Panda: A Guide Horse for Ann

Children's Literature

Panda is a miniature horse, the second to be trained as a guide horse for the blind. In this remarkable chronicle readers see how Panda was selected and trained by both her eventual owner, Ann, and a trainer, Alex. Panda is house trained, picks up dropped items such as keys, overrides commands when danger is present, and responds with affection to Ann. She touches a bell with her nose when she wants to go out, climbs stairs, and plays with other bigger horses. Readers can see the little horse at work and at play. Ann lives with her husband and teenage daughter, works in a high school library, and lives a normal life. The concentration of the book is the guide horse, but readers may note the subtext: blind people can do everything but see. Soderstrom's full-color photos show enough horse pictures to satisfy horse lovers but also reveal training methods and enough history to satisfy report writers. It is a great package and suits the curriculum: animals, occupations, handicap awareness, and the helping professions. Index, websites, and suggested readings are included. 2005, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 6 to 10.
—Susan Hepler, Ph.D.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Everyone knows about guide dogs for the blind. But guide horses? Panda is a miniature horse, one of the first to be trained to help Ann Edie, a blind woman. Readers are introduced to Panda and Ann and taken through their day together. While the woman teaches at a high school, Panda stays nearby. She accompanies Ann to the grocery store, and on a picnic. She's truly part of the family. The audience learns how the horse was trained and how she came into Ann's life after her beloved guide dog succumbed to old age. Cuddles, the first full-time trained guide horse, gets a mention. The topic is fresh and interesting. The writing is inviting and clear; the pictures are heart-warming. Abundant photographs are large and colorful. Panda is shown ringing her bell to be let out for a bathroom break. She's also shown picking up dropped keys, helping Ann cross a busy street, etc. She is competent and adorable. Cuddles is even shown wearing sneakers to protect her hooves. There is little else available on this new topic. A pleasant, upbeat introduction to a current subject.-Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.