Mom's Best Friend

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

It's not always children who are disabled in families. Alexander is a mom who became blind later in her life. In this book, she tells about beginning a relationship with her seeing eye dog. As with her first book, Mom Can't See Me, her open, honest style is written from a child viewpoint. There's a wealth of information delivered with a strong sense of family relationship.

Karen Hutt

Sally Alexander's story, first told in "Mom Can't See Me" , continues when Marit, Sally's first guide dog, dies, and Sally decides to get another dog. Sally's daughter Leslie describes the family's grief over losing Marit, their trials during Sally's extended absence to get a new dog from the Seeing Eye Institute, and the carefully executed adjustment period during which the family and the new dog get to know and care for each other. Letters from Sally detail her activities at the Seeing Eye as she meets, trains, and establishes trust with her new companion. The matter-of-fact narrative echoes the upbeat tone of "Mom Can't See Me" while honestly portraying the family's grief over Marit's death and their anxieties about integrating a new dog into the household. Exceptionally clear black-and-white photographs show scenes of family life as well as activities at the Seeing Eye. A touching, real-life photo-essay with broad appeal.