Title: Brave Norman
Author: Andrew Clements
Illustrator: Ellen Beier
Publisher: Andrew Clements
Publication Date: 2001
Genre: Nonfiction Picture Book
Audience: Gr. 3, 4, 5

Overview: An inspirational story about a dog named Norman who was living in an animal shelter, wanted by no one. Then one day, a gentleman named Steve came to the animal shelter and picked out Norman to be the newest addition to his family. Everyone loved Norman, and he was a GREAT dog, until one day when he started bumping into things. They found out that Norman was going blind. What could the family do with a blind dog? Well, the family decided to keep Norman, and it turned out to be a good thing because Norman ended up being a rescue dog. How did he become a rescue dog? You’ll just have to read and find out.

Activity: Have the children think about their favorite pet, or if they don’t have a pet, their favorite animal. Then have them write or draw a picture about something brave that their pet can do such as save a hurt bird from a tree.

Reviewer’s Name: Krista Jensen