Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond between a Soldier and His Service Dog

[=With]Tuesday, a golden retriever service dog, narrates this sometimes funny, sometimes hard-hitting picture book, describing how he helps take care of disabled veteran Luis. Through engaging color photographs and a clear, compelling text, the book portrays the difficulties of a vet suffering from PTSD; readers also learn fascinating facts about service dogs. An appended author's note explains more about Luis's condition and Tuesday's training.

Tuesday, a golden retriever service dog, narrates this sometimes funny, sometimes hard-hitting picture book, describing how he helps take care of disabled veteran Luis: "He went to war, and he came back home in so much pain that he couldn't live a normal life." Through engaging color photographs and a clear, compelling text, the book portrays the difficulties of a vet suffering from PTSD: "I even sleep with him, which helps control his nightmares. He has daytime nightmares, too, called flashbacks. He gets nervous when people are around...or there are sudden movements...or loud sounds." Readers also learn fascinating facts about service dogs: dogs can "hear human heartbeats," so Tuesday can tell from Luis's breathing and heartbeat whether he is calm enough to start walking somewhere in the city or if he needs some more time before setting off. Montalván doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty details, even showing Tuesday waiting patiently on a bathroom stall floor ("Yes, even there. I told you: Luis takes me everywhere") and getting a chance to water a fire hydrant himself. An appended author's note explains more about Luis's condition and Tuesday's training. Children, even if initially just drawn in by the adorable dog pictures, will come away with a much greater understanding of the lives of both a returning vet and a service dog. susan dove lempke