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Holly Raus
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Ben: The Very Best Furry Friend - A children's book about a therapy dog and the friends he makes at the library and nursing home Paperback – February 16, 2011

by Holly Raus (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 60 ratings
A playful and informative children's book about the places that Ben, a working therapy dog, visits and the friends he makes. The book describes how Ben helps children build self-esteem by improving reading skills and fluency in a fun, confidence-building, and non-judgmental atmosphere at schools and libraries; plus the comfort, interaction, and health benefits he brings to the elderly in nursing homes.
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  1. Print length
    20 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pylon Publishing
  4. Publication date
    February 16, 2011
  5. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.05 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    9780982967690
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0982967690
Next slide of product details
Teachers%27%20picks%20%7C%20Explore%20children%27s%20books%20by%20grade

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0982967691
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pylon Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 16, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 20 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780982967690
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0982967690
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.05 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.05 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 60 ratings

About the author

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Holly Raus

Holly Raus

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Holly Raus is an avid dog lover and an advocate of children's literacy through her volunteer work. She and her golden retriever, Ben are a Pet Partners team registered with the Delta Society promoting the Human-Animal Health Connection®. Over the past 5 years, she has hosted weekly reading programs at libraries where children practice reading aloud to Ben in a non-judgmental, supportive and fun atmosphere.

According to a 10 week study conducted by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, students aged 7 to 12 who read aloud to pets increased reading fluency by 30%. ABC News, Iowa Health Home Care and others confirm the benefits of reading to pets for children. Holly and Ben also visit nursing homes, children's bereavement camps, adult day care centers, present to boy scout troops and historical societies, and appear at wellness fairs and family autism seminars as a therapy team.

Her “Tales for Tails” children’s library program has led her to a career as a library staff member. “Ben: The Very Best Furry Friend”, a playful and informative children’s story, is her first book. It was inspired by the people she and Ben have met through their volunteer visits. Holly lives near Atlanta.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
60 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book excellent for helping children understand therapy dogs, with one mentioning its easily understood language for primary grades. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its beautiful illustrations and clear explanation of what therapy dogs do.

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Language learningEncyclopedia contentVisual quality
11 customers mention "Language learning"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book helps children understand therapy dogs, with one noting its easily understood language for primary grades.

"...dog Ben's point of view, you will listen to him explain all of the fun things he gets to do during the day and how he loves to go to work...." Read more

"...a therapy dog/tail waggin' tutor dog is in easily understood langauge for children in primary grades." Read more

"This is a wonderful book that explains to young children what a therapy dog is...." Read more

"...The children love the book and it helps them understand what it is that a therapy dog does...." Read more

6 customers mention "Encyclopedia content"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book excellent at explaining what therapy dogs do, with one customer noting it helps children learn about them and another mentioning it's a good addition to classrooms.

"...This book explains what a therapy dog/tail waggin' tutor dog is in easily understood langauge for children in primary grades." Read more

"...It would be a good addition to any classroom. It is a good read-aloud book." Read more

"...Excellent book explaining what a therapy dog does. Answers the most common question we get when we visit...." Read more

"This a wonderful book that helps children learn about therapy dogs. I bring this book to every reading to the animals program that I do...." Read more

5 customers mention "Visual quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations in the book.

"...Life-like illustrations bring his busy day to life." Read more

"...It is well written, has great pictures, and easy for the kids to understand. It would be a good addition to any classroom...." Read more

"...The kids and doggy parents loved it! Cute book, would definitely recommend. I haven't seen a book like this one before." Read more

"SO CUTE!" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Librarian Erin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Children and adults will love sharing this charming book!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2011
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    If you know a child who is struggling to read, a senior who could use some cheering up or are interested in learning what it takes to train your dog to be a therapy dog, this is the book for you. Follow Holly and Ben on their various adventures to nursing homes, libraries and schools and see how this pet partner team brightens everyone's day. Told through therapy dog Ben's point of view, you will listen to him explain all of the fun things he gets to do during the day and how he loves to go to work. Life-like illustrations bring his busy day to life.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Deb Stover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tells the story nicely for children
    Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2014
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    As the owner of a certified therapy dog and tail waggin' tutor who works with children in local public ibraries, I discovered this children's book because one of the children's libraries bought and dedicated their purchase of this book to my tail waggin' tutor, Maggie May. This book explains what a therapy dog/tail waggin' tutor dog is in easily understood langauge for children in primary grades.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Maggie Holz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Explains what a therapy dog in very simple terms
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is a wonderful book that explains to young children what a therapy dog is. I do therapy work with my Golden Holly and bought this book to read to my class before she comes for her visit. Can't wait to share this story of Ben, and I know my first grade students are going to love it! It is going to quickly become a classroom favorite.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • S. Harper
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for home or school.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2017
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    As a Therapy Dog handler and teacher I have used this book to explain to young children some of what I do with my dogs. It is well written, has great pictures, and easy for the kids to understand. It would be a good addition to any classroom. It is a good read-aloud book.
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  • Lynn Peters
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to help children understand what a therapy dog does.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2013
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    My Golden Retriever and I are a registered Pet Partners Therapy Dog team just like Ben. I have been giving this book to the teachers in the classes that we visit. The children love the book and it helps them understand what it is that a therapy dog does. The class was so excited to receive this book and the teacher reports that it is one of their favorites.
    One person found this helpful
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  • kathyL
    5.0 out of 5 stars Max and I love this book.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2016
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I have a yellow lab therapy dog named Max. I purchase this book to take to schools when Max and I visit. We read the book and leave the copy for the classroom library. Excellent book explaining what a therapy dog does. Answers the most common question we get when we visit. Thanks for writing and making it affordable so that I can buy multiple copies to share.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Sara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2018
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Read this in a reading program I run where we brought in therapy dogs! The kids and doggy parents loved it! Cute book, would definitely recommend. I haven't seen a book like this one before.
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  • JC
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource
    Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Great book to teach children about working dogs.
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