Sniffer Dogs: How Dogs (and Their Noses) Save the World

by Nancy Castaldo (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Anyone who has ever spent time with a dog knows that dogs love sniffing! They sniff out hidden food, dirty socks, and the visitor who comes to the door. But some dogs work with police officers, soldiers and even scientists to put their sniffers to work. Sniffer dogs make use of the amazing biology behind their noses to protect people from bombs, catch criminals smuggling drugs, or help researchers locate a hard to find snail in a forest. A dog's nose is so sensitive that if a human could see as well as a dog could smell, we would be able to see the small letters on an eye chart from four (four!) miles away. Is it any wonder then that dogs can be trained to find missing people in piles of rubble or a certain flower blooming amongst hundreds or thousands of other smells? In Sniffer Dogs you will meet many dogs and their handlers and learn all about their jobs. Some of these dogs are raised from birth to detect blood sugar levels in their owners. Others are rescued from animal shelters and their boisterous personalities help make them excellent sniffer dogs. Featuring a balance between science and social science, Sniffer Dogs will appeal to dog lovers and science lovers alike.
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$7.99

Kirkus

Starred Review
An exemplary presentation of information in a lively, engaging way—readers will be left feeling awe for their canine companions and enthusiasm for their abilities. (resources, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-15)

School Library Journal

Gr 4-8--This winsome book describes the many jobs sniffer dogs do, including detecting drugs and explosives, searching for survivors after disasters, and tracking animals. The author discusses some amazing and moving stories: Sunny, a Doberman, searched for survivors after September 11; Tucker, a black lab, looks for orcas through the scent of their scat; and Alan, a Labrador, can detect his 14-year-old owner's blood sugar levels and warn him if they slip dangerously low. Castaldo also sheds light on dogs who assist the armed forces, pointing out that the military hasn't always rewarded these animals for their service. This appealing volume provides important information about the dedication and determination of these dogs and the intense training they undergo in order to carry out these difficult tasks and even devotes a chapter to explaining why dogs' noses work so well. The attractive color photos that capture many of these canines in action and the accessible tone of the text make this an appealing read. A well-organized, thoughtfully written title that celebrates the achievements of these great dogs.--Carol Schene, formerly at Taunton Public Schools, MA

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

* "An exemplary presentation of information in a lively, engaging way—readers will be left feeling awe for their canine companions and enthusiasm for their abilities."
—Kirkus, starred review

"Superb coverage of the canine contribution to rescue and safety in both text and illustration."
—VOYA

"A well-organized, thoughtfully written title that celebrates the achievements of these great dogs."
School Library Journal

"This fascinating account will leave young readers feeling wonder and gratitude for the gifts of the canine set."
—The Wall Street Journal

"The adventurous element of search and rescue and military duty adds an edge to draw readers unenticed by (or unwilling to be caught with) mere cute puppies."
—Bulletin


Nancy Castaldo

Nancy Castaldo has written books about our planet for over 20 years. Her 2016 title The Story of Seeds: From Mendel's Garden to Your Plate, and How There's More of Less To Eat Around The World introduces readers to the importance of seeds, farming, and the crisis we currently face. It received the Green Earth Book Award and many other accolades.

Ginnie Hsu is an illustrator, designer, and educator living in upstate New York. Her work is often inspired by everyday life, nature, human living, and well-being. Ginnie also enjoys foraging, yoga, and herbalism.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780544932593
Lexile Measure
1050
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Clarion Books
Publication date
July 20, 2017
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF051150 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Zoology
JNF011000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Careers
JNF003060 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Animals | Dogs
JNF051050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Biology
JNF051030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Anatomy & Physiology
JNF030000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Law & Crime
JNF061000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | General
Library of Congress categories
Dogs
Detector dogs
Search dogs
Smell
Sense organs

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