The reader will be hooked right from the start when the spirit of Benjamin Franklin visits Sammy requesting his assistance in a mission of national importance. But, first, they need to find Thomas Jefferson's portable writing desk. It holds the original draft of the Declaration of Independence.
The reader is introduced to 1776 Philadelphia, the people, historical sites,
inventions, and more. The author creatively intertwines fact and fiction by using dialogue that makes the reader feel like they are in the story.
This is Cheryl's fourth book in The Adventure of a Guide Dog Team series. Readers will learn more commands, why a guide dog team has to do things a certain way, and there is even a diagram showing the different parts of Sammy's harness.
The anticipation builds and you'll be anticipating where they are going next. A book that adults will enjoy too.
A conversation between Brodyn, the carriage horse, and Sammy will encourage discussions of how we are all differently abled. Brodyn feels left out because he is too big to go with the group. Sammy shares a story about Cindy growing several inches one summer, making her taller than all her friends.
The Library Company combines the old and the new, Mr. Franklin's love of books and sharing them with others. Walking through an exhibit, they discuss many of Mr. Franklin's inventions.
When they pull up to the Liberty Bell in chapter four, they gasp at the sight of John Hancock writing his flamboyant signature all over the bell… not realizing until they go inside that he is using invisible ink. Mr. Hancock then joins them on their quest.
Along their route, a spirited fire brigade clangs and races right through their carriage, which opens the discussion of the Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Franklin talks about Philosophical Hall as Brodyn slowly walks on.
At Carpenter Hall, they notice Patrick Henry. Mr. Henry greets the friends with his famous quote about being an American, then disappears. Mr. Franklin shares the importance. Calling ones self an American, rather than a Pennsylvanian, New Yorker or Virginian, solidified unification.
They travel one of the walking tours in Philadelphia which include:
The Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley, Lunch at the Old City Tavern with Martha and George Washington, Dollie and James Madison, John and young John Quincy Adams and Sammy meets Mr. Washington's hound, Volcan shares a story about why he is out of favor with Mrs. Washington. Something he did at one of their dinner parties. Oops!
They find Mr. Jefferson at the Graff House, where he wrote the Declaration of Independence.
Passing the Christ church cemetery along the drive, they meet Mr. Franklin's daughter Rebecca and her son Benjamin. The reader will learn about some other founding fathers buried in the cemetery.
Thomas Jefferson is indeed at the Graff house, working. He explains his concern after he witnessed some shady characters looming around the museum display.
The spirits and friends devise a plan to scare the pants off the boys so they never think of stealing again.
The reader will laugh out loud while learning some historical facts. They are sure to want to learn more about guide dog teams and Philadelphia and our Declaration of Independence.
Thank you to the museums who provided photos and much history.
*****. Please Note ***** This version/format has black and white illustrations. For color, contact the Author.
