Officer Buckle and Gloria

Officer Buckle gives safety demonstrations at schools but no one really pays attention—until the day he brings police dog Gloria. Suddenly everyone loves his presentation. He's asked to speak at many different schools and even on tv. Officer Buckle is delighted with his newfound success until the day he realizes that it's not him everyone loves—it's Gloria, who's been doing tricks behind his back all this time.

Officer Buckle's self esteem takes a big hit. Can he shelve his pride and work together with Gloria to creative effective and entertaining safety demonstrations?

Well, it is a children's book so the answer is yes, but only after his true value is revealed. Officer Buckle's bad attitude after finding out about Gloria's help is not exemplary. (Although, for that matter, perhaps Gloria's working behind his back was not either.) Realistically, though, this is a story about teamwork and listening to and valuing other's contributions.

Rathmann's Caldecott-winning illustrations are not ostentatious or particularly unique. Instead, they genuinely add more to the story, more depth, more backstory, more humor. The result is an entertaining picture book that can be read and re-read.

Review by Lauren Shearer Lauren Shearer writes words for fun and profit. She also makes films, but everyone knows you can't make a profit doing that. Her other hobby is consistently volunteering way too much of her time. You can read more of her reviews here.