I am happy to share a cool book with you today! It is called Faith in Fay: The Lost Child, by Sherri Watson and Paula Abney. It is a book about a rescue dog named Fay, and the work that she does in one case to find a lost little girl.
I liked this book because it was adventurous and scary and exhilarating and I was SO happy when the little girl was found. I learned a lot about rescue dogs and was impressed by the hard workf rom both the dog and her handler, Tess. They had to work really hard and walk a very long distance in bad weather to find the lost child. The illustrations were cool and made you feel like you knew Faith. Reading this book made me want to NOT get lost. It also made me very thankful that rescue dogs and their handlers give so much of themselves to help others.
We were lucky to sit down and talk with the authors, Sherri and Paula, about their book. Here's what they had to say...
Please tell us about your book, Faith in Fay: The Lost Child...
Writing the book was Sherri's idea. I got Fay from her as a puppy for Search and Rescue. Fay is a very friendly, fun-loving dog. We decided she would be the perfect character for a children's book. The search in the book is fictional and is just a typical way children get lost. Most of the other parts are true to Fay. Fay does love to howl. We do that a lot together.
It's about a little girl that follows her cat out of the backyard and gets lost. A search dog is called in to find her and the search is on. We tried to keep it true to life because the subject matter is very important.
What led you to write this book?
We wanted to give something back to all the volunteers out there who give their time and money to help others without ever expecting anything in return. Also we wanted to raise awareness that there are search dogs out there if they are needed. There are more than likely volunteer search teams in your area that can be called out by authorities is someone is lost.
How is Fay right now?
Fay is great now. She is eight years old, 56 in people years. Fay has a new job of spreading the word about search and rescue dogs and their handlers, staying safe in our communities and being a representative for how fun and rewarding a well socialized and trained dog can be. We are kind of ambassadors now for Search and Rescue. When we go to presentations or book signings, it is amazing how interested everyone is and how they want to get involved.
How often does Fay have to work on Search and Rescue?
It is really hard to answer that. A search dog and handler is on call 24/7. You may get called out a couple of weeks in a row and then not get called out for a few months. It's more about staying prepared to go. Training and practicing are an ongoing thing. It is a real commitment.
Who illustrated the book? Is it based on a real story with Maddie and does she look like that?
The book was illustrated by my sister Claire Howard who teaches art at Berry Elementary in Rome, Georgia. Maddie looks like Sherri's granddaughter, Paris but it's not about her. The story itself is fiction, but true to real life situations.
How can kids learn more - and get involved in - Search and Rescue?
Learning to stay safe is the best way for kids to get involved. There are many programs online about what to do if you are lost in the woods. If you are in town or at a festival, carry a safety whistle and don't hesitate to blow it if you need help. There are many jobs in Search and Rescue for all kinds of volunteers. If any kids are interested in SAR work, learn all you can now. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are some of the best ways. They learn a lot of the same skills that SAR volunteers do. I also recommend learning about dog training which is fun and dog behavior which is a skill you can use now. It's very interesting and can teach you how to approach a strange dog and recognize aggressive or fear behavoir in dogs which can keep you safe.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?
Our world is a great gift and a wonderful place to share and have fun. Learning to be safe in all situations is something I wish could happen for all kids. Spread the love. Learning to give back to our communities to help enrich all our lives is the biggest and best lesson you can learn. Volunteer! Whether it's to carry in groceries for your mom, help a friend in need or just volunteer a smile to your neighbor, we can all give something! Thanks for your interest in our book. Fay and I love our adventures and wish you many happy ones to come. Have Faith and Stay Safe! Paula, Sherri, and Fay
Paula and Fay at the book launch party
Thanks so much, Sherri and Paula! I loved this book and can't wait for the next book in your series. Write more, please!
For more information, please see:
ISBN13: 9781934812495
ISBN10: 1934812498
L Forteau is the Special Children's Reporter for Wandering Educators. You can find her at http://www.lilliessuitcase.com/