Reading dogs at local library inspire new children's book

She’s authored and/or illustrated close to a dozen children’s books but artist Lisa Papp was not a reader growing up. Instead, she spent most of her time outdoors, wandering the woods with her cat. But she recalls how enchanted she was with the beautiful bunny pictures illustrated by Lillian Obligado in “The Golden Egg Book,” which her mother read to her when she was very young. The tale, written by Margaret Wise Brown, remains in her since greatly expanded collection.

With Papp’s newest book, “Madeline Finn and the Library Dog,” out this month, the Quakertown writer and illustrator offers a behind-the-pages look at the sweet story of a reluctant reader who improves her skills with the help of a therapy dog.

From library love to puppy love: It’s funny that I write about libraries quite a bit because I rarely visited them as a child. To me, at least now, they seem like wide open worlds stacked neatly on a shelf. All up for the taking. That being said, I’m happy to say my inspiration for Madeline Finn did come from a real library — my local Quakertown (branch of the Bucks County Free) Library.

When I first found the Read-to-Dogs program I was immediately in love. My husband and I were returning books one afternoon when we saw these beautiful dogs waltzing in. Of course we had to follow them! The dogs, and their owners, proceeded to a large, sun-filled room and arranged themselves comfortably on the floor. Then the kids came in. That’s when the magic happened. Each child chose a book, then chose a dog. We watched them read and show pictures. When they got stuck, they often reached out and stroked the dog’s ears while they worked out the problem. The dogs sat quietly, they paid attention to the kids. They didn’t judge them, or hurry them along. They did what dogs do — they offered their unconditional love. It goes a long way for a reluctant reader.

The magic of acceptance: These dedicated owners and therapy dogs are so generous. They let me tag along for the better part of a year and I witnessed so many beautiful things. Many parents told me they couldn’t get their child to pick up a book at home. But with this program, their kids are excited to come to the library. I once watched an 8- or 9-year-old spend the entire hour and a half reading one Golden Book to a small dog named Chloe. She didn’t even reach out to pet Chloe, she was so absorbed in her task. That’s the power of this program.

Unconditional love has a magic all its own. The dogs accept you for who you are, just as you are. No strings attached. When the child senses that, their fears drop away, doors open, and forward momentum is natural.

A treasure-packed tribute: I wanted to honor the many therapy dogs I met while working on this story, and many of them show up in the book. I’m really excited about that. Most of these fellows were shelter dogs before being rescued and given a chance to share their gifts with the world. When I sign a book for someone, I slip in a page of dog portraits that reads, “Can you find these real therapy dogs in the book?” The kids always get a kick out of that. It’s like a treasure hunt. And I’m extremely proud that I’ve been able to use this book to bring attention to these wonderful dogs and the important work they do. Both by exposure, but also through donations. Harleysville Books generously donated for every book sold, and we held a raffle to benefit “Paws with Patience,” a local therapy dog organization that’s particularly close to my heart.

I’m just so grateful for these dedicated dogs, their handlers, and the people who have embraced this program. I thank them for letting me into their world. And I hope my book shares some of that magic.

A fur family of her own: I do not have dogs, save for the ones I call my "family" at my library’s Read-to-Dogs program. I am currently blessed with three beautiful cats — all siblings — my husband and I picked up after a trip to the flea market in search of a sprinkler. You know how it goes…. “Oh, we can find homes for these poor little waifs.” That was eight years ago. They are better than a sprinkler, and truly the little loves of my life. And, yes, they will let me read to them.

Lisa Papp will be among the panelists at “How Not to be a Starving Artist,” a special presentation by the Scatter Joy Center for the Arts, sharing the wisdom and insights of creatives who’ve found success in their fields. She’ll also be signing copies of “Madeline Finn and the Library Dog” following the program.

The event takes places at the Horsham Library, 435 Babylon Road, Horsham, Pa., from 1 to 3:30 p.m. October 29. Admission is $25, with proceeds going to donate art supplies to children in need ($10 for high school and college students). Information: 215-672-3140; www.scatterjoyarts.org.