatable to children who may be struggling to learn a new skill or feeling insecure in class. This is also useful for children who need a therapy pet or know someone who does, as they can see what a therapy animal is for. Piper’s journey is paired with real photos, which give children insight into her world and allow them to see firsthand what she’s learning. The tone is lighthearted and incorporates humor throughout, which makes the story fun for children to read. Piper Learns to Serve continues the story of Piper’s journey with important themes and adorable photos included.

The Adventures of Piper: Piper Learns to Serve by Dave Osborn is a heartwarming continuation of Piper’s journey, showcasing her transformation from a rescued stray to a certified therapy dog. This second installment in the series is educational and inspiring, offering readers a glimpse into the rigorous process of training therapy animals and the impact they can have on people in need. The book begins with Piper’s growth into a healthy, happy adult dog under the loving care of Dave and Marilyn. From there, the story transitions into the detailed steps required for Piper and Dave to become a certified therapy team. The narrative is engaging, as it alternates between Piper’s perspective and Dave’s experiences, and the inclusion of Piper’s thoughts adds a charming and personal touch.

Dave Osborn does an excellent job of explaining the training process, from obedience lessons to the final evaluation. The challenges Piper faces, such as overcoming self-doubt and learning to interact with other dogs, are presented in a way that highlights the importance of patience, perseverance, and teamwork. The book’s dedication to healthcare professionals and therapy animals underscores its central theme of service and compassion. Osborn’s writing is straightforward, making it suitable for young readers while still engaging for adults. The photographs throughout the book enhance the storytelling, offering visual context to Piper’s training and evaluation. Piper Learns to Serve is an uplifting and informative read that highlights the value of therapy animals and the dedication required to train them. This series should be in every classroom so children understand therapy dogs and why it's important that they should not randomly pet them.